Wow, 2015.

The year I put it all out there and said “YES, I can do this”. The year that grew me not only as a woman but as a wife, a wedding planner, a daughter of Christ, and a small business owner. My first wedding taught me how to exercise the force majeure clause in contracts; thank you riots in Baltimore. One wedding taught me importance of having water readily available during the ceremony in case a bridesmaid passes out right before the kiss. I think the two best lessons I learned this year were to live by the mantra “grace, not perfection” and that it is OK to put yourself out there (you might fail but that is OK too).

2015 was a year of six weddings: six different love stories and six chances for growth.

2015 was also a year of learning. I kicked the year off with a 1:1 mentoring session with Kat from Dear Sweetheart Events. Gosh, I love her heart and openness. I went in as a timid newbie and came out recharged and invigorated to (quite literally) own this business. I attended the Designed and Styled Workshop taught by Amanda Veronee and Kat. That lead me to my first styled shoot creating the florals with Hannah Leigh Photography! I also learned the amazing feeling of being featured. I am not ashamed to admit that I teared up a little with each email acceptance. I always had an eventual dream of being featured, the fact that it happened four times in my first year is incredible to me. Friends, it was a great year! I am honestly counting my blessings as I look back on it now.

Quick forecast of 2016:

• One amazing marriage that we continue to work on every day
• Two more styled shoots on the books. The theme and vendor teams lined up for these have me grinning from ear to ear.
• Three day hands-on workshop hosted by Intrigue Designs called the Intrigued Experience at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. AH so excited for this!
• (Hopefully) Four more publications
• Five amazing couples. Five amazing weddings currently on the books.
• Last, but certainly not least, a very real plan that will (hopefully) allow me to say in my 2016 wrap-up: I am officially a full time wedding planner!