Let me start off by saying, I can not believe how quickly 2016 flew by. From settling into a new state across the country to launching my business, last year was full of a lot of firsts. 2016 often made me feel like the little kid who knows how to swim but is hesitant to take the leap. All I needed was a little push to show me that I can survive, I can handle being a military spouse and I can find happiness a world away from my friends and family. I can stand on my own two feet and run a business that has shown growth and even made a profit in the first year. I know that I have what it takes but sometimes it takes a little jolt to motivate me past my comfort zone and just go for it.

As I went through my files and tallied up what I captured last year, I was pretty surprised and I think the numbers themselves are an accomplishment that deserve recognition. I don’t look at the numbers as income or as in “there’s a certain amount of sessions a successful photographer should be capturing” each year. I look at these numbers as representations of people who didn’t know me, didn’t have a word of mouth reference but trusted in my abilities anyhow. I could not have done it without the support of my friends, family and the amazing photography community here. There were so many people that encouraged me, allowed me to second shoot with them and sent me referrals. For that I am so grateful and hope to always pay it forward to others who are new to an area.

So 2016, here’s what we did:

15 – Weddings (in 3 states)
2 – Styled Shoots
9 – Couples (Anniversary and Engagements)
6 – Births (My shortest birth lasted 4 hours and my longest 26)
18 – Lifestyle and Portrait Sessions (Family, Maternity, Boudoir and Headshots)

On a more personal note, here are some of my favorite memories:

1. Camping with my husband at Snow Lake in July. We’ve gotten to travel a lot around the PNW but sleeping under the stars with the love of my life was such a special experience and one I’ll never forget. You can see photos from our trip HERE.

2. Watching my best friend Sierra get married. I got to be a bridesmaid in her wedding last December and it was truly special being there with her.

3. Welcoming my friend Laura’s little man into the world. Laura has become a huge part of my life in such a short time and being part of her support and her photographer was an experience I’ll always treasure.

And the hardest moments:
I was really fortunate this year to not be put into any devastating situations and I know I am so lucky for that. Some of my hardest times were just simply being away from friends and family in general. There’s a few times that my friends and family had scary or special moments and sometimes it simply doesn’t feel like enough to just “talk” to them over the phone or see how it went. It’s also been really tough seeing my niece and best friend’s twin girls grow and change without us there to make memories with them. Being away is a challenge and some days just feel harder than others.

All in all, 2016 was a year of discovery. I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learned and really thrive this year. Cheers friends!

Styled + Real Weddings

Styled Wedding with Styled Shoots by Rebecca Anne

Marie + Jeremy | Kachess Ridge Resort Wedding

Styled Wedding with Seattle House of Flynn

Paige + Henry | West Point New York Wedding

Desiree + Jared | Rock Creek Gardens Wedding with LBently Photography

Ashley + Austin | Florida Ranch Wedding with Sierra Ford Photography

Anne + Chris | Florida Tavares Pavilion Wedding with Sierra Ford Photography

Kaylee + Adam | Florida Lake Mary Events Center Wedding with Sierra Ford Photography

Cody and Brooke | Orchid Garden Wedding with Sierra Ford Photography

Kelly + Zach | Trinity Tree Farm Wedding with Jenny Stormont Photography

Mandy + Andrew | Golden Gardens Park Wedding with LBentley Photography

Megan + Xander | Chehalis Wedding with Jeanne Phinney Phtography

Ginny + Michael | Maplewood Golf Course Wedding

Molly +  Steve | Florida Harmony Gardens Wedding with Sierra Ford Photography

Alex + Jay | Florida Sandpearl Resort Wedding with Sierra Ford Photography

Darcy + Hank | Talaris Conference Center + The Great Hall at Green Lake Wedding with Lindsey Denman Photography

Couples | Engagement + Anniversary Sessions

Births

Lifestyle + Portrait Sessions

Interested in a session or wedding with MMP? Click HERE to inquire!