I’m so excited to share this post – I absolutely love sharing a roundup of all the amazing moments that took place in the past year and 2016 was a big one. It was equally one of the best years I’ve had and at the same time, one of the worst. From saying goodbye to my grandmother and losing my sweet pup, Bella, it was a year that challenged what my heart could handle. The one positive from it was that I was fortunate enough to have such incredible people in my life who were there to cheer me up or lean on. I seriously have lucked out in the friend-department because I not only have my solid group of friends that I’ve had for a lifetime, but I also have the friendship of my clients who kept me smiling throughout it all.
After going through the thousands of photos that were taken last year, it was obvious that it was a year full of laughs, adventures, and enjoying the moment. Robin and I decided to travel to Vancouver and drive along the coast stoping in various cities we’d always wanted to visit. One of the best moments of the year was driving along highway 101 and venturing off to the Highway of Giants. That stretch of highway is built within the redwood forest and nothing can truly explain how incredible those trees are. We pulled off the road and took a little hike further into the forest and both of us were in disbelief and awe that there are trees that big – imagine trees that are over 900 years old and 250 feet tall!
The time I spent with my clients has got to be one of the biggest highlights of 2016 and it’s so hard to narrow it all down. Some moments that come to mind are that I got to photograph my good friend’s wedding. There were countless reception dance floors that were way too much fun to leave – I may have been exhausted but my clients and their friends really know how to party! There was also some champagne enjoyed with the bridal party on a pontoon boat as the sun set. I got to show off my “amazing” country skills by hanging out with horses and chickens. There was a wedding where guests broke out in song while we had one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, and on top of that, the wedding was medieval themed! I was able to work with clients over and over, documenting their families as they grow. And you know you have a great client when she’s sending snap videos the morning of her wedding as she’s popping champagne telling me to come early!
There’s so many moments I’m sure I’ve overlooked but hopefully these photos help tell the wonderful story that was 2016. I have to give the biggest thanks to all the clients, friends, and vendors who I was lucky enough to work with. Your trust, support, and friendship are what makes this all possible and I’m forever grateful. Now it’s onto 2017 and it’s already turning out to be an exciting year. Here we go!
Started the year in beautiful Prince Edward County with my girlfriends where we rented a cottage for a mini get-away.
The liveliest group who cheered, laughed, and danced throughout their city hall wedding.
People passing by thought we were celebrating prom – yep, we all took that as a compliment.
One of the best parts of 2016 was combining my love of doggies and photography by volunteering with Save Our Scruff taking photos of their available dogs for adoption.
The best part of this photo is that they are both sitting on their cowboy boots, which have spurs on them, and in weeds covered in thorns – when I say I love my clients I really mean it! They are up for anything!
Summertime with our nieces
Every year around our anniversary we take a trip, it’s turned into an annual tradition. 2016 was the year we went to Vancouver and then drove down the coast to Seattle, Portland, Napa, Big Sur, Carmel Valley, and San Fransisco.
It was the hottest day of the year so these guys made sure to stay hydrated.
Jessica and her dad surprised everyone with a choreographed dance.
I’m pretty sure this was Backstreet Boys.
We threw a bacon-themed going away party for our friend Karen who left to travel the world for a year (she really loves bacon)
When your photographer hangs your dress too high.
We took a mini-trip to Niagara at the end of the year and I’ll never get over how beautiful the falls are.
And I’ll finish it off with the best part of 2016, spending time with Bella.