I am a huge believer in the power of thinking positively, which includes giving thanks and celebrating the things we work so hard for. This past year has been an absolute whirlwind for me, personally and professionally, and when I look back at it, I am totally awed by not only all the things that have happened, but all the people who have been gracious and generous to me. Without all of you, Sara Gray Photography wouldn’t have grown in the immense ways it has, and I wouldn’t be nearly as personally fulfilled by my work.
For my last 2010 blog post, I wanted to recap the year, thank some great people and give you a little preview of what’s to come in 2011.
First, the weddings. The main event, the reason for Sara Gray Photography’s existence. I have come to love weddings so much. Almost every one makes me shed a few tears and teaches me something new about marriage. I definitely am not exaggerating when I say I have the best job in the world. Here’s a look at the 13 fabulous couples I worked with this year.
Congrats to the newlyweds: Erica and Nick (married July 3), Melissa and Andrew (July 4), Morgan and Brandon (July 22), Katy and Justin (Aug. 7), Rachel and Neal (Aug. 8), Jessie and Adam (Aug. 14), Emily and Nick (Aug. 21), Shannon and Erik (Sept. 4), Kim and Patrick (Sept. 11), Julia and Ryan (Sept. 18), Caroline and Michael (Oct. 2), Liz and Eric (Oct. 23) and Aura and Brad (Nov. 20).
You are all amazing couples who I loved working with and getting to know. Thank you so much for being an influence in my life this year!
Another fun thing I started work on this year was producing inspiration shoots, which many of you have seen on the blog. What started as a way to hone my craft in the slow spring months became a real passion for me in styling and editorial-style photography. I’ve produced and collaborated on eleven of these styled shoots this year, and there will be way more where that came from in 2011.
Below, a peek at some of the styled shoots I worked on this year.
In addition to all this fun, I’ve had my work featured all over the Internet this year in the great community that has formed around wedding blogs. I’ve had my work published more than 20 times this year, on blogs like Style Me Pretty (twice!), Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks (twice!), Brooklyn Bride (twice!), Elizabeth Anne Designs (including an inspiration shoot and winning the Inspired Creations Contest with a great team of Portland vendors), The Sweetest Occasion, Classic Bride, Grey Likes Weddings and Ruffled. Thanks to all the great editors who have become more like friends over the last twelve months, and thanks to all the tremendously talented vendors who have worked with me on these fun shoots and weddings and have contributed the details that made them so visually stunning.
What’s to come in 2011? More than my brain can keep track of most days.
I’m taking 2011 wedding bookings like crazy right now. I’m already way ahead of where I was a year ago, so if you’re getting married this coming year, get in touch before all the dates are gone! I am so excited about the exciting year ahead and the new friends I’m making along the way.
Next week, the blog will get a mini-makeover, along with the Sara Gray Photography logo. I’m going to try to adopt a more editorial style to the blog, which should be more engaging to you, the reader. I’ll be blogging a little less — moving from three days a week to two — but my posts will be a little longer.
I’m working on a couple of new projects, too — one will be launching on Monday. It’s a project I’ve been putting together with my friend Erin McGovney. I’m not going to leak it yet, though — you’ll have to check my Facebook page or Twitter next week to get the link.
My other project is on a bigger scale and has been in the works since late last summer. It’s going to be a blast, combining my love for styling and my background in publishing. I’m working with a great team on that and expecting a launch in March 2011. Stay tuned!
My wish for you all this New Years’ Eve is that you have a moment to reflect on the year, celebrate your victories and what you’ve accomplished, thank those who helped you get there and then steel yourself — this next one is going to be good. Happy New Year, friends!
