🌸 Behind the Lens: Flowers, Friendships & The Special Plate

By Heather Corbin | April 2025

This week, I picked my very first bouquet of spring flowers from my yard.

There’s something so deeply soul-filling about picking a few stems from the garden and putting them into a mason jar on the kitchen counter. Sure, I love seeing the blooms through my window—the way they wave in the breeze, stretch toward the sun, and remind me that winter always gives way to spring. But bringing them inside feels like welcoming a little piece of God’s creation into my everyday routines.

Every time I pass by that bouquet, I smile. It’s a little celebration of life, right in the middle of my laundry piles and meal prep and editing sessions.

Friendship & Filling My Cup

Last week, I had lunch with a friend. And again this week—another friend carved out time to meet me in the middle of our busy lives. And let me tell you… words can’t quite explain how much those times together mean to me. Time of mutual encouragement that fills my cup! (If you ever want to meet me for lunch or a cup of coffee- please reach out!)

We live in such a hustle-driven society, don’t we? Everyone rushing from one thing to the next. But when we press pause and sit across from someone who really sees us… when we share a meal, a story, a laugh—it’s like taking a long drink of cold water- so refreshing. Or, actually, if I’m completely honest, I would rather have a McDonald’s Coke than a drink of cold water! HA

Friendship is one of the greatest treasures God has given us.

On the Road: Podcasts, Growth, & Taking Care of Me

I’m in the car a lot—driving to photography sessions, weddings, or meetings. And I’ve learned to use that time well by listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

A couple of weeks ago, I listened to an episode from Mel Robbins featuring Dr. Stacy Sims (listen here), and whew… it was packed with truth.

She talked about how women should eat and exercise based on how our female bodies are designed, and I took away so many helpful nuggets—like the importance of eating something first thing in the morning. I’ve even started weight training! Who am I???

Local Love: A New Farm & Garden Center

If you're local to me, there’s a new garden center that you must check out—Belstra Farm and Garden, just east of Reynolds.

My friend Sara is the manager, and I’m thrilled to see this beautiful business in our community.

Their official grand opening is on April 26th from 9–11 a.m., but they’re already open and ready to welcome you. If you love flowers, gardening, have animals, or enjoy supporting local businesses, stop by!

A Welcome Home & A Special Plate

Last Friday, we had a “Welcome Home” dinner for Wes and Anna. After his month-long stay in Indy for leukemia treatment, having him here felt like a deep exhale.

And yes… I pulled out our “You Are Special” plate.

We’re still praying daily that the CAR T cells are actively destroying every single cancer cell in his body—for now and for all time. God is good, and He is with us.

On Monday Wes had his first post Car T infusion PET Scan- he will have more to come- however, as Wes shared on his CaringBridge page “the initial reading is showing improvement! It looks like the pancreas tumor is shrinking, and the rest of the tumors are either stable or starting to shrink! So overall, things appear to be heading in the right direction.”

We continue to believe and pray for COMPLETE healing from cancer!!

Let me tell you the story of that plate. When our kids were little, I read a book by Emilie Barnes that talked about using a special plate to mark celebrations—birthdays, milestones, and meaningful moments. I loved the idea and prayed that God would help me find one.

Just a few weeks later I stopped by a yard sale and there it was! A “You Are Special Today” plate!!!

Finding that plate left a huge mark on my heart- God hears our hearts! God cares about “little things” in our lives, and He wants to share blessings with us!

I have NEVER forgotten this answered prayer and the lesson I learned from it. Every time I pull the plate out I relive God’s gift!

We’ve used that plate many, many times—for big moments and little ones.

And this week, it was Wes’s turn.

Here is a “Special Plate” that is on Amazon- it is different from mine, but I did get one for each of my married “kids” to use at their homes!

Romanticizing Everyday Life

Life doesn’t have to be grand to be beautiful. In fact, I kind of love the idea of romanticizing ordinary life.

Picking spring flowers. Savoring that first cup of coffee. Watching the sun rise or set. Snuggling close and enjoying a quiet moment with my husband. Laughter across the table from a friend. A special plate that whispers, you matter.

God is in it all. He’s in the tiny moments we often overlook. And He delights in showing us His love.

Capturing Milestones, One Moment at a Time

Wedding season officially kicked off for me this past Saturday with a beautiful celebration full of love, laughter, and all the joyful details that make wedding days so meaningful. I worked as a “second shooter” (second photographer/assistant). Being a second shooter at weddings is so fun! None of the pressure I have as lead photographer and can capture lots of behind-the-scenes pictures.

Then on Sunday afternoon, I pivoted from veils to graduation gowns as I launched into Purdue Cap and Gown season with two back-to-back sessions.

This year, I’m honored to have 28 Purdue grads on my calendar—each one with their own story, their own journey, and their own reason to celebrate.

As a third-generation Purdue graduate myself, and now the proud mom of a fourth-generation Purdue grad (Wes graduated from Purdue Global!), these sessions are extra special.

I absolutely love cheering on fellow Boilermakers as they turn the page into their next chapter.

Eyes on Jesus, Heart Full of Hope

As we step into spring, I want to encourage you to pause, look up to Jesus, and truly embrace life.

Open your eyes to the beauty God is placing right in front of you—the blooming flowers, the laughter of a friend over lunch, the simple joy of being present in your own story.

Look to Jesus, the author of hope and new beginnings, and let Him renew your heart.

Love others well. Carve out time for connection, celebration, and gratitude.

Live intentionally—choosing to notice the good, the lovely, and the life-giving moments tucked into each day.

Spring is a season of awakening, and how fitting it is that it comes hand-in-hand with Easter—our reminder that resurrection, restoration, and joy are always possible in Him.

A Springtime Prayer

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of this season—a time when flowers bloom, hearts are lifted, and hope feels especially near.

Thank You for the reminders all around us that You are a God of beauty, new beginnings, and restoration.

Help us to slow down and notice the simple joys You place in our paths.

Whether it's a bouquet on the kitchen table, the smile of a friend, or a quiet moment in the sunshine, may we see Your love in every detail.

Renew our spirits, Lord. Open our eyes to the good.

Draw our hearts closer to You as we walk through our days.

Teach us to live intentionally—to love well, to listen closely, and to carry light wherever we go.

Let this season be one of refreshment, rooted deeply in Your grace.

We trust You with our lives, our loved ones, and the moments that make up our days.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Until next time, friend— Stay rooted, stay joyful, and keep noticing the beauty.

With love,
Heather 🌸

Explore More

If you enjoyed this post and want to see more of my work, I’d love for you to explore my photography! Whether you’re looking for wedding photography, family photography, or Purdue graduation photos, I’m honored to help you preserve life’s most beautiful moments.

📸 Wedding Photography
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🎓 Purdue Graduation Photography

Let’s connect and create something beautiful together!

You can also follow along on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes stories and recent sessions.

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