Whoa. Did we really just smash into 2017? I honestly can't believe 2016 is....over. I'm not one for New Years resolutions really but I did set some big goals for myself last year and I am pretty pumped to say I met most of them. Some of the things I did weren't even on my list because I never thought I could accomplish them. CRAY-ZAY. This is a post to say, I'm so freaking excited about how my business has grown and all the things that took place over the last 365(ish) days. 

Let's start with December 2015. (Yes I know that was more than a year ago but bear with me.)

In December 2015 I started a private Facebook group for all my lady friends that I thought would be interested in doing a boudoir shoot. I think I invited maybe 50 girls and asked them to add their friends. I put out a model call and asked for volunteers to be my "real woman" models. I shot 4 babes in December and the rest is really history.

2016 is the year I went for it. I found my passion and I threw myself at it 110%. I don't know when it happened, but I started to view myself as a business owner and not a "hobby photographer". I went on to have over 35 boudoir sessions last year. It freaking BLEW MY MIND. 

I also traveled last year. FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. Ha - yah - it's true. What is this LIFE?! In January I flew to Amarillo, TX to second shoot a wedding with the incredible Bahareh Ritter. It was such a joy to second shoot and learn from her.  She had the sweetest clients and friends and I'm not surprised she and her husband left our corner of Ohio and returned to Amarillo at the end of last year. :(

In July I traveled to Vail, Colorado for the Oh Sh!t Workshop with my ultimate photographer lady crush, Andria Lindquist. We stayed in a bomb ass house, drank lots of wine, told stories, had impromptu photo shoots, ate the BEST vegan food I've ever had, got mini makeovers by my girl Gaylin and had our own photo shoot with Andria. #dead. Dreams do come true. 

I wrote a more detailed blog post about this here and here but the below photos basically sum it up.

Lastly, I shot my first destination wedding in October in Puerto Rico. That trip was made even more amazing by the fact that my clients became friends wayyyy before the wedding so it turned into a mini vacation. You can read more about that trip of a lifetime here but one of my favorite images from the wedding (actually one of my favorite images I've EVER taken to date) is below.

Speaking of weddings, I shot 4 total last year which was a comfortable number considering the year before I shot 8 and I was considering not shooting ANY this year. Super glad I threw that idea out the window. :) I shot a gorgeous wedding (thanks to April at Your Perfect Day) in January. 

I also had the honor of shooting my first same-sex wedding in July (also made beautiful by April at Your Perfect Day). Fiona and Melissa had been together for SIXTEEN years. It was an emotional day for them AND everyone else who was there to celebrate.

I also got to work with this freaking adorable couple in August. One of the hottest days of the year, complete with an Ohio summer thunderstorm didn't phase them. When I say this couple was laid back and so much fun to work with, I'm not doing them enough justice. Plus, we made magic happen once the clouds parted.

One of the highlights of my year though was scheduling a session for my mom, aunt and 3 cousins. We made it a total girls day with hair by my girl Christah and makeup by the uber talented Beauty by Billie Jo. Even though I was completely exhausted after doing 5 shoots, it was one of the best days I can remember. I got to take some images of my mom that I think are simply stunning. This is the stuff that makes my heart happy. <3

I took December off to prepare for 2017. I had such high aspirations to get organized, order new samples, ramp up my marketing, etc. etc. But the truth is, I love where I am, I love the clients I work with. And when I look back at 2016...man, it was a good year.

I've got some monster goals from 2017 and I'm so ready to take this year on. I'm 75% finished with my studio office makeover and I hired a cleaning service. (!!!) Let's do this. Who's with me?!