My 2020 in review
It was finally time to write up my 2020 in review. After reading the blog that mentioned my 2020 goals, I am excited to say that I accomplished 3/5! That was all about prepping for my move to Monterey, giving each wedding my best, and to stop being trendy. My Instagram feed has definitely become more established based on who I am and what I want to post, not just about what everyone else says I need to post. The other two (travel more and volunteer once a month), was obviously destroyed by Covid. I couldn’t go to the places I wanted to go. Once again, the mission trip was pushed, and local shelters no longer accepted volunteers due to regulations. Indeed, 2020 was different.
This blog is going to look back on 2020 and all the good that came out of it, not the bad. 2020 was still a good year for myself, my marriage, and my business. The year even ended with a cross-country road trip and a portrait session with my husband that I will never forget!
Masterminds
Masterminds are where local wedding vendors come together in the guidance under a leader. I started my year with a 12 week mastermind where I met photographers who I now call good friends and support each other with such passion. Covid had just begun half way through and I could not have gotten through it without those girls. My year also ended with me in a different mastermind, except with vendors from all over the world. Because of this second mastermind, I have a plan for 2021 and my growth in my purpose and business has gotten better because of it. It’s a year long, and so far, has been incredible.
Publications
Two of my weddings have been accepted for blog publications with two amazing wedding sources. Sydney and Ben’s Elopement was featured on The Budget Savvy Bride, you can read about it here.
The second publication was one of my favorite 2020 weddings, held at the Historic Post Office. Dylan and Lauren’s wedding was on Tidewater and Tulle, and you can see their wedding blog here.
I also helped plan and hosted a Folklore Theme Portrait Shoot based off of Taylor Swift’s Album. You can read all about it, and find it on Buzzfeed here!
Destination Wedding
During my 2020 in review, I loved that I got asked by a leader in the photography industry to shoot her brothers wedding in Key West during an unfortunate time where she could not make it. I was so honored when Michelle asked me to fly down there and document this well-planned elopement for her brother, her sister-in-law and a few so close friends. I felt right at home the moment I walked into the cottage, was greeted with smiles, and had a killer time trying out the local food. My time there was only there for 39 hours. But, those shots I now get to use are so beautiful.
Amy & Jordan Portrait Session
Amy & Jordan are two photographers who are husband and wife, and also my photography mentors. I first got introduced to them three years ago by a free class. In short, I ended up in all three of their photography courses, and started my business full-time. They taught me how to shoot, edit, blog, post, connect, and they are one of the main sources behind my success when I move my business.
I knew from day one that I one day, wanted my husband and I to be in front of their cameras. This year, that dream came true. My fate, they had free time the exact weekend Steve and I were in Phoenix. The session was everything I dreamed of, and more. The gallery is perfect, and was one of the major highlights of 2020!
Move to Monterey
We got orders to Monterey, and so began a 6 months journey of moving our life and my business out to California. All of this was also during a pandemic. This lead to so many more obstacles than I usually handle. However, I am so excited to say that I was able to book sessions, elopements, and weddings in Monterey before I even got here. Not many, but considering the state of the pandemic that we are in, I am beyond pleased with this start.
I got connected with friends who are also vendors, and our neighbors welcomed us with smiles and a welcome package full of goodies. Tours at venues are set up, and I even booked a few second shooter gigs as far as San Francisco. This move has been successful and I am going to enjoy my time here while it lasts. In less than two years, we do it all over again.
My 2020 in review
All in all, this year was good. My 2020 in review was scary, but good. I had days where I let the virus get me down and depress me. With the help of friends and family, I was able to get through this year with grace and ended the year with a smile. I feel like if anything, I grew from this year and found a better version of myself. I became the photographer I wanted to be, and supported small businesses from all over the country during a time they needed it most. My hope is that everyone looks back and tries to find the good of 2020. Look at it half full, not half empty, and the outcome will surprise you.
xo,
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