The clock struck midnight and everyone cheered, kissed, danced, hugged... My phone buzzed with messages of gratitude, messages of well wishes for future, and messages of love, friendship, reflection. I had a few moments to sit and reflect as well. While there's nothing particularly different about the moment of midnight December 31st than any other moment, I still like to join everyone in reflection - what made this year great? Another 365 days of life. What do I want next year to be like? Reflections and Resolutions. I am grateful for 2013, for the challenges, the growth, the learning, and the many people who have impacted my life. I've photographed some beautiful moments and worked with many beautiful, loving people. That's why I like to photograph weddings: There's very little more rewarding than seeing the way a bride and groom look at each other, recognizing TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES. I believe this is true every day, but I love capturing the moments when people are so aware of it. It's inspiring.
As I stated at the beginning of the year, we were only going to accept 10 weddings in 2013. We aren't keeping the same limit for 2014, but I'm glad we did this. We stayed true to the limit, though I did take a few photos at my older brother's wedding (I couldn't help myself!). That was a special day. Such a unique, emotional experience! Sometimes I think it's easier to hide behind the camera so no one knows how sentimental I am - They might not be able to see the tears that way :)
Here's my brother and his wife, Nathan and Liz: Ceremony and reception at South Padre Beach, Texas
I want to thank each couple for contributing to my year. Thank you for inviting me to be there to witness and capture such monumental moments in your lives. I feel incredibly humbled and grateful that my job includes opportunities like this. Here's a photo-review of each wedding day in celebration of you!
Ceremony: Bountiful Utah LDS Temple
Reception: Wight House, Bountiful UT
2. Kiera and Brandon - Los Angeles California LDS Temple
3. Michelle and Sam - Salt Lake City LDS Temple
4. Kathryn and Merrick - Timpanogos LDS Temple
Ceremony: Salt Lake City LDS Temple
Luncheon: Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Reception: Huntington Beach, California
Ceremony: Timpanogos LDS Temple
Reception: Sleepy Ridge Reception Center (Orem, UT)
7. Sarah and Brady - Ceremony and Reception: Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
And yes!! They had a life-sized Jenga game :):):)
8. Alexis and Bret - Ceremony and Reception at Noah's Reception Center
9. Melissa and Nathan - Ceremony and Reception at the Alpine Arts Center, Utah
10. Angela and James
Ceremony: Salt Lake City Temple
Reception: Bella Vista Reception Center
Thank you all for a wonderful year. Congratulations at this exciting stage of life! We are looking forward to the future and welcoming in 2014. As a good friend of mine said, "A book of 365 blank pages starts today. What are you going to create each day... each moment?"
Happy New Year to all!