I simply cannot believe the rate that time passes. It truly seems unfathomable that just mere moments ago I was awaiting to see what 2011 would bring. If you were to have told me with definitive purpose that it would bring about some of the most poignant moments I’ve known to date alongside some of the happiest, I doubt I would have believed you.

I am literally in a state of disbelief and giddiness reminiscing my professional highs of the year. From being published in the largest wedding magazines and blogs to working with the kindest, most loving, and fabulous couples the world has ever known swells a bubble of joy in my chest. I am consistently humbled and grateful that my couples open such an enormous part of their lives with me and that we become such dear friends.

This past week I had to testify at the sentencing hearing of the man that broke into my home. Sitting alongside the family of the man that he killed was one of the most traumatic, raw experiences I have had in my life. The raw, unsuppressed, and enormous pain that they wept and let flow uninhibitedly is a memory I will not soon forget. His daughters spoke of how he would not ever be able to walk them down the aisle, hold his grandchildren, or even laugh at the simple things in life. My gratefulness that I found him before he was able to harm me will not soon dissipate. Perspective, although often painful and messy, is something that I think is so valuable to have.

As I look through these moments I have been able to capture throughout the past year, I feel so enormously blessed to be able to live this life doing what I do. Getting to immortalize some of the most powerful moments in couple’s lives to empower them to relive is intoxicating. To depict the raw emotion of saying your vows. Capture the smiles of relatives that may not always be there. Show the tear in a mom’s eye watching her husband dance with your little girl. That my friends is what wedding photography is all about.

To my couples this year, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be part of something so amazing.

xoxo,
SAW

P.S. Best of DANCE PARTYYYYY and Portraits to come!!!!