In 2014, I photographed a cute little high school senior from Lexington. We messaged back and forth over Facebook messenger to set up her session, and whenever we met in person I knew she’d be a forever friend. That little high school cutie was Kylie Anne, and little did we know that the Lord had some big plans for our friendship years later!
As she attended Clemson, I’d pay her visits whenever I was in town or she’d stop by our house when she was in Greenville. Once we got Sampson she became his official God-parent (lol), fairly certain she may love him more than we do! I’ve walked through many seasons with her & have gotten to know her so well over the years. Whenever I was reading through applications and saw her name, my heart exploded. I always knew she loved photography, but honestly didn’t know she wanted to pursue it. Knowing that she had a fire in her heart to push forward and soak up as much as she could, that got me so excited!
KA has photographed multiple weddings alongside me, ran 1000000 steps on a wedding day for me, and culled so many weddings. The girl brings the party wherever she goes & makes me laugh every time I see her. She compliments mine and Shea’s calm and level demeanor, and when the 3 of us get together it’s the most fun. Spending more time with her in this season of life has been so fun, and watching her skill, talent, and confidence grow has been the sweetest gift.
I am so excited to introduce you to Kylie Anne, and without further ado, take it away KA!
1. Introduce yourself! What are some of your nicknames?
Hi there! My name is Kylie Anne (as of July 7th!!) Hoppe. Daniel Hoppe is my BFF/eye candy/husband that I love lots. I am a recent Clemson graduate and call Greenville my new home where we recently bought the most bomb house that we like to call “the chipwood hood”. I am passionate about booty dancing, messy beds, and laugh lines. I run on God’s undeserving grace, and I am the world’s worst texter. Some people call me KA… but for the most part I am boring in the nickname department.
2. Where are you from?
I am from the great small town of Lexington, S.C. Known for the many grocery stores, and the Lake Murray redneck yacht club.
3. What season of life are you currently in?
I am in the newlywed/transition out of college stage. Hands up for anyone else that has no clue how to be an adult. I am not the best with change, but it has been such a fruitful season on trying to figure out who I am, and what the Lord is putting on my heart.
4. What are some little joys that brighten your day?
Time with Jessi’s dog Sampson, reality TV (yas I keep up with the Kardashians), voice memos instead of texts, and big bear hugs!
5. What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am most looking forward to doing life with my PIC Daniel Hoppe. We have been dating for over 5 years, so I am so excited to start all the married firsts with him this year. I am obviously nervous about living with a boy, but hey they say marriage is an adventure right?
6. If you had one song that was your life anthem, what would it be?
The whole Reputation Album…for obvious reasons!
7. What do you love about photography?
I love capturing memories. I am an experience person, so it makes me excited looking back on photographs and remembering the background story that is playing in that image. A picture is worth 1,000 words, amirite!? It is also a challenge, so photography motivates me to continue mastering the skill. There is always something to learn, and it’s so fun seeing your passion grow and reflect your style.
8. What lead you to apply for the JNP internship?
If you know Jessi Nichols, then you would have applied for the internship too. I met this lady when she took my high school senior pictures, and it was love at first sight…truthfully. The Holy Spirit was all through her, and her love to be intentional with others drew me to her. I immediately knew I wanted to be friends with her, so I went on a limb and asked if she would like to hang…after her pity yes and our first meet up we have been friends ever since. Throughout college I got to have lots of coffee dates, spend the nights, and Sampson hangs, so she quickly became my person.
Around my junior year I wanted a way to capture memories forever, so I could never forget them. I asked my parents for a DSLR and I just ran with it from there. Once I started to learn my camera, I knew I had a passion for it and wanted to improve. I would always ask Jessi questions, and she was the best to help me out with anything I was struggling with. Once she posted that she was accepting interns, I knew I wanted to apply…there was so much to learn and so much opportunity that came with it. When you want to be the best, you need to learn from the best! Never did I think I would get it, but the Lord gives good gifts for those who ask.
9. Since we are halfway through your internship, what has been your favorite thing you’ve learned so far?
How to serve your clients WELL. She gives her 100% to her clients all the dang time. I have seen her spend hours on the phone with brides, whipping sweat off of a bride’s forehead, packing all the snacks so she doesn’t miss a moment of the wedding day, and have heard all the prayers she prays over her clients. Throughout the whole JNP experience the clients come first, always. Her business is literally run on loving and serving her clients from first email, to the gallery being delivered in their inbox. I will never forget the way she loves people and I have learned so much on serving clients that I want to bring to my business.
10. What are you most grateful for right now?
Currently living my best life right now… but if I would have to narrow it down, it would be my family, my friends, and that God never stops moving in my life.