This sound/trend was too cute not to do and thus I present my very first reel haha! Featuring one photo from every wedding I was lucky enough to be a part of this year. 🤍 — I wish I could say this was the best year ever, especially since it’s the year my daughter was born, but honestly it was really freaking hard. Transitioning to motherhood and then to working mom 6 weeks later and then to working single mom soon after that was a complete whirlwind. The truth is I spent a good chunk of this year feeling like I was in survival mode and unable to be the best version of myself. I was tired, lonely and riddled with guilt — whether it was mom guilt for having to work so much or business owner guilt not being able to work enough. — But this year brought so many great things as well. I was able to immerse myself as usual in my sessions and weddings and kind of forget about the noise for a bit which is something I’ve always loved about photography. I took some of my absolute favorite photos of my career in 2022 and I feel like I really nailed down the consistency of my style. I got to see a lot of returning clients (many of whom are now good friends of mine) and capture their growing families. And of course, I had Teddy. Despite all of the challenges that motherhood brought this year, she was a constant ray of light. She shifted my focus and my priorities and to be honest, that was a long time coming. She helped me grow closer to my friends and their own children and got me out of the house (& away from the computer) way more than in previous years. I took work life slower this year and made less but looking back it was so worth it for all the memories I was able to make with her. — And now I’m ending 2022 focusing on my mental health & doing things to remember who I am as Laurie — not just as a wife or mom or business owner. I won’t say I’m ending this year on a high note but I’m actively working on that and excited for what 2023 has to offer — both in my personal & work life. Forever grateful to my true friends who helped me survive this year. To my amazing clients who helped me create magic. And to my little family for being the light.🤍 Cya on the flip side!