BEST OF 2011

Wow.

2011 has been better than I could have EVER imagined.  It’s also been completely not at all what I expected.

I didn’t expect to get engaged, plan a wedding of our own, GET MARRIED, absolutely LOVE living in Charlotte (after just moving here last year).  I didn’t expect to book over my goal, nor to have met so many encouraging and wonderful photographers in CLT.  I didn’t expect to fail at so many of my New Year’s resolutions that I made at the beginning of the year…but I feel like I’ve accomplished so much this year.  So, I don’t even care. :)

Goals for 2011

√ • SHOOT MORE {for me}
• Finish {or at least begin} a personal project
• Work on a project overseas
• Make better quality time for GOD every day.
√ • Start living my life less in my comfort zone and more where I can’t do anything BUT rely on God.
√ • Be healthier {cut the diets, exercise more consistently, eat more organic/healthy foods, drink more water}

Many of my resolutions for 2011 had revolved around shooting more personal work.   At the time, I hadn’t expected my time for the year to be dominated by planning a wedding, so I’m giving myself a little grace. But, planning a wedding is no excuse for not making better quality time for God.  Therein lies next year’s goals…

Goals for 2012

• Start saving and planning for a project overseas that can be started in early 2013 *
• Have a more consistent schedule for “quiet time” with God  {journaling, reading the Bible, etc}
• Volunteer with Arts for Life **
• Be more involved with church
• Exercise more consistently {join a gym!}
• Complete our wedding album and edit of our wedding video
• Take risks with creativity in my business and personal work
• Be thankful for every day of the year ***
• Go with Brendan to one of the places on our bucket list ****

*There is a project I am DYING to work on in Ghana, but I need to spend some time seriously researching, saving, and making contacts before that can be done.  Hopefully by 2013 we will be able to go.

**I’m SO excited to begin working at the local hospital with Arts for Life.  It’s a phenomenal program that teaches art to kids that spend a lot of time at the hospital.  It will be an emotional challenge, but I’m eager for the opportunity to share the joy of art with kids that are going through so much.

***Everybody complains.  There can always be something wrong, something not to our satisfaction.  But, the reality is that we have SO much to be thankful for.  There are millions of people that don’t have water, electricity, the opportunity to go to school, freedom, and on and on….  This year, I’m going to try to start being more thankful for the life I have, the challenges I face, and the opportunities that exist.

****Brendan and I have compiled a bucket list of over 20 places we want to go by the time we’re 35.  It’s time to start checking some of those places off!

 

Here are my favorite images of 2011.

 

Weddings:

Engagements/Couples:

Portraits:

Personal:

{taken after Brendan proposed, and I said, “yes!”}

 

I couldn’t be more thankful for the wonderful people I’ve met in Charlotte this year that have helped make it our new home.  Thank you to all the photographers, coordinators, and vendors that welcomed me into the city.  I feel blessed to call you friends, and I’m happy to be a part of an industry that is so encouraging.

Thank you to my husband for putting up with my late editing hours, many weekends away, and constant belief in the fact that I can accomplish my dreams.

Finally…THANK YOU to the TOTALLY AWESOME clients that have chosen me to photograph some of the most incredible moments of their lives.  To my brides and grooms of 2011:  Mel & Siah, Justine & Joey, Madison & Matthew, Phoeobe & Dan, Ingrid & Nathan, Lindsey & Alex, Teresa & Mike, Amanda & Kyle, Bridget & Kyle, Laurie & Colin, Casey & Josh, Caitlin & Jason, Anna & Mike, Sarah & Jason, Heather & Jeff, Emily & Jeremiah, Erin & George, Mikel Ann & Chris, Kimmie & Ryan, Meghan & Andy, and Tiffany & Will….your weddings were all SO beautiful, unique, and special in their own way.  Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it.

I can’t wait for the 2012 season to begin!