I’m Jason

Life is short. Don’t forget to have fun.

Make space for creativity.

Nearly 20 years ago, I took out a $10k loan to buy the original Canon 5D, a few solid lenses, and some flashes. I had to move back in with my parents because I had about $300 to my name, but none of that mattered. I had a dream.

What felt like a big risk back then turned out to be one of the most pivotal decisions of my life.

Over the years, I wore a lot of hats - wedding photographer, photo booth owner, videographer, wedding planner, and even officiant for a handful of ceremonies. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve learned more than I could ever put into words.

But if there’s one lesson that’s stuck with me above all the rest, it’s this:

Make space for creativity.

A DSLR camera, two camera lenses, a camera flash, and a camera remote control on a wooden surface.

But there’s more…

While I was deeply involved in weddings, I was also leading various ministries within my church. I’ve had the privilege of leading small group ministries, leadership development groups, and mission trips around the world. So yes, weddings have been a big part of my life, but so has giving leadership to small groups.

Group of people posing outdoors in front of a brick building and a large tree with hanging branches.
A group of people, including children, gathered on a porch in front of a house, celebrating outdoors during the evening. They are smiling and posing for the photo, with string lights hanging above.

and why does this matter?

My journey as a creative
+
my experience in small group leadership birthed

Awake the Creative

I needed a team

A vision without a team is just a dream — and thankfully, Brooke and Erika caught the vision too!

Both Jessie and Erika are absolutely thriving as creatives and business owners, but what I appreciate most about them is their contagious joy, genuine kindness, and fun energy they bring. They're not only a blast to be around, but also truly inspiring. These two are easily among the best in their fields, and I consider it a real privilege to work alongside them.

Jessie will be co-leading the creative team once they arrive at the retreat and will serve as our lead photographer for each of the styled shoots.

Erika is our coordinator and designer for the styled shoots. She’ll have a hand in nearly every aspect of the day, ensuring the details are beautiful and the experience is seamless.

Smiling woman with long hair sitting outdoors at a table with a laptop, near a tree.

My family

A family of six, including two men and four girls, is posing and climbing on a large tree with vibrant orange flowers in a well-maintained backyard or park with green grass and palm trees, with a multi-story building in the background.

I’ve been blessed with a beautiful wife who I’ve been married to for 15 years and 4 kids who keep me young while making me old! :) These guys are the best!

My church

I go to Citylight Lincoln, and love the church I am a part of. I placed my faith in Jesus when I was really young, and I’ve been following him ever since. I love Jesus and am thankful he continues to extend the grace he does even when I don’t deserve it. One of my favorite things about my church is the small group I am a part of. There is so much value in being part of a multigenerational group! I’m really thankful to be blessed with this community!

A group of 17 people, including men, women, and a baby, gathered in a living room for a photo. They are smiling and sitting or standing on a patterned rug, with a beige wall, wooden door, and lamps in the background.

My plants

A few years back I started editing videos for an influencer who taught about plants. After editing videos for her, she literally influenced me and I started trying out the plant life. I’m about three years in and my house is starting to look more and more like Costa Rica every day. I can’t really explain it, but I’ve grown to love plants.

A wooden sideboard with dark blue cabinets topped with potted plants, decorative items, and a mirror, set against a white wall with a large window showing greenery outside.

Fun

I’ll end with how I started this. Life is short, don’t forget to have fun. I love to have fun and promise that if you go on a retreat with me, you’ll be sure to have a good time!

Three people smiling and holding drinks inside a Starbucks coffee shop. Two women and a man, with the women holding Frappuccinos and the man holding a hot coffee.

“If we wait until we are ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives”

-Lemony Snicket