CandleHut Media

08/15/2026

One of the questions I get asked the most: "Can I bring my dog to my senior session?"

My answer? Absolutely. 🤍

Your senior session should tell your story, and if your four legged best friend has been by your side through it all, they deserve to be part of it.

Because the best boys and girls deserve their pictures, too.

08/15/2026

I remember telling Josh, “I planted all the seeds, I made all the right moves, and now I just have to let them grow.”

I was broke. Spent my last money gambling on a horse I thought I could get together. Spent my last money working on my place, investing in land. Put everything and all the time I had into the next steps… praying like crazy it would just start to go the way I knew it could. I invested everything I had… back into myself.

My whole life I was told “when are you going to get a real job?”… and I even tried, going to college, getting a degree and a “real job” only for God to continue to push me towards this dream.

If nothing else, I hope people who follow me see *real life.* I don’t come from money, from a horse family, generations of success, I came from the bottom, making a lot of bad choices along the way, but never refusing to give up on myself and change my life.

I know when I said my goals aloud… people called me delusional, called it impossible, but I did it anyway.

My life is completely different now. I am thankful I don’t have to worry about how to make my rent, or a car payment, or if anything goes wrong, will I be ok? My biggest stresses are just daily business tasks, and how to manage what I’m building, not to squander my gifts.

But this life took almost twenty years to build.

I share all this because I want to inspire you… if you’re struggling, don’t give up! Keep learning new things, keep investing in yourself, keep working hard, put in the reps. It’s not easy… but it is worth it.

I could never have imagined the life I live now. I am so incredibly grateful for the way I get to live it…. Because I vividly remember where I came from, and I know hell or high water, I’ll never go back.

Never give up on yourself. Keep pushing. Keep dreaming.

08/11/2026

Something is coming to CandleHut. 👀

I’ve been quietly working on something behind the scenes for a while now.

Honestly? It’s something I’ve thought about for YEARS. This summer finally gave me the push to start turning the idea into something real.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you might already have a pretty good idea where this is headed.

And if you know… you know. 😉

I’m not saying much yet.

But over the next few months, you might start noticing a few clues.

A new chapter is coming.

And this one might take me somewhere new in 2027. 📖

Your Story, My Lens.

08/04/2026

Six years. Six Fayette County Fairs. And somehow, every single one still feels a little surreal.

When I started CandleHut Media, I never imagined it would grow into a place where I’d get to tell the stories of my own community from behind the camera and behind the scenes. But here we are - year six of serving as the Social Media Manager and Official Photographer for the Fayette County Fair.

This fair is more than rides, lights, livestock, and late nights. It’s generations of families walking through the gates. It’s kids who have spent months raising an animal, hoping for that championship banner. It’s volunteers who pour their hearts into making this week happen. It’s the memories that families will talk about for years.

And I get the absolute honor of helping capture it all.

The early mornings. The muddy boots. The nervous smiles before a show. The tears, the celebrations, the “we did it” moments. The moments that might seem small to some, but mean everything to the people living them.

Six years ago, I showed up with a camera and a dream. Today, I get to help share the story of one of the best fairs around, and create a visual legacy of the people who make it so special.

I’m proud of what CandleHut Media has built. I’m proud of the work I do. And I’m incredibly grateful that this little corner of the world trusts me to tell its story.

Now excuse me while I go chase some more carnival lights, champion banners, happy tears, and probably a little bit of fair food.

Here’s to year six. Let’s make it one to remember.

📸Photo by Maci for CandleHut Media

08/03/2026

It was an absolute honor to capture the inaugural Fayette County Cattleman's Association County Bred Show this morning. ❤️

This show was especially meaningful as Farm was a sponsor in memory of my father-in-law, Jim Willson. Being able to photograph the very first County Bred Show and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and passion of our local cattle families made this morning truly special. Speaking of dedication, I just have to use this picture of Chance. He smiled through the chaos, picked himself up, dusted himself off, and went back to showing. This is why I love supporting organizations like this!

Photos are currently uploading to my website at a snail’s pace (because we all know how the wi-fi works around here😉), but I’m hoping they will all be available by tomorrow morning.

📸 Photos are available for purchase. Please note these galleries are unedited proofs — once purchased, your images will be professionally edited and delivered within 48 hours or less.

Thank you for trusting me to capture this milestone event. I’m grateful to be part of preserving these memories for our local agricultural community.

candlehutmedia.zenfolio.com/f192312157

08/01/2026

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Stadelman

Vivian and Matt transformed their backyard in Dunbar, Pennsylvania into the most beautiful, intimate setting to say “I do,” surrounded by the people who mean the most. It was truly a perfect morning for a wedding.

I’m so incredibly grateful our paths crossed and that they trusted me to capture the beginning of this new chapter. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and everything in between!

08/01/2026

Proofs from last night's Fayette County Fair are all uploaded. All photos purchased will be edited and returned with a turn around time of 48 hours or less!

CandleHut Media

08/01/2026

I am excited to offer Carnival Lights Minis once again at the Fayette County Fair! If you are interested in a session, stop by the booth and sign up--located in Commercial Building #2.

08/01/2026

Fayette County Fair & Rodeo Contestants spread the word! CandleHut Media shot a majority of the perf for all classes and slack for barrels. Gallery link is: https://candlehutmedia.zenfolio.com/p1065413153/e5cfa0a5f and photos will start uploading shortly. They will be unedited proofs and will be edited with a turnaround time of up to 48 hours.

07/31/2026

Live from the Fayette County Fair