I’m sitting in my newly decorated office with my dog next to me in her day bed, listening to the rain and reminiscing on what kind of year 2022 was. For the wedding industry as a whole, this was the year that many rescheduled weddings of 2020 came into fruition. We all worked hard to close out 3-year old contracts while catering to our newly booked couples at the same time. It was a lot at times, but man was it fulfilling all at the same time.

I’ve worked harder than I’ve ever worked before in my life and pushed my body and mind to its limits to make sure I produced the best photos I could. I pushed my creativity and tried new things and expanded my horizons with photography. To say the least, it was an enriching and joy-filled year for me. So I decided to go over the highlights of 2022, and how they’ll come to shape the future of my business forever.

Highlight: Destination elopements

I had the privilege of photographing destination elopements in the cities of San Francisco and Santa Barbara. One of the couples found me by chance online and offered me the chance to photograph their elopement at a dream venue- the San Francisco City Hall. This has been on my list since the beginning of my career, so I couldn’t say no!

And just the following day, I drove up to Santa Barbara to photograph a luxurious session. They flew in from Florida to have their private ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and we took photos before and afterwards at the Ritz Carlton Bacara. This elopement was transformational for my business; I’ll never look at elopements the same way! Truly showed me the potential of elopements and how elegant they can truly be.

Highlight: Another year with Florence

On July 2021, I adopted my dog Florence, a rescue from the streets of indigenous Mexico. And my life has changed for the better ever since. This year came with its ups and downs as I had to leave Florence for longer periods of times than I would’ve liked, but getting to come back home to an overly excited dog that has been patiently waiting for my return is something I’ll never take for granted. I’ve learned so much about how to care for someone else, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and my patience levels (we got her as an un-potty trained puppy).

Highlight: Traveling for shoots and editorials

San Jose, Washington State, and Fiji- just some of the incredible destinations I was able to visit this year for work. Getting to shoot at the dreamy Montalvo Arts Center, pursuing education through Sean Thomas‘ workshop in Olympic National Park, and getting to tag along with my work bestie for an all-expenses paid trip to Fiji. I love that this job allows me to continue to travel and explore new places each year, and I can’t wait to see where photography will take me in the new year!

Highlight: Photographing my sister’s wedding

Last year I was entrusted with photographing my sister’s proposal in February, their engagement session in March, and their wedding in May. We’re coming up on their 8th month anniversary, and I still have family members looking at and downloading their wedding gallery. Hopefully we have something planned for their 1 year anniversary, like a potential destination shoot?

Highlight: Photographing so many growing families

After 4 years of weddings, it’s been such a treat to be able to photograph countless maternity and family sessions throughout the year. With past clients and new clients alike, I photographed couples and families all around California- Palm Springs, Point Reyes Station, Laguna Beach, Claremont. It was incredible getting to catch up with my previous couples to see where they are in their lives after their weddings. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to continue to be their chosen photographer!

After going over my highlights of 2022, I couldn’t be more excited about what 2023 has in store for me. This year actually marks my 5th year in the wedding industry! Time has flown by so fast but I have cherished every moment so far. I am still booking for 2023 and 2024, so feel free to contact me if you’re looking for a family, engagement, or wedding photographer.