By now we are all beginning to understand the reality of COVID19. Social Distancing preempted Stay at Home orders for much of PA and as of Thursday, March 19th, the Wolf administration ordered the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses. This included my photography business, Nina Lily Photography. The state of Pennsylvania has mandated that we are no longer be able to document weddings until the order has been lifted. Cessation of services includes all gatherings, even microweddings of ten people or less.

I have been in operation since 2009 without a disruption in service and now my 2020 spring wedding season has been effectively ended. As is the case for many small creative business owners, my identity is inextricably linked to my business. I am grieving. And my heart goes out to all the small business owners, all those in the service industry, all the first responders and hospital staff and all the low wage workers who are keeping things going for us even now. The list is too long.

Nina Lily Photography is part of a vibrant community of small businesses in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas. These businesses are creative, passionate, socially responsible and impactful. Many of these businesses make up the beautiful presence that is the Lehigh Valley wedding industry. We are all hurting right now and I stand in solidarity with all of my amazing friends who have followed their dreams, built brands and followings and have impacted everyone that they touch with beauty, respect and kindness. Being a small business owner is a calling. We are compelled to put our gifts out into the world and trust that our community will be inspired by our vision and invest. We trust that our community will express their support by consuming our goods and services. Our community lifts us up. Our community helps us dream big by allowing us to support our own families and actively participate in the economy. We can’t do this without the support of our communities. Thank you.

Today I am reminiscing about a lovely test shoot that we did last fall. I have made wonderful friends within the Lehigh Valley wedding community and am lucky enough to collaborate with them regularly. This is my shoutout to Erika Berardinucci, the lovely owner of Bella Bridesmaids Allentown. She has introduced me to so many awesome faces in our area and I am grateful for her support. This is my shoutout to Tia, the visionary behind Meraki Beauty. Tia lives wholeheartedly and inspires beauty and confidence just by being in her presence. This is my shoutout to Joseph H. Moussa, owner and creative director of JHM Event Group. Joe makes you feel welcome and at home just by sharing space and inspires everyone he meets to be their best version of themselves. This is my shoutout to Lauren Stoy, the founder, creator and stylist behind L2 Creations. Lauren’s enthusiasm, passion, creativity, support and grace shine through in every project and relationship she works on. Collaborating with Lauren is the best! During this time of uncertainty, I know that these small business owners and many others have my back.

I hope that this test shoot collaboration brightens your day. If you feel inspired like I do, show the small businesses that you love a little love back. Here are a few things that you can do to support your favorite small business:

Reach Out - You know the faces behind the small businesses you love. A little “Hello” goes a long way.
Social Media Shoutout - It doesn’t cost a thing and helps to keep the brands you love relevant in the algorithm. Do it!
Buy a Gift Certificate - Let’s help to keep the lights on so that we can enjoy the services we love down the line.

Photography: Nina Lily Photography @ninalilyphoto | Bridesmaid Gowns: Jenny Yoo for Bella Bridesmaids Allentown @jennyyoonyc #bellaallentown | HMUA: Meraki Beauty @merakibeautyllc | Florals: JHM Event Group @jhmeventgroup | Jewelry: L2 Creations @l2_creations | Talent: Meg @meg.merakibeauty | Location: Downtown Allentown @dwntwnallentown