A couple of posts ago, I jokingly declared that I should become a professional photographer. Well, this past week officially confirmed it: that is 100% my post-retirement calling. I’m buying a real camera, folks, and there’s no turning back!

​It all started on Saturday at my friends Molly and Derek’s wedding in Marshall, where I managed to capture what might honestly be one of the absolute best, most heart-melting pictures I’ve ever taken. I literally cannot stop staring at it. But before I spill all the details on that moment, let me share another victory in my blossoming photojournalism career.

​After years of avoiding them like the plague, I finally summoned the courage to record a food review Instagram Reel. A friend of mine does these wonderful coffee reviews that I love watching, so while I was soaking in the sights, smells, and crowd noise at the Stevens County Fair in Morris, inspiration struck.

​I decided to review my absolute favorite fair delicacy: sweet corn ice cream.

​I know, I know—sweet corn and ice cream sounds like a chaotic midwestern dare. But trust me, if you love sweet corn, it is pure magic in a cup. Sitting at a picnic table, it took a few hilariously awkward takes to get my lines right before I officially broadcasted my love for sweet corn ice cream to the world. And wow, the love back was overwhelming! I had so much fun making it that I recorded another one the very next day starring a basket of crisp, golden French fries. Consider me officially hooked.

​Now, back to that picture of Molly and Derek.

​Some of the greatest moments in life—and photography—are completely spontaneous. My wonderful wife, Roxie, and I were sitting in the very back row of Living Word Church, right on the aisle. As the pastor introduced the new Mr. and Mrs., an itch told me to grab my phone.

​Roxie, knowing me all too well, immediately leaned over and whispered firmly in my ear, “Now don’t you dare step out into the aisle and get in their way!”

​I stayed planted safely in my seat like a good husband, holding my phone out as the newlyweds floated down the aisle toward us. Right midway, time seemed to pause. Derek dipped Molly back and pulled her into this incredible, passionate kiss. Click. Right then, a little voice inside me whispered, Oh, that was special.

​It wasn’t until we got to the reception that I pulled up the photo, and my jaw dropped. Wow. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was a whole story frozen in time.

​In the background, you can see both of their dads watching with these massive, proud smiles. The little flower girl is leaning out, wide-eyed, completely mesmerized by the romance of it all. Molly’s right arm is wrapped tight around Derek, her other hand delicately clutching her bouquet. It was pure, unscripted, beautiful love.

​Moments like that are why I love holding my cell phone camera. It’s so deeply rewarding to capture a split second of pure joy that someone will cherish forever.

I spent part of the day watching my friend Shauna, the actual professional photographer, work her magic. She is an absolute master, and I can’t wait to see her final shots. For a brief second, I thought, I want to be her! But watching her navigate the chaos, I realized the immense pressure she’s under. You get one shot. There are no do-overs for a first kiss or a walk down the aisle. I’m not sure my heart could take that kind of stress!

​So, maybe I won’t go full-time pro. Maybe I’m meant to be the joyful spectator, capturing life’s sweet, unexpected moments just for the love of it.

​As it stands right now, I have over 24,000 photos clogging up my phone! (Hahaha… oh my, send help!) But even if only a handful of them are frame-worthy, moments like Saturday make every single picture I take worth it.