Do you follow someone on social media and feel a little like a creep because you love them and you feel like you’re friends, but they have no idea who you are? That’s Katelyn James for me, and she’s been a dream guest since before this show even started.
Katelyn James is a professional wedding photographer and entrepreneur She’s been featured and recognized in national publications such as Professional Photographers Magazine, The Knot, Southern Living Weddings, and Southern Weddings. She teaches and coaches photographers from all over the country and internationally, and in 2015 she was named one of the “Top Ten Educators to Watch” by Rangefinder Magazine, not to mention she’s a nationally known speaker and just seems like everyone’s best friend.
Katelyn has been married to her husband Michael for almost 10 years, and they are parents to Everly (Evy), Graham, and baby James in Heaven.
I’ve been following Katelyn for a long time because I love the real life perspective of everything she has going on (as seen on Instagram). Her images are beautiful, and if you spend even just one day on her Instagram feed, you’re sure to fall in love with her family.
But back in 2018 Katelyn and Michael went through a tragic story of loss with their middle child, James. At 20 weeks they were given devastating news, and my talk with Katelyn is about the days, weeks and months following that news, their journey, and their loss.
When I describe this podcast, I use the words, finding strength in imperfection and beauty in the mess, and joy in fear and pain. Katelyn is the most beautiful illustration of all of these things. I cried when I watched them go through it online, I cried during the interview, I cried when I edited it. You can even hear me crying in the background of her talking.
This is a rich story about loss, joy, peace, community, and how James’ legacy has lived on and helped so many.
Katelyn shares the most intimate parts of her journey of loss on Instagram, and she goes into even more depth in a series of blog posts you can find here.
While this episode could possibly be a trigger for those who have gone through the loss of a child, Katelyn brings a joy and hope that I hope you can feel.
Connect with Katelyn:
Katelyn’s Website
