In My Own Words

Writing and Images from the heart...

In My Own Words

Writing and Images from the heart...

Day 5 – Epcot

After a late dinner with our friends we decided to take the morning easy and plan a spa day for the husbands. Nothing fancy, just a pedicure and eyebrow wax. (lol!) After that we decided to take all the kids to the pool. Five kids, poolside slides, and pirate ships. (Oh my!) Mix in a little lunch and nap time, then it’s off to Epcot we go! 

Once we got into Epcot (after not waiting in line for tickets) we made our way to the Garden Gill Restaurant where we were having a character dinner. Pluto, Mickey, and Chip and Dale were all on hand. More photos were taken, these much better than last. FYI to anyone thinking of attending: It rotates… And it made me nauseous. (Thanks Chris and Ivey for the anti-motion sickness pills!)

I got to deliver the scooter to Ivey! And of course had to take a few photos too!
Who is that, Peyton?

Once dinner was over the Ophardts went on a few rides an we Kemps got to walk around and enjoy the park at night. We found colorful waterfalls and watched the joy spread across Peyton’s face as he ran from pad to pad trying to catch leaping water. It have me a chance to photograph his playful side as well.

 After that we me back up with the Ophardt’s. we started to make our way around the countries, which I never realized how big of an area it was… Until I had to push a double wide stroller around the entire park. It was enlightening. Let me tell ya. The park was beautiful at night. While the guys took the kids on the rides it gave Ivey a chance to bond with Avery. Another awesome day with our friends and the kids.

That was before it happened. The turning point, to which there was no coming back from.

Follow Along on my Socials

I can definitively say that 2024 was the most transformative year I’ve ever had. From having back surgery which changed my quality of life, to losing 45 lbs (and still going!) every second felt like a culmination of long journeys I’ve been on for years. Seeing The Rolling Stones, Creed, and The Eras Tour are all core memories I’ll store away for a rainy day. Nothing was without surprise, like making an unexpected and major career change into CTE Administration, and becoming a Ciocia again. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life in 2024. I’m thankful for the friends and family who I shared incredible memories and experiences with this year. I can’t want to make even more in 2025. ✨Happy New Year! ✨
And with that, my 2024 wedding photography season is complete. The first wedding I ever helped out on I was 18 years old. I’m 43 now which means that I’ve been working in the Wedding Photography industry for 25 years. Every year I learn something completely new and this year was no different. 

Working with families and couples side-by-side, in some cases for years, to help them orchestrate the day of their dreams is something I take great pride in. I feel honored that my clients have chosen me to be present and document some of the most significant moments of their lives. I am also grateful for their faith in myself and my team to give experience based guidance, always with their best interest at heart.

All of my experience and the things I’ve learned along way have only made me a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and instructor in my vocation to the thousands of students I’ve taught over the years. Some of them moving on to become professional photographers, filmmakers, or artists themselves. Being a practicing photographer in my industry has given me more than I could have ever dreamt of as a 17-year-old kid taking Photography as an elective at HCC. 
 
For that, I want to thank all the couples, families, friends, and wedding professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each one of you has filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with documenting some of the most important moments in your lives. It’s been some of the greatest joys of my career. 

See you in 2025!
Instagram post 18085561792518647

I can definitively say that 2024 was the most transformative year I’ve ever had. From having back surgery which changed my quality of life, to losing 45 lbs (and still going!) every second felt like a culmination of long journeys I’ve been on for years. Seeing The Rolling Stones, Creed, and The Eras Tour are all core memories I’ll store away for a rainy day. Nothing was without surprise, like making an unexpected and major career change into CTE Administration, and becoming a Ciocia again. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life in 2024. I’m thankful for the friends and family who I shared incredible memories and experiences with this year. I can’t want to make even more in 2025. ✨Happy New Year! ✨
And with that, my 2024 wedding photography season is complete. The first wedding I ever helped out on I was 18 years old. I’m 43 now which means that I’ve been working in the Wedding Photography industry for 25 years. Every year I learn something completely new and this year was no different. 

Working with families and couples side-by-side, in some cases for years, to help them orchestrate the day of their dreams is something I take great pride in. I feel honored that my clients have chosen me to be present and document some of the most significant moments of their lives. I am also grateful for their faith in myself and my team to give experience based guidance, always with their best interest at heart.

All of my experience and the things I’ve learned along way have only made me a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and instructor in my vocation to the thousands of students I’ve taught over the years. Some of them moving on to become professional photographers, filmmakers, or artists themselves. Being a practicing photographer in my industry has given me more than I could have ever dreamt of as a 17-year-old kid taking Photography as an elective at HCC. 
 
For that, I want to thank all the couples, families, friends, and wedding professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each one of you has filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with documenting some of the most important moments in your lives. It’s been some of the greatest joys of my career. 

See you in 2025!
Instagram post 18085561792518647

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I can definitively say that 2024 was the most transformative year I’ve ever had. From having back surgery which changed my quality of life, to losing 45 lbs (and still going!) every second felt like a culmination of long journeys I’ve been on for years. Seeing The Rolling Stones, Creed, and The Eras Tour are all core memories I’ll store away for a rainy day. Nothing was without surprise, like making an unexpected and major career change into CTE Administration, and becoming a Ciocia again. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life in 2024. I’m thankful for the friends and family who I shared incredible memories and experiences with this year. I can’t want to make even more in 2025. ✨Happy New Year! ✨
And with that, my 2024 wedding photography season is complete. The first wedding I ever helped out on I was 18 years old. I’m 43 now which means that I’ve been working in the Wedding Photography industry for 25 years. Every year I learn something completely new and this year was no different. 

Working with families and couples side-by-side, in some cases for years, to help them orchestrate the day of their dreams is something I take great pride in. I feel honored that my clients have chosen me to be present and document some of the most significant moments of their lives. I am also grateful for their faith in myself and my team to give experience based guidance, always with their best interest at heart.

All of my experience and the things I’ve learned along way have only made me a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and instructor in my vocation to the thousands of students I’ve taught over the years. Some of them moving on to become professional photographers, filmmakers, or artists themselves. Being a practicing photographer in my industry has given me more than I could have ever dreamt of as a 17-year-old kid taking Photography as an elective at HCC. 
 
For that, I want to thank all the couples, families, friends, and wedding professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each one of you has filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with documenting some of the most important moments in your lives. It’s been some of the greatest joys of my career. 

See you in 2025!
Instagram post 18085561792518647