Have you ever met someone and instantly admired them?
That was me with Holly.
She graduated one class after me in dental hygiene school so, of course, I saw her around from a distance.
Oh my goodness, just realize I seem like a stalker. Hah!
Let me quickly get to the point here: I continued to admire her kindness and really blown away by her beauty.
Our friendship truly started to develop on a dental mission trip to Belize in 2014, which was life-changing to say the least.
And y’all, the more I got to know her the more I just fell in love with her!
I think what I loved most (on the mission trip) was her strong faith and how she gracefully carried Him in her heart and through her actions.
To put it simply, Holly’s beauty was much more than skin-deep. It flowed to her core and I just marveled at it.
And I continued to do so through good ole’ social media–she resides near Jackson, Mississippi.
So imagine my complete surprise when she began to document her struggles with her body in the past and present.
She also started sharing her journey with fitness and a healthier lifestyle, which is amazing and inspiring to say the least.
She documents it all (good and bad) but in a way that motivates you to not only improve your life and body, but your mind too, which is so so important.
To not judge your progress by the numbers loss alone, but by celebrating the confidence and fearlessness gained.
But still, I was over here in Charlotte still utterly shocked by all her insecurities and flaws she saw in herself.
Now I don’t want to come off as dismissing her opinions and emotions.
Because I did not.
In fact, I tried hard to see what she saw and instantly knew(like when I first met her), in return, I wanted to show her what I saw in her: all that confidence and fearlessness.
A different perspective from someone on the outside.
I wanted to show her through my eyes all the absolute beauty she holds.
Hence this photo session we did in the wee hours of the morning.
It was the best time.
Coffee seemed like a good place to start at the super cute Cultivation Food Hall.
We got right down to business!
Who are we kidding?! There were lots of giggles!
I mean y’all, how does one go about looking so freakin’ gorgeous in athletic wear?!
The lighting here wasn’t ideal, but it says “step into the light” to me. Or dance into it (her last name is Dancy too)!
Holly,
Thank you thank youuu so much allowing me to capture you and your journey.
My hope is for you to look at these photos and marvel at your beauty inside and out.
You’re an absolute gem.
No matter where you go in life, heed no fear because for you my sweet friend, God has wonderful and beautiful plans for you.
All my love.
Thank you for reading and following along
with me,
Jules.
Postscript: If you yourself are looking for a team to not only hold you accountable, but to motivate and inspire you towards a healthier body and lifestyle, then check out my girl Holly, who I know will lead you towards your goals and so much more!
Here are her Instagram and Facebook pages! And if you’re ready to get started here’s the direct link to join her tribe!
Looking so dapper!
At first, I was upset with myself with the light. But I soon realized it forced me to filter through, refocus and allowed me to take in her beauty shadow by shadow.
These next few shots had me in a daze for a good week.
Look at the light reflecting off of her eyelashes! Gosh, Hans never seizes to amaze me with what he captures.
Jodie shared with me that she likes to sway for David whenever she gets all dolled-up, so we sweetly ended with that.
Cool and amazing how those Douglas firs just grow on the cliffs.
This photo was intentional to show how giant the boulders compared to us. To be fair, Michelle and Jill are “fun-size”. 
Blurry but what cuties!
Bear Lake wasn’t really a “hike”. It was more like a casual stroll around the lake with multiple lookouts for perfect photo opportunities like the one below!
Light light light. Glorious sunlight.
After Bear Lake and the warm sun, we felt good enough to hike towards Bertha Falls.
Waterfalls are breathtaking, but a frozen waterfall? A whole ‘nother level!
One of the great things about long drives in Denver are the scenic views. Michelle is a genius and probably had the best seat!
Later that day we explored downtown Boulder. The historic architecture was more charming than I was expecting.
I also scored a tiny treasure– 1899 antique world map that I can’t wait to hang up once I make up my mind about how to decorate our home.
And I couldn’t resist this adorable home, which is The Pridehouse that supports LGBTQ communities in Boulder County.
Ended our eventful day with these pretty sunset clouds.
Okay, last full day in Colorado.
The colors were ahhhhmazing!!
Here is another attempt at freelensing. 
