05/02/2022
It's here....MY 40TH BIRTHDAY!
I don't even know what to say. I would've never dreamed 30, 20, or 10 years ago that this is where I would be in life. I am thankful every day that I get to wake up and curate some of the most amazing experiences, both personally and professionally.
As if 39 years of growth isn't enough, this past year was full of emotional growth and somehow made me more thankful that I get to capture moments in time for my client friends. Sad story short, I lost my best friend of 30 years, Kristen, suddenly in November. Not just my best friend but one of my personal life cheerleaders who helped me start my small business, photographed weddings with me in the days when I was just starting out or in a pinch, and loved (and probably commented) on nearly everything I ever posted. Losing her shook every aspect of my life but here is what I have been reminded to do:
-connect with people and share your joy
-fight for what's right
-don't question it, just buy the book...or the concert tickets...might as well just get that tattoo you've been thinking of too...
-remind people how much they mean to you
-do the things and live life
-LAUGH. Do it loudly.
-document everything so you can relive it
I'm forever thankful to all of my clients, but especially those who were understanding, gracious, and empathetic while I navigated through my feelings at the end of 2021. I'm also thankful for those who had me document parts of their lives during the process. Doing what I love feels like I'm honoring her while making sure others have mementos of their lives. Now at 40, I'll carry that feeling with me and it makes me more excited to be a part of the celebrations of my clients and friends.
For my birthday, I treated myself to a nice little session with my pal Emily Manders Photography at her new studio. A new friend, 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐩 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 made my hair and makeup look fantastic. It was healing to be with these ladies as I got ready for this photo session just chatting about life in Emily's amazing space (I may have cried a little but it didn't ruin Courtney's makeup skills thankfully). A complete surprise to me, my talented friend Erin at 7 Little Cupcakes- Official had made me a beautiful, delicious gluten-free cake. I left the session with a strength I didn't feel going in and an excitement to not only document this milestone in my life but celebrate it.
This is why I love photography...
Now let's see what unfolds this year as we travel around the sun.
📸💜✨