About the Cover Photographer
Kayla Colvard was born and raised in Paulding County. She graduated from East Paulding High School and is currently pursuing a career in nursing. In addition to running her photography business, she works in the Intensive Care Unit at Atlanta Medical Center in downtown Atlanta. Being a true Southern Belle, Kayla enjoys cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, spending time with her family and friends, and horse back riding.
Photography had been a life-long hobby for Kayla, but it turned into a business when her first Godchild was born. Finding she truly loved being behind the camera, she created Kayla Colvard Photography four years ago. Working along side her business partner, Melissa Baker, these two have found the biggest joy of their craft is capturing those perfect moments of family, classmates and the friends they grew up with. The motto of Kayla Colvard Photography is, "Every Stage of Life"; specializing in maternity, newborn, children, families, senior portraits, engagement and wedding photography.
They have done commercial work for Paulding County, and recently Marietta has been added to their portfolio. Kayla strives to create lasting memories with every click of her camera by using her own backyard, historic places in nearby counties, the city of Atlanta, Georgia State Parks, and the beautiful beaches of Florida for on-site location shoots. To view the galleries of Kayla Colvard Photography, visit www.KaylaColvard.com.
"Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, love as long as you live."On the Cover
The Griffins
On this month’s cover we are very glad to introduce Amber and James Griffin. This sweet and beautiful young couple are very excited to become first time parents of a baby girl – Rowan Harper Griffin this coming July.
Amber and James first met in the 6th grade at East Paulding Middle School. They were close friends throughout middle and high school, but did not see much of each other throughout college until their senior year. They started hanging out together again, which led to dating. Just over a year later, they were married and they’ve been happily married for six years.
Amber is currently an Administrative Assistant for the Outreach Ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in East Cobb. Her job includes connecting first time visitors to the church and assisting in the planning and hosting of outreach events for the community.
James serves as one of the Student and Teaching Pastors at West Ridge Church. He works with over 300 high school students and more than 60 volunteers each week. Also, he occasionally teaches at the Dallas and Oak Leaf Campuses of West Ridge. One thing James is able to use in his ministry is the tattoo of a ladder on his wrist. It is a West African symbol called Adinkra, and is referred to as the “ladder of death”. The symbol reminds people that one day they will die and stand before God; and they should not live for this world, but to live for eternity. After James read 1 John 3:1-3, he was overwhelmed with the truth that he would one day meet Jesus face to face, and that everything he does in life should be spent in anticipation of that moment.
For Amber and James, their faith and relationship with the Lord is central to who they are. They believe Jesus is the hope for the world, and credit him for changing both of their lives in “great ways”. They strive each day to love God and their neighbors, and pray that others will see what they’ve found in Jesus and allow them to share it.
Amber and James enjoy special date nights each week, and serving together on mission trips and in the student ministry at West Ridge. They know after their little one makes her debut, things will change. However, they are committed to keeping their date nights, as well as including Baby Rowan in mission trips and the other aspects of the ministry as a way to help her keep perspective on the world, while growing up in a blessed environment.
Amber is really looking forward to being a “Mom” and being able to snuggle with their new little girl. Both she and James agree, “We can’t wait to bring her home for the first time, love her well, show her off to our friends and family, and to teach her what it looks like to find her hope and worth in Jesus.”