There was a time, about 6 years ago, where I sat quietly in front of my computer, staring at photos of camera equipment online, shortly after coming to the decision that I wanted to become a wedding photographer. I had no idea how I’d do it, and barely even the slightest idea of the first step to take, but I knew for the first time in my life I had an inkling of a career path, and that I wanted this so so badly, with every fiber of my being.

And my how 6 years flies. A little fact: I’ve found that in the past 6 years, I find myself from time to time {to new friends, acquaintances} explaining to people what I do and what my job entails, and in the process, I sometimes convey that it’s not all fun and games, and pretty centerpieces, and bouquets of peonies, and romantic pastel sunsets all the time. That I work real hard, and that a lot of the time it’s 1am editing sessions, and 60 hour work weeks, and running to the post office 5 minutes before it closes, and scarfing down my lunch with one hand while the other goes through emails. That it’s fretting over marketing and branding and spreadsheets {photographers use spreadsheets!} and paperwork. That it’s finding it difficult not to take small criticisms or things not going my way personally, even though it should technically be all business, because this whole thing is my heart and soul. That it’s wearing 400 different hats, and it’s a lot of discipline, and responsibility, and at times, just plain ole stress.

But in reality? When I really think about it, who am I kidding? Because the reality of it is, it really is all fun and games. The truth of it is, I get to be a part of someone’s most special day ever, people who are celebrating finding their soulmate, their other half, surrounded by family and friends, in a wonderful place, and I’m honored with the task of helping it be remembered, every last piece of it. This job is about joy. It is about beauty. It is about tears and hugs and moments. And to top it all off, I get to meet these amazing people along the way. Every year I somehow get connected with a couple dozen couples who just happen to be some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Who simply radiate fun and graciousness and warmth. Who support and encourage me endlessly. Who send me thank you notes filled corner to corner with words that bring me to tears. Who make my heart ache with their kindness and thankfulness to me, when I am so thankful for them, I am so indebted to them, for allowing me to live my dream. For inviting me into their lives and treating me like an old friend. How can you repay someone for a gift like that?

So for this new year, I’ve decided to remind myself that no matter how many years I do this, I will not forget this. I will not forget the nervous girl who sat at her computer 6 years ago and would have given almost anything to be the girl sitting here now. I will not forget the first clients who trusted me in 2008, and the ones who continue to trust me today. I will be thankful, thankful, thankful, because that’s all I should be.

I’ve included some of my favorite captured moments from the year below. Thank you so much to my family & friends and most of all to my amazing clients, for another blessed and inspiring year.

You may remember Diana & Marvin from their wonderfully windy engagement session, where I was first able to really witness their relationship. This happens after many of my engagement sessions & weddings, but I left feeling especially inspired, inspired by their love for each other and how it outwardly manifests. There is a certain kindness and patience with which they treat each other that I feel we often take for granted in the hustle & bustle of every day life. Their first look on their wedding day was such a perfect example of this – I instantly saw a somewhat nervous Marvin turn joyfully calm and comforted in Diana’s arms. I saw her whispering reassuring words into his ear. I saw their ear-to-ear smiles light up the entire venue. I know I always encourage first looks, but watching them laugh together & share how excited they were for the day really reaffirmed this, and was such a wonderful thing to witness.

The rest of their day at the stunning Vibiana {think 19th century cathedral restored into a dreamy airy event venue} unfolded perfectly, hugely in part to the work of Fresh Events Company, one of the best wedding planning teams I know. I was so happy to have been a part of it and hope you enjoyed this peek into their day!

One thing that has been really really amazing about this job is being able to reconnect with childhood friends. They somehow catch wind {through facebook? a catch-up email?} that this is now what I do, and it works out that I get to photograph one of the happiest days of their lives. These are often friends I’ve fallen a bit out of touch with over the years, but who I share some of my most fond childhood memories with. So there is something extra special & heartwarming about getting to be a part of their wedding day, of meeting & getting to know the loves of their lives, of seeing their parents (who cooked me dinners and watched over us during sleepovers) again there, and ultimately, rekindling a friendship that feels like it literally picked up right from collecting Lisa Frank stickers and making up dance routines, as if no time passed at all :)

Natalie is such a friend, and I keep counting my lucky stars we were able to reconnect this year! I really hoped I captured a piece of her personality in these photos – on her wedding day she was all smiles, beautiful, warm, and caring towards every single person around her, the exact same Natalie I knew when we were just little kids. And although I’ve only met Jeff this year, he seems like the greatest guy, and together they are just so perfect. They had an intimate ceremony at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in Long Beach {yay for shooting weddings in my own neighborhood!} and I love the pretty peacock theme they tied into their day.

I hope you enjoy this peek into a wedding that is so dear to my heart :)