He drove the RV several hours to the campsite in CA. Not only did he set up the motorhome on a spot by the ocean, but he also picked my parents up from the airport, drove them to a grocery store, and then somehow drove himself home. I remember feeling so grateful for the love he showed them. They were in a hard season… a season much harder than anyone realized, and Todd was so incredibly gracious to them.
You may think this story has nothing to do with a wedding blog post, but stick with me.
This story paints a very clear picture as to why Todd is so loved and so respected in our industry. We’ve known Todd for almost two decades. He’s the CEO of Showit (our website company), and we’ve witnessed so many ups and downs of life in these past 19 years. Despite enduring some of life’s most challenging curveballs, he’s a leader who actually leads. He’s a selfless friend. He loves the Lord, and he loves the people in his life dearly. Anyone who is in an industry for any amount of time will encounter leaders they trust and leaders they simply cannot trust. Todd is, by far, the most trustworthy leader we have formed a relationship with during our years in the photography industry, and we love him. We love who he is, we love how hard he fights for personal growth, we love that he loves Jesus, and we have always said we would do anything for Todd Watson.
This past year, we’ve prayed for him and his family as they have walked through unbelievable loss and heartache. We’ve also celebrated as God began rewriting his story in a way only God could. When Todd texted me with the news back in the summer that he and Kara were getting married, we were THRILLED for them… and also so humbled with what came next.
Kara wanted to be a KJ BRIDE, and I was shocked. Kara is a photographer herself, and together they have access and connections to literally THOUSANDS of amazing photographers in our industry. I was honored. This was such an easy YES.
Over the last few weeks, it’s been so amazing to see the beautiful way God had orchestrated our stories together over the years. Kara and I met all the way back in 2017 and have a picture to prove it! We’ve both lost precious babies in a similar way and have walked through a lot of tough seasons of life. There is something about living through valleys that unites people. I think that’s why Todd and Kara’s wedding was so incredibly special. It wasn’t just a new beginning for the two of them. I think a lot of people felt so emotionally connected to their celebration because it’s such an overall story of redemption and God’s faithfulness.
No one could have seen this story unfolding the way that it did. If you had told us in 2017 that we would be in Show Low, Arizona, for Todd and Kara’s wedding, we would have looked at you like you were crazy. So much heartache and sorrow has been traded for joy. Michael and I feel so honored that we had the privilege of capturing this incredible day.
Todd and Kara, wow. From flash flooding almost ruining your wedding reception to scorpions being removed from the dance floor and a threat of rain, I’d say we dodged some significant hurdles on your wedding day!! Somehow, your village rallied, and you two never seemed to be rattled. All day long, everyone could just tell that all you cared about was getting to marry each other and begin this next chapter in your story.
We are cheering for you and cannot wait to see all that God has in store for you two and the world’s newest power couple!!! Enjoy reliving your beautiful day!
