2017 was a year of growth, lessons, and pursuing what makes me truly happy! Both professionally and personally, I’ve got a better understanding of where my heart is happiest. If I had to pick a word to outline my goals for 2018 it’s INVEST. Investing my time, energy, and funds into the things that make me smile. I’ve got big personal plans to escape our summer heat here in AZ and a professional goal to help other mamas plan, execute, and dream their goals into existence through systems and planning that works.

I am sharing some of my favorite moments and photos from 2017 below, and I hope that you had some bubbly to ring in 2018!

January 2017 – Rising Tide Society Leaders Retreat in San Francisco. Whoa, first time leaving my baby girl and I shared a tiny space with 3 women I’d never met before. I worried my 3 am pumping would wake them and we’d grow tired of one another but it was truly a blessing to have some time for me, meet new friends, and connect with my then co-leader & now website designer – Amanda! I love being a part of RTS and this escape was perfect. I also found the best Southern food and Bloody Mary in San Fran at The Little Skillet and a place that marries baguettes with mascarpone cheese and Nutella; heaven I tell ya.

In March, I photographed Emily & Curtis’ wedding day, and despite a man barbecuing behind us in bright red shorts and about 10 minutes for couple’s portraits, the sun was in the perfect spot and we utilized that light for dreamy portraits! Best glow!

In April I headed up to Pinetop for Courtney & Ken’s wedding day which was on a lake. It was awesome. They had a canoe filled with drinks, beautiful weather, and the prettiest lakeside ceremony. They easily win best flower “girls” as they had their grandmothers toss rose petals down the aisle!

Also in April one of my best friends came from Virginia to attend a conference with her husband. It was incredible getting to see a lifelong friend meet our daughter. When we went home in October, Milly got to meet her three boys (and two other special little men) for the first time and it made my whole year. Seeing your friends as mothers is a beautiful thing to witness.

Summer came way too early here in the valley but that meant celebrating our kiddos first birthday in July! We met up with family (who also live in warm places) in Chicago and had an incredible time. I love my little city girl, who fit right in, and enjoyed chocolate cake in front of the bean to ring in her first year!

July means crazy temperatures here but Frank & Jen lucked out with the best wedding day weather of 2017. Cloudy skies and random bursts of rain meant portraits outside in July! It’s usually well over 110 by then and most brides and grooms wouldn’t brave those temperatures. I’m so glad it all worked our perfectly, every couple deserves that!

California! My photog bestie Suzy Goodrick asked me to come along and second for her for a beautiful California wedding day! I wrote a whole blog post on our time there, you can find it here! Showed Milly the Pacific Ocean for the first time, and we had an amazing time, thanks for having me Suzy!

Alyssa & Steven had hands down the best dancing of 2017. I love when my brides love to dance, I love to dance too! Alyssa said “we need to capitalize on dancing time and get group shots before dinner!” She was right, she danced the night away and so did her mama, I knew exactly where she got it from. The best.

In October we took a long trip back to our home state of Virginia to visit family, friends, and then head to Disney! My husband, Chris, had a conference in Florida, and my sister happens to live there (and basically live at Disney) so we took Milly with her two cousins! Hands down, best trip, especially at Halloween! This is the brewery where we had my baby shower. Yup. I had my baby shower in a brewery, but in my defense they have the best fried oysters, shrimp, and fried green tomatoes!!

Ashley & Nick easily had the best ceremony of 2017. From Ashley’s older brother officiating, to their heartfelt vows, and their nieces singing Train’s Marry Me. These two are in loveeee and it shows in so many ways, I love you both!

November brought all the beautiful fall colors and wedding days! Katy & Caleb had the sweetest day, and Katy had a first look with her dad, Caleb, and her bridesmaids. This photo below is my favorite. Best bridesmaids reaction of 2017 ((and possibly ever))!!

Damion & Dezirae had the best bridal party, they were all so stylish and danced the night away! I love that when Dezirae got her images back she immediately shared the ones of her getting ready with her girls! Best bridal party of 2017!

2017 has been a year of growth and figuring out this whole small business owner//full-time mama gig and I wound’t trade it for anything. Here’s a picture of what most days feel like taken on film by my friend Sara Bishop. Milly girl in her element and me just hanging on for dear life! I’m so excited for 2018, time to celebrate!