Another Milestone

Each step on the journey feels like a struggle sometimes. There are days that the grind is exactly that.

But some Mondays you wake up to a milestone. A dream come true-but a dream you barely dared to think about a year ago. Thinking about how far I’ve come in one year feels insane.

October 28th was my first styled photo shoot last year. With those photos, I built a website and ordered business cards. I stepped out on my own.

My initial goals: Break even, gain experience, say yes to everything- hope for maybe 10 weddings, cultivate a few business contacts, and don’t die.

Never would I have guessed that those goals, though noble, would actually be blown out of the water.

I’ve made beautiful friends, not just cultivated business contacts! I’ve grown in confidence and courage and more than that, in purpose. My purpose is to bless people, build relationships, show them how important they are, care for their needs, and create beauty.

24 weddings, 3 events, numerous small deliveries, business collaborations, and 20 styled photoshoots (of varying size) later, I’ve achieved a goal I did not anticipate in my first year.

I was able to pay myself!

I also didn’t die.

This milestone wasn’t on my radar because I thought it wasn’t attainable. It was in the back of my mind, but not really a hope. It was a distant dream that has become very focused and very real:

My work has been featured on one of the most esteemed wedding websites in the Western United States, Rocky Mountain Bride, a premium curator of all things wedding—vendors, locations, inspiration, and planning. Take a look at the feature by following this LINK.

Now that’s what I’d call a milestone. I’m so lucky to have been involved in a styled photoshoot with Ingrid and Plume Bridal and our beautiful bride, Alex. We used Honeysilks Co Ribbon and a Willowby by Watters Nala Dress. I ordered product in and foraged leaves and grasses from local fields. Texture is key. We created what Ingrid has termed, Wild Autumn Whimsy. And she’s so right. We got a little window of colorful leaves, and she capitalized. What a gift that we get to call Montana home.

How amazing that this year has been a success. I still love what I do. I was blessed by every single bride, quirks, foibles and ALL.

I get to do this.