A Thank You to my 2016 Couples
As I've been goal setting for 2017, I've also been reminiscing over 2016 and really taking a look at all of the goals I was able to accomplish this year. It's been a wild ride, and has really surpassed any of my expectations! Of all of my accomplishments, the one I'm most proud of is being 100% open, honest and authentic with my audience and my clients. My goal was purely to create a better wedding experience for my couples, and I didn't realize how much this idea would shape me and my business. I've been able to gain a better relationship with my clients, and I've truly and completely enjoyed MY experience with these wonderful couples, their family and their friends! I've really enjoyed my photography career, but this year has been extra special. I found myself falling in love over and over again with shooting weddings. And for that, I'm truly TRULY grateful to my 2016 Mae B Photo couples! The excitement and pure joy I've had over this year is largely in part to you guys.
So THANK YOU!!!!
With that being said, I thought I'd share with you guys some great wedding moments from this past year!
Heidi & Steve - This wedding OFFICIALLY kicked off my 2016 season. I've had quite a few barn weddings, and I loved the intimacy of them all! For Heidi and Steve's wedding, I think my favorite part of the day was when I could sneak them away from the barn to take some photos of the two of them. They trusted me enough to trek through a field to get some BEAUTIFUL shots. Sarah, my second shooter, and I had a golf cart and Steve and Heidi were on theirs. I hadn't driven a golf cart in years, and for whatever reason I was paranoid of taking a turn and my camera bag flying off the back. Needless to say, I kind of drove like a grandma. No equipment was harmed, just my ego :P (totally kidding).
Meghan & Jarrett - It was a long, hot, rainy day in July for their wedding, but absolutely nothing was going to bring them down! I've known Jarrett for years, and it was so nice to reconnect with him. And when I met Meghan, I immediately adored her and was over the moon that my friend found someone so absolutely amazing. My favorite memory that I have from this wedding is the emotional response from their family and friends. Everyone was there to celebrate their marriage and it was just BEAUTIFUL to see the joy and tears of happiness!
Gabby & Shane - I was really excited for this wedding, just because I couldn't wait to see them say "I do" after a decade long relationship. Before the wedding, I could totally see the butterflies from both Gabby and Shane. It was that nervous excitement that the wedding was FINALLY happening, and it was so beautiful! The look on their faces immediately following the ceremony was priceless! I hope they always remember that happiness!
Tara & Matt - These two are total troopers. They faced the craziest weather on their wedding day, but paid no attention to it. It was humid, it was sunny, it was a total monsoon for most of the reception - and none of that mattered. The details were beautiful and Tara had one of the most gorgeous gowns I've ever seen. Since it was a backyard wedding, the bottom of her dress was covered in mud and Matt's shoes were completely muddy too. And I watched those two dance the night away without a care in the world. It's a really good reminder that wedding days are unpredictable and things will happen that can ruin your plans - IF YOU LET THEM. The entire backyard could've been a swamp and I don't think that would've stopped this couple from having the time of their lives!
Mary Catherine & Chad - If you've read one of my recent blog posts, then you know how much I LOVED photographing these two! It's no surprise that my favorite part of the day was when I had these two alone for some pictures. I swear, they just look at each other and light up. I've never photographed a couple who looked more in love than them. We had maybe 15 minutes, but it was full of smiles, starry eyes, soft kisses and romantic moments - my favorite!
Amber & Kyle - I just wrote about this in a blog and on Instagram, but it's soooo worth repeating because it was such a special moment. During the ceremony, Kyle and Amber invited Amara, Amber's daughter, to come stand with them. At this time, Kyle got down on one knee and read a hand-written note he wrote to Amara. He promised to be there for her and to be protect her like a father should. Everyone watching started crying. I am so happy I could hide behind my camera, because there were definitely tears in my eyes. It is probably my favorite moment during any ceremony I've ever been to!
Sarah & Dustin - Their wedding was another one of my intimate, barn weddings this season. I could talk about the beautiful, golden hour sunset that we had or the stunning, white pumpkin centerpieces, but those weren't quite my favorite part of their wedding. I'd have to say that my favorite moment while shooting this wedding was Sarah and Dustin's First Look. I absolutely love photographing first looks and you really never know how someone is going to react. I figured this one would be emotional, but the second Dustin turned around, Sarah completely lost it and immediately ran into his arms. I was SO happy they got to have that intimate, private moment before their ceremony!
Tracey & Aaron - A lot of my weddings this season have been very personal and family oriented, and Tracey and Aaron's wedding was no different. Their bridal party was pretty much all family, and I will say the best dressed Groomsman was Winston, hands down :P Winston is Tracey and Aaron's puppy child, who came equipped with a puppy tux! He was such a dapper guy, and the cutest!
Kaylynn & Matt - Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a big animal lover. So when Kaylynn told me we'd have a chance to meet a few cool animals at her and Matt's zoo wedding, I was squealing with excitement! It should come as no surprise that my favorite moment during their wedding was seeing the two of them light up as they met Rosie the hedgehog and Monty the armadillo. If you've never seen an armadillo up close, let me tell you, they're actually pretty cute. Monty stole my heart :P Rosie was a complete doll too, and posed for some photos for me ;]
Now, as I look to 2017, I'm eagerly awaiting some really beautiful weddings!
2017 Mae B Photo Couples - I'm so so SO excited to get to know you better and experience some really beautiful moments on your wedding day! I'm already gushing over your wedding planning and I just know your weddings are going to be really special! Cheers!