A Recap of a Wild and Crazy 2020

2020 sure came with it's ups and downs, although more downs than ups, for sure. But in every cloud there is a silver lining. 2020 was a year that made us all re-evaluate what is important to us, and in the few covid weddings that I've photographed this past year, it's been an instant refresh to see couples treasuring what weddings are really all about - and that it's simply LOVE. Seeing couples move forward with their weddings during the covid pandemic because "they couldn't see themselves waiting a second longer to get married" (actual quote from a couple) renewed my passion and purpose for why I am a wedding photographer. Sure, we all want the best for our own weddings that we've dreamed up - from incorporating the current wedding trends, to our own family traditions, or snagging that amazing dress or wedding venue - but at the end of the day, weddings are really just about two people. 2020 showed us that weddings can happen anywhere and anytime with the right motivations.

This past year also showed me the unconditional love that families have for each other, and the beautiful moments that they've wanted captured as well. While in my own family, we got to spend tons more time together, from home schooling (I say that with both love and disdain!), to an uninterrupted summer vacation in our backyard (thank you to my rescheduled covid weddings for giving me this time with my family!), and outdoor meetups with friends, I got a chance to also see how other families expressed their love for each other through photos as well. I was blessed with plenty of family sessions and family day in the life sessions throughout the Summer and Fall, and getting to capture these once in a lifetime moments in our history books through the eyes of different families.

I also got to experience working with different types of photography clients and needs, really opening up my eyes to creativity and paving the way for 2021 with some new offerings. From surprise proposal sessions that I got to help plan and be a part of, to working with entrepreneurs and small businesses help elevate their brands in a difficult time, to working on new editorial and commercial ventures, to touching peoples homes throughout the entire world via virtual Facetime photo shoots, I got to experience photography in a way I didn't dream of had it been a typical year.

The month of December really summed it up well for me, as I not only celebrated a little bit of a brand refresh and new website design but also was awarded with the dream of being named one of Rangefinder Magazine's 30 Rising Stars of 2020. The dream of any photographer or artist is to be recognized amongst peers and industry leaders is one that most aspire to when just starting out. I've always looked up to this contest as one that has recognized some of the world's best photographers in the industry, and to be named as one of them is just mind blowing. Art is something that I've always done for myself, since I've been a little girl, and I've always known that this is something that I've been meant to do, as hard of an industry as it is to really make a steady job out of. This was just the icing on the cake. It was the "aha" moment that I've always yearned for - and at the end of such a historical year as 2020 was, it was the cherry on top!

I can not wait to see what 2021 has in store for me, but I can tell you this... I have a lot of plans... big plans... and I can't wait to share them with all of you!