GROVES — Trey Thompson makes it a point to capture people’s special moments so they can in turn enjoy them forever.
“Photos are one of the greatest art forms,” Thompson said during the ribbon cutting for his business,  Everlasting Images Photography and Video, 4300 Lincoln Ave., Suite 4 in Groves, on Thursday. “People are inviting you into their lives to capture their special moment, inviting you into their lives to capture that moment that happens once in their lifetime.”

Emily Daniel and Adam Handly look at their engagement photo, taken on the beach in Galveston, during the ribbon cutting for Everlasting Images Photography and Video, 4300 Lincoln Ave., Suite 4 in Groves, on Thursday.

Thompson’s longtime love of photography began in childhood as he taught himself how to use a manual Cannon AE-1 left to him by his grandfather. From there he learned dark room skills and how to work with film before transitioning to digital. A 2004 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, Thompson spent five years in Arizona studying photography before returning home in 2009.
The PN-G grad spent time working in retail and, he said, he was miserable. It was his wife, Navia, who convinced him to sink their $3,800 in savings into the business and attend a bridal show in 2012.
“I wasn’t quite ready to sink our savings into the business,” he said. “Then we booked nine weddings at that show and today we have weddings booked through 2017.”
Thompson’s first location was in Port Neches. The recent move to Groves comes with more foot traffic from neighboring businesses along Lincoln Avenue and much more visibility.
Besides photography, the business offers videography, a wedding coordinator, hair and makeup and mobile tanning by trained professionals.
Everlasting Images features two walls of Thompson’s photos each on a shadow mount, a consulting area and more. His staff includes wife Navia, editor; Lena Daws, videographer; Yvonne Martinez, wedding coordinator; and Tahlia Beagle, mobile tanning.

Trey Thompson, third from right, along with staff and members of the Groves Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Center, celebrate the ribbon cutting for Thompson’s business, Everlasting Images Photography and Video, 4300 Lincoln Ave., Suite 4 in Groves, on Thursday.

Ronnie Boneau, executive manager of the Groves Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Center, was excited to welcome Everlasting Images Photography and Video to the city, he said.
Thompson, likewise is excited about the new location and the chance to capture those special moments.
“God has blessed us immensely,” Thompson said.
For more information on  Everlasting Images Photography and Video visit www.eipbytrey.com, e-mail to trey.everlastingimages@gmail.com or call 350-7492.
E-mail: mary.meaux@panews.com
Twitter: MaryMeauxPANews