Hey friends, and happy 2020!

At the risk of sounding like a super nerd, I have to admit that I have been waiting to write this blog since I put into the universe that I am a Wedding Photographer.

I started my business with family and portrait sessions, and as much as I still love photographing these kind of pictures, once I shadowed my first wedding, I knew instantly it’s what I wanted to pursue. That decision was followed by a lot of shadowing, assisting, second shooting, and hard work to be comfortable enough to announce that I would be offering Wedding Photography services myself.

This year was full of so much trial and tribulation, in my personal life, nursing career, and business. Although 2019 was a little rough (I mean we literally started the year with our entire main floor and basement being flooded), I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in my life, and of course, with these lessons comes growth.

Even though I feel a sense of pride in how this dream of mine has become a growing business, this year did not come without days of self doubt and comparison to the titans in this industry. You can’t help but think “will I ever be as good as them?” But as the old saying goes- “you can’t compare your beginning to someone’s middle,” and that couldn’t be more true.

Because I felt like I truly had a full year of primarily photographing weddings, I was so excited to write this post and show off some of my work and beautiful couples from this year! What I didn’t know before I started collecting the images for this gallery, is that this is EXACTLY what I needed. It’s easy to get discouraged when admiring other’s work, but what I don’t see when I do that is just how many places I’ve been, people I’ve met, moments I’ve captured, friends I’ve made, and live’s I’ve touched (and have touched my heart too).

I started my season in February with a destination wedding in the Cayman Islands. Seriously how lucky am I that this was my first wedding of the year!? Then, in March, I got to photograph the most special elopement in Luray, Virginia. Fast forward through the Spring where I photographed a wedding at the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. I was also lucky enough to second shoot with some of the most talented Photographers and continue my learning, which by the way, never stops. Then in the Fall, I got to return to Smith Mountain Lake and photograph at a stunning venue with all the Autumn colors. Finally, I ended 2019 by second shooting for one of my favorite photographers, Jontell Vanessa Photography, in one of my favorite cities- Charlottesville, Virginia. Not only was this the perfect wedding to end the season, because it was New Years themed, but I just love a Charlottesville Wedding, y’all.

Looking through these photos and thinking about each of these couples has been the most gratifying activity, and the perfect way to start 2020. I hope you enjoy looking through them as well!