Golden Ears Park Engagment Session

I spent the better portion of yesterday reflecting on 2017 and setting goals for my businesses and my personal life for 2018. And I’ve gotta say that I feel so pumped to have the opportunities that I do. It still takes me by surprise when I step back and realize that not only do I raise 4 crazy little kiddos but I also run a successful photography business and have recently started up a secondary gig selling Beautycounter. It’s all pretty crazy and humbling to look at because I’d never describe myself as a motivated or hard working person.. I’ve scared myself off of some of my craziest dreams only to fulfill them anyway by just slowly plugging along. And even then, I don’t often celebrate a success because all I feel on my shoulders is the weight of the smaller failures along the way. It’s HARD running a biz. It’s hard raising kids. Extremely hard. All too often, I’m paralyzed by fear and insecurities. And guilt. So much guilt. Is my job taking me away from my kids too much? Am I working too many hours in the pursuit of financial stability? Am I giving enough of myself to my friends, my church, the community around me? Am I really serving God, or am I in the pursuit of serving myself?? It’s hard to answer these questions but good to be introspective so I’ll continue to challenge myself as I grow personally and as a biz!

All that being said, I am planning to cut back quite a bit on how much I’m shooting this year. I want to spend more time with my family. More time reading and maybe even writing, which is a hobby I lost to busyness years ago already. I’d love to spend more time volunteering in my community.. Time is passing me by way too quickly and I don’t want to look back and remember nothing but work. It’s been almost 8 years now since I started shooting. And while photography fulfills me in crazy ways my greatest joy still always comes from being a mom and I do not want to miss more than I have to of my kiddos growing up. SO, I’m limiting myself to 10 weddings a year and will only be offering full and mini sized family sessions a few times a month on pre-determined days that work best for my family. I’m working on putting together a newsletter to announce those dates every month so if you’re interested in being one of the first ones to hear about it please let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to add your email to my list 🙂

For now.. I want to share this beauty of a session that I got to close out 2017 with. This entire session had me jumping for joy! Jaylene and Braden were magic behind the camera and I was so stinking excited about the light and the scenery at Golden Ears Park. Sometimes all the stars align and this was one of those times ♥ Thanks SO much for asking me to be a part of your day, you guys!!!

If you’re looking for a photographer for your big day this year, I’ve got a few spaces left! You can message me here to chat more ♥