I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times more. 2014 was a ridiculous year. It was full and exhausting and life giving and beautiful in a way that I could never have planned or imagined. That is true personally and business-lly! (2014 is also the year I frequently made up words)

It all starts back in September of 2013. I had a skype date with Abby Grace that I was super nervous about because I KNEW she was going to make me set goals for my business. And I didn’t want to! I didn’t want to fail. If I kept pretending my business didn’t mean so much to me and that it was “just” a side thing, then maybe it wouldn’t hurt when I fell flat on my face! That was my flawed logic at least. Thankfully Abby had the experience to think bigger than that and pray bigger than that and believe more for me. And so did my husband. That Skype date I sat in my previous brand new set up attic office while Abby asked how many 2014 weddings I wanted to shoot…I didn’t say anything….so she said…”Okay, you’re going to shoot eight!” And then she moved right along as if that was normal and totally attainable!

And this is what my heart was screaming: Eight weddings?! She’s crazy. David has been hoping and praying for FOUR. This is impossible. Seriously guys. At this point I’d been second shooting for two years and done three of my own weddings, one each year, all for very little to no money. David and I were praying that if we booked four weddings, we’d feel confident enough to keep pursuing wedding photography. And Abby tells me eight! Cue panic.

And guess what? I booked 12. 12 weddings! I still can’t believe it. Each of those precious days holds a special place in my heart, not only because of the wonderful people involved, but because each wedding meant growing in confidence. It meant tackling things I’ve never tackled before. It meant friends who REMEMBERED (here’s looking at you krysta) I had a wedding day and prayed for me and encouraged me. It meant shooting in the rain or making a super behind schedule work. It meant clients and friends taking a CHANCE on a brand new photog and believing in me. It meant hustling and shooting my heart out and being stilled by the quiet, beautiful moments between a bride and groom SO in love.

Did things go wrong this wedding season? Yes. Of course they did. Did I learn from it? Oh heck yes, you better bet I did. Was the exhaustion, sweat, and tears that went into 2014 worth it? Oh yes. Unbelievably, undeniably yes.

This are the moments from 2014 that stilled me. The moments that made me want to throw confetti in the air. The moments that made me fall more in love with people and what I do.

Paul and Kristen. First couple of 2014. First time I fell in love with that moment before the bride gets to see her groom. This shot is a happy accident on the way to her first look with her almost husband.

That time I fell in love with bridal portraits.

And the day I learned that waiting to throw the popcorn/confetti/bubbles/birdseed makes for a better photo and the BEST kind of emotion.

Drew and Morgan. My first clients that weren’t friends first. The cutest of couples. My first crazy over the top excited bride. Love them so.

Favorite Father/Daughter moment. I fell in love with the “family affair,” all of your favorite people and besties coming together for your special day feeling at this wedding.

The fact that they wanted a picture with us made me squeal. I remember thinking “wow, we’re really doing it!” in this moment.

Jonathan and Cary. The day I fell in love with bridal portraits AGAIN! Goodness gracious. What a gorgeous day.

Ugh. Their first look made my heart melt.

I took this and remember thinking, “I want my clients AND their friends to have FUN with me on their day.”

Ahhhh. Michael and Nicolette. This one is special for many reasons. Nicolette mentored me in college and led me to the Lord. Her backyard elopement was the stuff dreams are made of.

Here’s to the moment you realize you’re getting married! Seriously, she stopped and said “Okay….I’m getting married today.”

And the moment you get to hold your military husband in your arms.

On the left: First detail shot I really fell in love with. Her grandma’s pin added to the bouquet, paired with her pink nails and pink dress was perfect. On the right: Got to shoot portraits at Glen Echo Park! I was in Heaven.

This is it. This is the quiet moment of knowing you are with who you were made for.

Brian and Caitlin. Such a fun day! Everything about it was just fun. And fun fact: Caitlin was the first ever bride to book me. I love this girl.

Are we sensing a theme? FUN bridal parties :]

The time I realized that catching the in between moments is sweeter than good posing will ever be.

YES!

Quin and Stephanie. SO many reasons to love this day. Two incredibly sweet people. Cru staff. So in love with the Lord.

Stephanie was beaming and spilling out joy all day long. Radiant.

This might be my favorite moment. We got to be the only ones there for Quin and Stephanie’s first ever kiss. What an incredible moment. This was their reaction.

These two made a TON of time for portraits and it showed. What an incredible day :] This was also the first time shooting a wedding at our own wedding venue! That made it so special.

Favorite groomsmen shot.

The day I fell in love with confetti. Best exit ever. 2015 brides? Do this and I’ll love you for eternity. I kind of just want to walk out of my house to a confetti storm always.

Matt and Becca. This was a dream and a challenge to shoot! My first time shooting without David (eek!) and so incredible to shoot close friends of ours getting married!

On the left: I started looking forward to capturing groom getting ready shots after this day. On the right: The day I implemented Katelyn James’ type of having the bride get ready in front of an open door for good light.

That time I sobbed into my camera as Matt watched his daughter walk down the aisle as his flower girl.

I got to have Matt and Becca in front of my camera for every stage of their relationship. Dating, Engaged, and Married. I have to say the wedding was my favorite :]

One of those in between moments that made me love my job.

And yes! First time shooting a sparkler exit and NAILED it. (ps: see David on the left? He was a groomsmen :])

Nathan and Joanna. High school sweethearts with the most lovely wedding venue! When I think of their day, I think of handmade everything and an epic dance party.

I also think of Joanna in her mother’s wedding dress. Looking all kinds of classic.

The sweetest first look.

That epic dance party :]

Matt & Rebeka. This day was unique because Beka and her mom booked me a month before their wedding! It was so sweet to really do the getting to know you stuff on the wedding day. It felt like David and I had this epic seat to their romantic day. I teared up more at this wedding of two virtual strangers than I thought was possible!

And Rebeka got married in her mother’s dress and it made me cry as usual.

The SWEETEST reaction to being pronounced bride and groom EVER!

For obvious reasons.

Sigh.

Adam & Meghan. What a day. This wedding hit right smack dab in the middle of our Fall Retreat with Cru and in the middle of the most beautiful fall colors. I’ve known Meghan since she was a little freshman so this was extra special.

And phew. Adam loved his bride.

Meghan’s bridal session was a definite favorite of 2014!

One of those accidental shots that I now love. So much joy.

Luke and Joy. Too much joy from this family filled day. Love these two.

Ahhh precious first look with dad.

And a perfect venue.

These two! Just LOVING being married.

And you know, when you get to shoot a proposal at a wedding? Not too shabby.

And finally, Greg and Stephanie. Such heart poured into this day. Every detail had a purpose and it so pointed towards Jesus!

Paper airplanes because they’ve always been Greg and Steph’s way of saying I love you.

My thought process after seeing this image: AH! I want to catch moments like this ALL the time!

The sweetest moment. All fell silent as Greg and Steph and their family and friends sang “All Glory be to Christ.” So beautiful.

And I loved getting to do wedding portraits in the city. So fun!

That’s a wrap! 2015, I’m coming for ya!