wedding journal

It’s Here – My 2024 Recap!

Wow, what a year 2024 has been! As I sit back and reflect on the incredible experiences I’ve had, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. This year has been nothing short of amazing for my business, and I’m beyond excited to share the highlights with you. Read more about my 2024 Recap!

1. Working with the Most Amazing Couples, Families, & Vendors

First and foremost, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with the most wonderful couples and families. Each one of them was so down-to-earth, kind, and fun to be around. They truly made my job a joy, and I’m beyond grateful for the trust they placed in me to be part of their special moments. From intimate celebrations to larger weddings, each story was unique, and I cherished every second.

What made this year even more special was the incredible vendors I had the privilege of collaborating with. Working alongside such talented and passionate people has been a game changer. We were all on the same page, working together as a team to make sure every couple had the best day possible.

2. Learned My Limit

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in 2024 was understanding my limits. As someone who’s always eager to say “yes” and take on every opportunity that comes my way, I realized this year that balance is key. I’ve always wanted to give my all to my couples and clients, and while it hasn’t been perfect, I can confidently say I did a much better job this year of managing my workload and making time for the things that truly matter.

For the first time, I really committed to blocking off weekends to recharge and give my family the quality time they deserve. I took the entire month of July and September off, which allowed me to truly unplug and catch up on galleries. This not only helped me be a better partner and parent, but it also allowed me to come back to my work with a renewed sense of energy and creativity.

To ensure I could continue this healthier balance, I also capped the number of weddings I take on each year. My ideal number is 15 weddings, but no more than 18. This cap allows me to focus on delivering the best experience for each couple while still having weekends to escape with my family.

It’s not always easy to say no, but it’s something I’m proud to have prioritized in 2024. By honoring my personal limits, I’ve been able to show up fully for the amazing couples I work. Here’s to more balance and boundaries in 2025!

3. Found My Style

2024 was the year I truly found my style, both in terms of editing and my approach to a wedding day. It’s such a huge milestone for me, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve discovered.

When it comes to my editing style, I’ve learned to embrace my love for color. I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, bold hues, and I made it a point this year to let that shine through in my images. My focus is on keeping the colors true and bright, ensuring that the beauty of each moment comes alive in every photo. I want the images to feel vibrant and full of life, exactly like the days they represent.

Beyond editing, I’ve also honed in on how I approach a wedding day. For me, it’s all about capturing those moments that often go unnoticed — the little in-betweens, the quiet smiles, the unspoken glances. These are the moments that tell the true story of a wedding day. While I still capture posed images when needed (because I know some people feel more comfortable with direction), my goal is always to make sure you feel the photos, not just see them. I want the photos to evoke the emotion, the laughter, and the love that were there in that very moment.

Finding this style has made such a difference in my work, and I’m so grateful to have reached this point. It’s about telling a story that’s authentic and full of color, and I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025, capturing even more beautiful moments in the years ahead.

4. Awesome Venues I Worked at in 2024

One of the most exciting parts of my job is getting to work at some truly stunning venues, and 2024 did not disappoint! I had the privilege of capturing weddings at a diverse range of locations, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Here are some of the amazing venues I had the chance to work at this year:

• Turner Hill in Ipswich – A gorgeous, classic venue with breathtaking views and impeccable service.

• Willowdale Estate – This historic venue with its rustic elegance and stunning grounds is always a favorite!

• Waverly Oaks in Plymouth – A picturesque location, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

• Saphire Estate in Sharon – A beautiful, all-inclusive venue with a grand ballroom and stunning outdoor ceremony space.

• The Villa in Bridgewater – A timeless venue with classic charm and sophisticated elegance.

• Publick House in Sturbridge – A rustic New England venue with a cozy, intimate feel and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Grand View in Mendon – A venue that lives up to its name, offering sweeping views and a warm, inviting vibe.

• Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton – A hidden gem with panoramic views of New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains.

• The Margate at Lake Winnipesaukee – A lakeside venue with a relaxed, yet stunning atmosphere.

• Bird Dog Cidery – A charming, rustic venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, nature-filled celebration.

• LaBelle Winery in Derry – A beautiful vineyard setting that combines romance and elegance with a touch of rustic charm.

• Beauport in Gloucester – A scenic venue with incredible coastal views and a truly special ambiance.

• Bedford Village Inn in Bedford – An elegant venue that blends modern luxury with timeless New England charm.

• Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead – A stunning waterfront venue that offers an elegant, nautical vibe.

Each of these venues provided a unique and unforgettable setting for the weddings I captured, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at such incredible places. Whether it was an elegant ballroom, a serene lakeside, or a rustic vineyard, these venues made each wedding day feel extraordinary.

Thanks for reading my 2024 recap! I can’t wait to see where 2025 will take me, but I’m beyond grateful for the beautiful spaces I got to experience in 2024!

Interested in working together? Let’s chat!

Amanda and Bobby truly had a stunning wedding at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA. It was nothing short of spectacular. The couple shared their first look in front of the stunning venue, capturing a moment filled with emotion and anticipation. The backdrop of the estate’s elegant architecture added a touch of timeless beauty to their intimate exchange.

Before Amanda and Bobby shared their intimate first look in front of the stunning Saphire Estate, Amanda had a touching first look with her dad and brothers. These heartfelt moments set the tone for a day filled with love and joy.

Following these special moments, the family and wedding party gathered for photos. Despite the impressive size of the wedding party, totaling 25, the atmosphere was anything but overwhelming. The group was incredibly kind and organized, making the photos breeze. The wedding party was so supportive of the couple, it was beautiful to be part of that.

Favorite detail

Amanda and Bobby left was the personal notes each guest’s seat at the table. These heartfelt messages were a true testament to Amanda and Bobby’s thoughtfulness and the depth of their connections with each guest. Each note was carefully crafted, reflecting the couple’s genuine appreciation and love for the friends and family who came to celebrate their special day.

This personal touch not only added a unique and intimate element to the reception but also showed Amanda and Bobby’s personalities. Warm, considerate, and deeply caring. These notes brought smiles, laughter, and even a few tears, creating a memorable and cherished experience for everyone present.

It was a perfect day, and I’m so happy I was able to capture it for them. From the beautiful setting at Saphire Estate to the personal touches and emotional moments, it was truly a joy to document Amanda and Bobby’s special day.

See more photos from Amanda & Bobby’s perfect day!

Tips for bringing your dog to a photography session. Things I’ve learned that are helpful over the years!

First and foremost, ask your photographer if they are comfortable with you bringing your dog to your session.

Your photographer may not be comfortable with dogs or the location for your session may not allow them.

I’m all for bringing your dog to your session because they are family!

Bring a friend or family member.

If you are bringing your dog to your session or wedding, bring someone (friend or family) to manage/hang out with your dog.

You don’t want to worry about your dog during your session, especially if they tap out and are done with photos.

Having someone familiar to them is key to having a successful session.

Know their temperament.

These are essential questions to ask yourself when you consider bringing your dog to your session.

• How does your dog do in crowded places?
• With strangers or kids?
• Are they ok near water?
• Other dogs?
• How are they around a camera?

Brings treats!

Always bring treats. This can help with getting them to look at the camera or refocus.

You can also bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal for them.

Making them feel comfortable can help with a successful session!

Take photos with them first.

I always get photos with them done at the beginning of the session because their behavior or willingness for photos will start to diminish as the session goes on.

I may try and get a few more photos towards the end of the session but totally depends on their mood!

I hope you found tips for bringing your dog to a photography session helpful!

Looking to book a session with you pup? Let’s chat!