by Rachel Ward, Student Public Relations Writer
It’s another day on the job for Cedarville University alumni Will and Cara Brethauer — but their work rarely happens in an office, and no two days look the same. With cameras in hand, they capture life's best moments around the world, from Olympic performances to mountaintop weddings.
Will Brethauer, a 2022 Cedarville graduate with a degree in broadcasting, digital media and journalism, landed an internship with USA Swimming the summer before his senior year. There, he primarily contributed to social media content. After graduation, he joined USA Swimming as a video producer, working with renowned athletes like Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel and Regan Smith. Today, he is producing a documentary series following athletes on their road to the Olympic Trials.
While working with USA Swimming, Will occasionally photographed weddings, but his schedule left little room to grow a business. That’s when his wife, Cara, stepped in.
Cara Brethauer, a 2024 graduate with a degree in professional writing and information design, broughther creative and editorial expertise to the venture. During college, she enjoyed helping Will photograph weddings, and she interned at Samaritan’s Purse as a writer and editor. While at Samaritan’s Purse, she also had the opportunity to use her photography skills to help document one of her projects.
After graduation, Cara worked as a copywriter but eventually left the role to pursue other possibilities. As she searched for a new job, she used her spare time to build the brand Cara and Will — designing their website, managing their social media and developing their marketing strategy.
“I didn’t think I would go into the wedding business full time,” said Cara. “I just had more opportunity to focus on the business and did. But within the first couple weeks, we got three bookings.”
As inquiries continued to pour in, she realized the business had full-time potential. She enjoyed the creative variety of using both writing and design.
“I'm really grateful that this business allows me to do photography while using my degree,” said Cara. “I designed the website, write all the content for our website and make social media posts.”
Both Will and Cara credit Cedarville University for equipping them professionally and spiritually.
“Cedarville opens a lot of doors,” said Will. “I made videos for SGA and was able to film Cedarville sports events. That gave me room to grow and go into what I do now.”
Cara added that working in the university’s public relations office helped her sharpen her writing skills. More importantly, her time at Cedarville encouraged her in her faith — a foundation that continues to guide their work today.
“We want to build our business on Christ,” said Cara.
With a growing list of clients and a shared creative vision, the Brethauers are especially excited for what’s ahead — including their first international bookings. Capturing the beauty of wedding rings and Olympic medals, the Brethauers’ work has taken them out of the office and around the globe.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
