Today is my birthday. This past year of my life was a big year. Because of this year I now call my best friend, husband. I also earned my Master of Arts in Media Production from Ryerson University.
The year was filled to the brim with milestones. Milestone: an event that occurs at a critical time. a distinguishing symbol. These distinguishing symbols and moments that occurred during the same year of my life mark many a stepping stone along the way. I walked across the stage and received my Masters because I spent hours on my final thesis, defended it successfully and passed all of my classes. But first I had to pass kindergarten.
I kissed my handsome groom and said I do on October 26th 2013 because we spent years getting to know each other, falling in love and aligning our paths. But first I had to be born. I had to become who I am, find the one who brings out the best in me and then promise him forever.
The most significant milestone? I don’t have to miss him anymore.
You see we’ve had a lot of waiting. Not just waiting to be in the same country-but waiting to find out when we would be in the same country.
I had this moment right before our wedding ceremony. I was ready to walk towards my love. I was in the room right above where we would say our I do’s. I could hear the music, smell the roses and feel the anticipation. My sister, my mom and my best friends on this whole earth were in the same room and my dad walked in. And I lost it. Some people have a pretty cry-this was not one. My bridal face crumpled and I felt so much. And I let myself feel and what I felt was an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The waiting was over; my prayers were answered. I was about to walk towards forever. I didn’t think that I would be able to speak but I had to. All that came out of my mouth was “I’m soo happy, I’m just so so happy”. I was happy because we were not only in the same country but we were in the same place, and we were on the same page and we were about to do this-together. Joy comes in the morning.
This past year wasn’t easy and I’m not expecting that the future will be either. But the year was beautiful. And I’m expecting the future to be beautiful as well. I couldn’t have gotten through school without the support of Adesina but I also could not have gotten through waiting for Adesina to come to Canada without school. While earning my masters I felt like I was constantly pushing. Pushing myself, pushing the boundaries, and pushing aside my self doubt. My thesis consisted of a docu-series that I’m not ready to share yet. I wish that I was, but that will have to be for this coming year. A major goal of mine was to not only complete the program but also jumpstart my career for after graduation.
Which leads me to another milestone. Today I’m launching a brand new website. I am a small business owner who does photography and videography full time. The Galleries are filled with photos that I have taken, the Video Page features some of my recent work and my About Page reflects my passion for my craft as well as the importance of my family and husband. This past year of my life has been a huge year both personally and professionally. The fact that the two are so intertwined is one of my favourite parts.
Happy doesn’t adequately describe this birthday. The only word that can is grateful.
-Jennifer
“Do not despise these small beginnings…” Zechariah 4:10
Wedding and engagement photos by Darlington Studios. 
What a great year!