I just realized that I never did a year-end recap post for 2021 or 2022… oopsies!  Trying to get better about blogging again, so let’s recap 2023…

2023 started out as one of my slowest years ever.  In January of 2023, I only had 10 weddings booked for the year and I was actively interviewing for full-time jobs.  Seriously!!  I thought 2023 would be the year I was forced to quit wedding photography and go back to Corporate America.  Luckily, my near-empty schedule meant that I had the opportunity to take on many last minute projects and weddings – including weddings in Spain, Italy + Hawaii!  So that slow start to the year ended up being a HUGE blessing for me and my business… and I’m finishing 2023 in a WAY better position than when the year started.

I had the pleasure of shooting 16 weddings in 2023, along with 4 elopements and 2 intimate weddings.  To supplement my income for the year, I second shot a TON and really had a great time doing it.  I love to learn from others, and working with photographers you love and admire is a great way to push yourself as a photographer.  I second shot with Justin Brown, KT Crabb, Clay Austin, Abigail Malone – and even got to assist Olivia Leigh at Serena + Joe’s Charleston wedding this summer!  If you watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette or BIP, you know who I’m talking about.  It was truly a year of learning + growth for me and my business in 2023.

Education is always a huge part of my business.  I firmly believe you can never stop learning as a photographer and business owner.  In April, I went to New Orleans for Emergence – which is a retreat workshop experience for wedding professionals.  I honestly had the BEST time there and met some incredible people along the way.  It really was one of the best investments I’ve made in terms of my education and business – and I hope to attend another Emergence event in 2024.

I had the opportunity to photograph behind the scenes and detail photos for some amazing planners in 2023, including Design Studio South, Lindsey Wise Designs, and Allison Event Design.  I love being able to capture behind-the-scenes and portfolio details for wedding planners whenever I can!

Overall, my business is slowly but steadily growing in the direction I’ve been working so hard for – which makes me extremely happy and proud.  2023 was the best financial year I’ve had since 2016 – when I had an associate program and shot 52 weddings myself.  To have shot less than HALF of the amount of weddings I did in 2016/2017, without an associate photographer bringing in extra income, and to have made MORE money is such a blessing and milestone for my business.  This year, I also had my highest grossing month EVER in September 2023… I’m just so thankful to the planners, venues, and clients who continue to recommend me and choose me.  Seriously, it’s humbling and amazing.  I’m ending the year on a high note and plan to continue the momentum into the future.

I had one feature in 2023 – Becca + Josh’s wedding was featured in the Spring 2023 issue of Charleston Weddings Magazine.  This wedding will forever remain a favorite of mine!!

On a more personal note, I was able to travel a TON this year because of my business.  I spent time in New Orleans, the Highlands in NC, Chicago, Nantucket, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Hawaii – even just listing that all out gives me goosebumps.  As many of you know, travel has become a major part of my life and it isn’t lost on me just how lucky I am to be able to see so many incredible places because of this business of mine.  Although 2024 isn’t filled with any big travel plans yet, I am hopeful that some amazing opportunities come along just like they did in 2023.

I started reading again this past year and I finished 11 books, which is a pretty big deal considering I typically only really sit down and read when I’m traveling.  I’ve made it a priority in my life to try and slow down and enjoy the stillness when it happens – which has always been a challenge for me – and reading has really helped me with this.

And this year I went to two EPIC concerts – Taylor Swift in Atlanta and Fall Out Boy in Chicago.  Both shows were absolutely incredible.

So back to business… I owe a lot of my success to my amazing team.  Even though I am a one-woman show, I couldn’t do it without all of the people behind the scenes who help me keep things running smoothly and efficiently.  My work wife, Sloan, who consistently goes above and beyond for me + my clients.  It’s always reassuring when you’re shooting beside me.  Thank you for everything you do and for being an incredible friend, as well.  To my private editor, Emily, who painstakingly goes over every single image with a fine tooth comb before I deliver images to my clients.  To my bookkeeper, Casey, and my CPA, Elmo – who make sure that all my bookkeeping, financials, and taxes are taken care of.  To my wonderful contract lawyer, Rebecca, who is always there to answer any legal questions that pop up along the way.  This business is more than just me and I’m so thankful for the wonderful team I have behind me.

And to the 22 fabulous couples who invited me into their lives to document their wedding day… wow.  This year was beyond incredible and I can’t thank you all enough for trusting me with your memories.  I can’t wait to see what 2024 holds!