The Manco Family: Our Story

Life has a funny way of weaving together the unexpected, doesn’t it? If you’d told us ten years ago that we’d be here—married, raising two incredible kids, running our own photo and video business, and living out our creative dreams—we might have laughed in disbelief. But here we are, and we wouldn’t trade a single moment of the journey.

How It All Began
It started with a “yes.” A decade ago, we promised each other a lifetime of love, laughter, and partnership. We had no idea what that would truly look like, but we jumped in wholeheartedly.

Our first addition to the family came with four paws and a wagging tail. Our dog has been with us through it all—moves, milestones, and everything in between. Then, our family grew again with the arrival of our two beautiful children, who fill our days with laughter and keep us on our toes. Together, we’re a team—a family that loves big, dreams big, and embraces every twist and turn.

Finding Our Passions
James has spent 16 years serving in the military, and his dedication shines in everything he does. Whether he’s learning a new editing technique or scouting the perfect location for a shoot, he brings the same discipline and drive that have carried him through his career.

For Katie, the road to photography wasn’t so straightforward. After staying home with our kids and exploring different career paths, she decided to go back to school for graphic design. She dreaded the photography class that was part of the curriculum—until the first time she held a camera. Something clicked, and she discovered a passion for storytelling through images that she didn’t even know she had. What started as an assignment turned into a lifelong love.

Over the years, we’ve both grown in our craft. James approaches videography with a cinematic eye, creating films that bring moments to life. Katie pours her heart into photography, capturing the raw emotions that make life beautiful. Together, we balance each other, blending artistry and emotion to create something meaningful for every client we work with.

Life in the Manco Family
When we’re not working, you’ll find us living life to the fullest. Our kids keep us laughing, whether they’re making up silly games or finding joy in the simplest things. We love spending time outdoors, exploring new places, or just enjoying the sunshine in our backyard. And when we’re not adventuring, you can bet we’re having a cozy family movie night with far too much popcorn!

We believe in making memories—and not just for ourselves. That’s why we do what we do. Capturing the moments that matter most for other families, couples, and individuals reminds us daily of how precious this life is.

Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our journey, we can’t help but feel excited for what’s next. This little business of ours, Katie James Photo & Film, is more than just a job. It’s a reflection of who we are—a family that knows love, that’s faced challenges, and that believes in celebrating the beauty of life.

We’re looking forward to sharing more of our story with you, from the behind-the-scenes of weddings and shoots to the adventures we take as a family. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’ve been a client, a supporter, or just someone cheering us on from afar, you’ve made our story even more special.

Here’s to love, laughter, and all the beautiful moments ahead!

With all our hearts,
Katie, James, and the Manco Family