My name is Charity Hope Williams-Ogunba: I am a follower of Jesus, a wife, a mom, a sister to four amazing siblings, a daughter, an aunt, a best friend, mentor, & friend to many! I am passionate about fitness and staying healthy. I am always up for adventures and doing daring things – zip lining, snorkeling, roller coasters, cliff jumping, sky diving. You name it, I am down to try it. My favorite travel adventures have been in countries that are least like my own culture. Places that push me to get out of my comfort zone. I have been to Haiti and England a few times, India, Spain, and Nigeria. China is next on my bucket list!
I currently live in Providence, RI, though I am originally from good ol’ Griswold, CT (What? You’ve never heard of it?!). At first, Providence was not my cup of tea, but it has truly grown on me. I never struggle to find something to do, and have developed a close community with active people who are dedicated to bringing about change and getting involved in this great city and state. My family and I are heavily involved in serving at our local church and community, and enjoy opening up our home to others.
My husband, Jeremy, and I have been married sine August 1, 2014. He became my best friend in college and continually pursued me until I felt the same way. I’m not sure how he did it, but his commitment to unconditionally love me and his stubbornness payed off! He truly does bring me so much JOY and it’s refreshing how he lets me be “me.” He has a smile that lights up any room, with a carefree, outgoing personality. I have to say that everyone loves him, but none more than me! He is actually the one who gave me the “green light” and extra encouragement to start this business, buying me sketch pads, a new camera, and writing utensils, and I thank him so much for being that kind of husband – the kind that every girl deserves. He loves to second shoot on wedding days with me too! The longer I am married to him, the more I love and appreciate marriage! There is something so special about having a partner and, a friend, right by your side for every step in life.
In May of 2016, we embarked on this new journey of PARENTHOOD! I am a proud mommy to my beautiful little girl Hope Ayodele (“Joy has come home”) Ogunba. My husband and I just would just stare at her for hours in awe of her beauty and are still trying to grasp the reality that she is ours! She gets overloaded with many hugs and kisses everyday!! Between our big families and church family, she is constantly being passed around from person to person. She definitely is our child because she loves people! She is the first of the many children we desire and we cannot wait for the “#OgunbaClan” to grow.
September 2016, our #OgunbaClan grew faster than we expected! We gained legal guardianship of a young man named Davon, who we met in our previous youth ministry, in 2015. It has been a roller coaster ride already, but my husband and I love him very much. He is such a good big brother to our daughter and has grown rapidly in so many areas of his life. It may seem like a big sacrifice for many, but the blessing of watching him grow into an amazing young man is beyond worth it! He was like a son to us, way before it was “legal.” If you want a deeper insight into that decision for us, read my blog.
CHARITY HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography has always been something that I love and cherish because it helps me remember my life. I am always going on trips, attending events, and setting out on new adventures, so it can become hard to remember all the precious details of those moments. When I look back at my pictures, it triggers so many vivid memories for me. I love to help other people be able to do the same.
I especially love to document marriages, from the early stages with- engagements and weddings, but also, the beautiful longevity in– wedding anniversaries. I love capturing weddings, due to their unique creativity and personalization for each couple, sharing their story as they embark on one of the biggest decisions of their lives, but I also have a special place in my heart for photographing couples who have been married for years, helping them to feel just as special as they did on their wedding day.
A wedding is a powerful day, where two people share their vows of their loving commitment to each other in front of all of their friends and family, but a marriage is the day in and day out choice to love, forgive, and stay devoted to that one person. I passionately love to share people’s love stories of what brought them together, but also what keeps them going strong, through pictures and writing. Please check out my portfolio, but also my blog, where I write about the people I photograph, and share my own personal stories!
The real specialty of mine is creating a fun, relaxing, and beautiful opportunity for brides to wear their dress again! Due to weather, time, or other circumstances, some couples don’t end up with many photographs on their wedding day. That’s where I come in!!! Either the couple or just the bride can go to their location of choice, recreate beautiful and timeless images that will still bring back memories of their special day!
One of the reasons I love photography is because I LOVE people. You humans are my favorite things to photograph! I believe there is nothing more valuable in this world than a human life. Every human has a purpose, a story, and a place in this world. When we lose our value for people, we lose value in our world. From the poorest or most lost person to the richest or most successful person in the world, every single one is equally as valuable to me. I want my photography to be a tool to make people feel loved, cherished, valued, esteemed, and noticed. My blog is where I share people’s amazing, unique stories, but is also a place where I share some of my own too!
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