Happy Birthday, Janelle! From Facebook Stalking to Soul Sister Status

Let me take you back to 2012—a simpler time when Facebook ruled the world, and I was just getting my feet wet in the wedding photography scene. Remember when people used to ask for likes on their fan pages in exchange of a free session? those are the simple times we’re talking about here.

I was mindlessly scrolling one day, probably procrastinating on editing, when I came across a page that would change my life. It was Janelle’s photography page, but more than her photos, it was her wedding planning posts that hooked me. This girl was planning the most epic wedding with decor that looked like Pinterest had exploded into perfection. I was low-key obsessed… and yes, I admit it, I started Facebook stalking her.

You know how you see someone online, and you think, We could totally be best friends? That was me with Janelle. She didn’t know it yet, but I was already in a deep one-sided friendship. So, naturally, I hit the follow button and started keeping up with all her posts like a devoted fan. Every new photo and update had me thinking, This girl is creative!

Fast forward to me booking my first big wedding that needed a second photographer. Nerves were high, but guess who popped into my head immediately? Yup, Janelle. Without hesitation, I slid into her DMs (in the most professional way possible, of course), and we set up a time to meet.

The day of our meeting arrived, and we met at a studio I had opened up in Kendall to chat about the wedding but also get to know each other, you know how sometimes you meet someone, and it feels like the universe is giving you a big, fat sign? That was this moment. What was supposed to be a quick “Hi, nice to meet you, let’s talk shop” turned into HOURS of talking about… well, everything! Weddings, life, and everything in between (very important topic, obviously). It was like we’d known each other for years. We clicked instantly. So much so, that her husband (she was married at this point), wondered if she was ok, I mean, she was obviously meeting up with a stranger.

I remember thinking, Is it too soon to ask her to be my best friend? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.

Since that day, Janelle and I have been through it all—photographing countless weddings together, failed relationships, her new marriage, and now her season of being a mother and a wife. She’s the kind of person you can call when you need the mother that tells you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. She’s also my go-to for advice on anything from kids to event planning hacks (and she’s really good with plants, which I’m still trying to master).

More than just an incredible photographer, Janelle is one of those people who pours love into everything she does. As a mom, she’s fierce, strong, funny, and full of heart. As a friend, she’s the kind of person who will show up for you when you need it most—whether it’s for a photography gig or a glass of wine on a tough day. And as an advocate for autism awareness, she’s changing lives with her passion and dedication.

So today, as we celebrate Janelle’s birthday, I just want to say THANK YOU for that day in 2012 when we met at that studio and talked for what felt like forever. Thank you for becoming not just my photography partner, but my sister in every way that counts. Here’s to more laughter, more adventures, and maybe a little less Facebook stalking (because who uses Facebook now, anyway? Just kidding I DID, to pull up all these old photos of us).

Happy Birthday, Janelle! You are a gift to this world, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.

With love (and an embarrassing amount of fond memories),

Andrea