2013 has been AWESOME! I traveled a lot, learned things the hard way {isn’t that the best way to learn, though?}, grew my business, and met some of the greatest people ever!
A few of the best things that happened to me this year:
- My little man celebrated his 1st birthday!
- My wonderful hubby and I went to see The Used at the House of Blues Dallas and then… WE MET THE BAND AND HUGGED BERT MCCRACKEN! Yup.
- I celebrated my 21st birthday with close friends and family!
- I second shot with some amazingly talented photographers who taught me a lot! Shout out to Devon Jones of Devon J. Imagery, Carla Blanchard of Carla Blanchard Photography, Ashley Campana of Ashley Campana Photography, and Chevy Gil of Chevy Chey Photography! You ladies are wonderful and I hope to work with you in the future! Ashley and Chevy, I already know I will 😉 You ladies are the bomb!
- I welcomed some amazing new Brides & Grooms into the Swan Photography family! Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Thank you all so much for trusting me and booking me! I love you all!
- I traveled to Utah to visit my sister and her husband. It was my and Callum’s first ever airplane flight!
- I realized you have to let go of things that you can’t change and to let God take over. His way is always right, anyways. Stop fighting and start living.
- I overcame a very difficult personal challenge that has plagued me for the last few years. But now that I came out victorious, I’m so much stronger and happier.
- My husband got his long overdue promotion at Panera Bread as an Assistant Manager. I couldn’t be more proud of him.
- Both Jasmine Star AND Jerry Ghionis commented on my posts to them! Fangirl level x100000000000000000000.
- I booked my first out of state wedding! Sure it’s only in Oklahoma, but hey! That’s awesome 🙂
- I saved up enough for camera upgrades! My husband and I both got Canon 7D’s and the quality difference has been AMAZING!
- I saved up enough for a much needed Sigma 24-70 2.8 lens! I love it!
- I got PUBLISHED! Yeah, baby! It was actually my second publication, but I was really proud of this one. It was on MyHotelWedding.com
I’m very very very excited about the upcoming year. I have a great feeling about it. It’s going to be amazing for me and a year of big change! My business is going to be better than ever and I’m planning on taking 2014 on like never before. I’m going to just LEAP and let life happen. I’m done living life scared, it’s far too short for me to do that.
And a few personal goals for me…
- Stop overthinking everything! It only causes stress and makes simple problems difficult.
- Get my license and a car! Yes, I’m working on 22 and still have no license. THANKS, WICHITA FALLS DPS!
- Book 20 weddings!
- Save up for a Canon 70-200 2.8 lens. It WILL be mine by the end of the year!
- Cross something else off my bucket list… Maybe see HIM in Concert, go out of the country, or visit New York City.
- Lose 10 lbs to put me in between my high school weight and my pre baby weight.
- Quit eating as much fast food!
- Photograph a beach wedding!
- Get our own place. Since 2010, Marc and I have lived with roommates, and while it’s been 85% of the way awesome, we’re so ready for our own space.
I’m so incredibly thankful for all of my friends and family who have supported me and all of the unconditional love! Here’s some shout outs!
Marc Edward Swan: You have been so amazingly supportive and loving. You’re my best friend and I’m so glad you’re mine. Thank you for being the best father to Callum and the person who can always make me laugh! I’m so proud of you for working so hard for our family and being the person that can keep me on track. Thank you for loving me for me and never asking me to change. I know I’m crazy, but that’s why you love me! I can’t wait to see what the coming year brings us! I have the feeling it will be amazing. I love you. Forever and always.
Mommy Dearest: You’re awesome! You are the best mother ever. Thank you for being there for me always, no matter what I need, whether it’s a ride to and from gigs or just someone to snuggle with. You’re the best Omi and Callum loves you so incredibly much, as do I! I can always come to you for help or advice. I love you so much!
Jenna Kerr & Family: You guys are some of my favorite clients! You’re like my little cheerleaders! I’m so glad I have gotten to see Graham grow through the years, he is so cute and smart! Jenna, you’re someone who has helped grow my business so much, through referrals and constant bookings. You’re the best! Thank you so so so much!
Faja: You’re my other cheerleader! You’ve been so positive and helpful. You’ve never doubted me and have pushed me to my limits. I love you so much.
Jason Stanton: Best fraaaaaaand! You’re freaking awesome. I know we’ve never met in person, but you’re one of the closest people to me, even if we’re 1,000 miles apart. You’re honest, you take me for me, and you’re hilarious. Thanks for everything, broseph! I know one day you’ll make it big with your awesome voice. And I can’t wait to photograph your wedding! Lol. I know you’re not even in a relationship, but you’ll meet Ms. Right this year, I have the feeling! And you better tell me all about it when you do! Oh wait, never mind. You tell me everything anyways!
Tyler Marion: BFF!!!! I can’t wait to see you again! It’s been WAY TOO LONG! I love our chats, no matter what time of the day. You’ve been my best friend since 2008 and I don’t think there’s a favorite high school memory that doesn’t involve you. I LOVE YOU!