2016 was a year of growth, joy and accomplishment. It was a year that finally felt like all of my hard work in years past paid off. I finally felt organized, well branded, higher end, polished and more professional. Every year I learn new things but I felt like I had finally reached a point in my business where it was the best experience for my clients. From the easy workflow of sending an invoice for brides to pay online to viewing their wedding on the blog in less than 7 days. I started making tiny changes here and there to enhance the LYP experience for each and every bride. Along with learning and challenging myself, I also had a lot of fun! I had some amazing assistants that helped me out this year as well as 17 awesome couples that let me shoot their wedding!

One of my favorite things in my workflow that just made this year so much more enjoyable for me was the Bridal Guide I sent out. (Shhh don’t tell anyone but I send out a goodie box with this guide included when you book with me!) It’s literally 70+ pages of content that helps a bride stay organized and prepare them for what to expect from the LYP experience. It seems backwards but it’s almost like I did my homework before the assignment was given. Educating brides (and grooms!) beforehand makes the wedding day and photography experience 110% better!

2017 will be an amazing year and I get excited every time my first wedding of the season rolls around. I am always humbled when I think about where I started. Those of you that trusted me then to capture your day or your families, I am forever thankful. I have complete and utter gratitude for you and what you allow me to do. I thank God for the opportunity to do what I love and I’m thankful for this little tribe he’s allowed me to connect with. Ya’ll are the best!

So without further ado, here’s the behind the scenes of 2016. It feels a bit weird to post photos of myself (and mostly my backside) but I always love looking at fellow photographers behind the scenes so I couldn’t help myself. Each wedding was fun and had something unique or silly happen. I’ve had to hike my skirt up and tie it in a knot to keep it from getting wet. I’ve had to drive a golf cart and keep up with the owner of the golf course as he lead us to spots for photos. I’m pretty sure everyone thought I was crazy. I’ve had to walk on my knees in the center aisle. I’ve had to stand in a big pile of sand to get a wide enough shot of the bridal party. I’ve had bees down my shirt (yeesh!). I’ve stepped on people’s toes when I back up without looking. I’ve had to duck through umbrellas during the ceremony. I’ve never sweat so much in my life at a few of these July weddings. I’ve transported couples to the reception (holler Jamie + Michael!). I had to take my breast pump to pretty much every wedding and fit time to do that…exhausting. I’ve had a bazillion different cookies at the yummy and enormously famous Youngstown cookie tables. And last but not least, I’ve left not one but TWO expensive pieces of equipment at a church and the bride saved my butt!! (holler Alyssa!)

Enjoy these silly pictures of me and a few of my assistants (Christine, Carrie + Trish)!