TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
my mind was, “Why would anyone need a social media content creator at their wedding when they already have professionals in place?” But Jennifer knew what she was doing. She recognized that content creation is no longer a luxury—it is the must-have addition to any bride’s wedding day experience. When Jennifer first pitched the idea, my mind raced with self-doubt. Was I capable of delivering something professional? Sure, I had created content for my brother Parker and his wife Ally’s wedding in our granny’s backyard. I had done it again for my childhood best friend Kennedy’s wedding to Tanner. But that was just for love; this was a paid service, a whole different ball game. Thoughts of anxiety swirled in my mind. And yet, Jennifer’s confidence in me pushed me to take a leap of faith. And she is someone who knows about leaps. Years ago, a friend asked her to decorate their wedding. What started as a small favor blossomed into a full-blown wedding design business. Jennifer now owns J. Cole Weddings, co-owns Salon 4120, is a wife, a mom, a blogger, and—in my humble opinion—a creative genius. Watching her juggle so many roles while staying endlessly kind and encouraging is a constant source of inspiration for me. Jennifer did not wait until she felt ready, she said yes to new opportunities and figured things out along the way. That is the energy I want to carry throughout 2025! One of my favorite mottos is, “The only way to is through.” Walking through the fire, facing your fears head-on, is the only way to grow. Every opportunity I have taken—from managing social media for Heritage Home Health and Hospice to writing for Texarkana Magazine —started with a question: Can I do this? And every time, the answer was found by simply saying yes. Those moments of uncertainty have shaped me into someone who not only embraces new challenges but actively seeks them out. Wedding content creation is just the latest chapter in this lifelong story of growth. It is not just about taking videos or posting live updates for brides (though I do that, too). It is about capturing the essence of a day filled with love, laughter, and joy. My iPhone becomes a lens through which brides can relive their happiest moments almost instantly. I get so much contentment knowing I can deliver a perfectly edited highlight reel to someone within 24-48 hours, giving them the chance to share their memories with friends and family while the emotions are still fresh. More than that, this side hustle reminds us that life rarely unfolds the way we expect. I never thought I would be standing at a bride’s side, phone in hand, catching moments that might otherwise slip through the cracks. I never thought I would have the opportunity to build something that is equal parts creative and meaningful. But life is full of surprises, and the key to unlocking them is a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Jennifer’s story and my own intertwine in a shared belief that we grow by facing what scares us. I have spent the last four years writing for Texarkana Magazine , reflecting on the ways fear has shaped my journey. Each terrifying yes—whether to a new job, a new skill, or a new responsibility, has led to greater confidence, understanding, and joy. It is not always easy, but discipline and risk-taking are forms of self-love. Pushing ourselves to be better is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
I t’s such beautiful chaos. A bride clutches her bouquet, her hands trembling slightly with excitement. The photographer adjusts his lens for the perfect shot. The videographer checks her lighting as the caterers buzz around in the background, ensuring each plate is picture-perfect. The DJ tests the sound system, music vibrating through the air. Everything is falling into place. But until now, there’s been one piece missing. It is that one person who could capture the day’s quiet, unscripted and behind-the-scenes moments—the laughter between bridesmaids, the groom’s stolen glances, the unplanned dance floor magic—and deliver it all to social media within hours. That is where I come in, iPhone in hand, as the bride’s personal social media content creator! At the end of 2024, Jennifer Cole of J. Cole Weddings asked me to provide this service for her. She simply wanted me to follow brides on their wedding day, capturing the candid moments that would otherwise be missed in the shuffle. The first thought that crossed GOOD EVENING TXK COLUMN BY BAILEY GRAVITT
34
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs