We say goodbye to 2016

January 4, 2017

Looking ahead into what’s to come for 2017 and I am overwhelmed with joy! First, a little reflection on 2016. Forewarning, this is going to be a long post.
This past 2016 was possibly one of my favorites. I feel like I say that every year, but can’t help it if every year just keeps getting better and better! One of the things I’m most proud of this year are my styled shoots. In January 2016, I put together my first ever, styled shoot. Being winter in Wisconsin, I really wanted to showcase how beautiful winter weddings could look like (if only we suffered through the cold to get the images that is). haha
And really, I wanted to do something editorial and provide amazing images to help inspire winter brides and to allow folks to get to know what other vendors are out there besides your venue and a photographer 😉 So, putting this together and collaborating with so many creative individuals was amazing and a great experience. Little did I ever expect that this shoot would go on an be published not just once, but twice!! Wisconsin Bride and Love Inc.
My second styled shoot was themed for the wanderlust in me. I titled it Wanderlust Romantic because I thought it would be so romantic to say your I Do’s and then lift off in a hot air balloon. (pretty cool idea huh?) And then again…to my shock…Knotsvilla and Aisle Society published this shoot too!!! WOW!!! Having never done a styled shoot before and wanting to do it to help inspire those and just to collaborate with unique and amazing vendors, I got even more out of it than I ever imagined. I feel extremely lucky!!

decor,
capturelifemomentsphotography_0445.jpg

In 2016, I also helped photograph weddings with so many talented photographers as their second photographer. Wanting to take on a little less full weddings of my own this past year so I could dedicate some time to my school and my baby boy, this was the perfect avenue. I still got to be a part of beautiful weddings, document love stories, and spend the day with fellow photographer friends!!! I’m so honored to have a community of photographers that have my back and I have theirs. There is no shortage of professional photographers that are willing to help one another out, and I’m so glad I’ve found that.

The beginning of Peaceful Monday’s!!! Another big thing that happened and will continue to happen. In my journey to find peace and allow myself to relax and actually schedule one day off per week, I now enjoy Monday’s with friends…visiting new restaurants and just talking LIFE!! Yes…isn’t that amazing? It’s like having adult girl time and I absolutely look forward to Monday’s now!!

This past year, I also took time to learn and hone in on my craft a little more. I invested in classes online plus I attended a workshop in Chicago. Both have been such great tools for my photography skills and have helped open my eyes to new perspectives. I spent hours learning and watching videos and then in Chicago….well…lots of laughter, dirty jokes, good and bad uber/lyft rides along with a torrential downpour. But in the end, lots of takeaways and I got to share two days with some of my favorite photographers before they pack their bags and move to sunny California!!

As time continues I just keep getting some quite amazing couples! The weddings and engagement sessions this year were nothing short of amazing. There were puppies, cool cars, butterflies, rock climbing, stream jumping, cliff hanging, live singing, balloon drops, backstreet boys routine (yeah!), beach sunsets, private airplane rides, and so much more!!! If I went into detail on all these weddings and sessions, I think everyone would just stop reading, haha. Really and truly, I am so honored that I have the best clients. Not only for my wedding couples but those that welcomed babies into this world and shared moments with family. My heart is happy thinking about all that’s happened this past year….and there is more!

capturelifemomentsphotography_0446.jpg

Just when I couldn’t be happier with the year, I got nominated for the Future 15 award!!! Woah…say what?! It is a most prestigious award that is only given to the top 15 young professionals in our local area that represent community, leadership, and success. These top 15 are our future. (big hype and lots to live up to eh?) So, after mulling over whether or not I felt I’d earned the ability to enter, I filled out my application and am not just waiting for results to see if I made the cut to the next round. I haven’t found out yet, but I’m just overjoyed that my efforts as a small business owner, community volunteer, and veteran haven’t gone  unnoticed.

THEN…..I got this amazing opportunity to lead the Appleton Tuesday’s Together Group. A group of creative entrepreneurs getting together in the spirit of Community over Competition. Wow, that was a big deal for me. (still is) I am honored with the ability to help facilitate educated meetings and help stimulate conversation and networking in our group. With over 300 members all in the creative field, it’s like walking into a room filled with people with the same aspirations, life goals, and values!!! It’s quite amazing and the community that is built from it is one that I could have never imagined existed. There are so many folks to lean on and help and get help from. I feel as though, THIS….this here is going to make waves and help bring communities together.

And on a personal note….my son turned one this past year!! (he’s like…the cutest little boy ever!!!!) He has a summer birthday so he’s is one and a half now, but I really cannot believe that he is getting so big already. Time truly does fly when you have littles.

So there you have it…some of the key notes as I don’t think it would be possible to sum up the entire year and all the details. Overall, it was wonderful and I can close that chapter with a smile and warm myself up with the thoughts of what 2017 has to bring!

capturelifemomentsphotography_0447.jpg

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

you miGHT ALSO ENJOY:

back to top

© COLLEEN BIES LLC 2023