It’s almost the end of 2015 and the beginning of another beautiful year. 2015 was jam packed with 22 weddings plus 2 that I stood up in and an additional 2 weddings I assisted with…all the while, being pregnant and giving birth to my son, Stanley. Not to mention all the other misc sessions and all my wonderfully engaged couples this year as well. Needless to say, it’s been a crazy year and I can’t wait for 2016 to begin!

2015 was my first year attending Wedding & Portrait Photographers International’s Annual Convention (WPPI) in Las Vegas. It was absolutely amazing and wow did I learn so much from being surrounded by thousands of fantastic creatives and entrepreneurs. I took so many classes and attended some wonderful seminars that really shaped my work in 2015.

One large part of my life is also volunteering with the Appleton Area Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). I co-chaired an Easter Egg Hunt for the city with over 300 kids in attendance and even did a nose dive right into a huge, ginormous mud puddle!!! Luckily it was on the side as I slide into the mud, otherwise baby Stanley would have been a little upset with me.

This year was also a first for adding videography collections to my catalog. I was so fortunate to have filmed 6 weddings this year for some truly amazing people. It was amazing to hear their stories and to document each moment in motion picture. I am forever thankful for the those first couples that trusted me to film their special day:)

As I crept up upon wedding season, things started to get super busy and crazy, but I loved every moment of it! Wedding after wedding and it just kept getting better and better! I definitely have to say that I have some of the most caring and kind clients of all!! I was very pregnant for my Spring and early Summer weddings and all my brides were so caring and took an extra moment out of their special day to ensure that I was doing alright. I’m so humbled to have such wonderful clients that truly care!!

As July approached, 2 major things happening this month. In chronological order, I co-chaired the Appleton Fireworks a second year in a row and wow…could I not have asked for the most perfect weather!! It was a fantastic event and after a 14 hour day of being nearly 9 months pregnant and walking around, I was beat!! Haha. But it wasn’t long after that, that my water broke in an Olive Garden (read the story here), and I gave birth to my son. Hands down, the BEST moment of 2015 ever!!!! See my birth story by my friend and photographer, Shaunae Teske by clicking HERE.

After Stanley arrived, it was just four short weeks and it was back into weddings! August was a packed month full of wonderful couples and a trip out to Orange County California for a wedding as well. The trip was great and I had so much fun out there. See more about my trip and photos here.

Not that September was any less full with double header weddings plus being a bridesmaid myself in not just one, but TWO weddings!! What a whirlwind!!

And as we approach fall, October blessed us with some beautiful weather and perfect outdoor weddings before November. November was such a great month as I finished with my last but certainly not least wedding of the year with Katie and Kris. Their wedding will be gracing the blog next year;) I could not have asked for a better wedding to end my wedding season!

And just as I thought my year had slowed down, I was wrong. LOL. December proved to be a challenging month as I took on several projects for local companies and small business owners along with planning all the details for a stylized wedding shoot coming in January. There really hasn’t been much room to breathe this year, but in all honesty…if there had been, I don’t think I’d be as happy:)

I am so very thankful for all the friends and family and clients that have graced my 2015 and have left lasting impressions in my life. I have so many goals and things that I’d like to accomplish in 2016 and I know with all the support that I have out there, it can and will be done.

My final note. I cherish my husband and son more than anything and am so thankful that I have added a new little bundle of joy to my life. I haven’t felt this much happiness and warmth in my heart ever, and I am so blessed that this 2015 has delivered such an amazing gift. I love all of you that read my blog, that connect with my life, that choose to a part of me and I wish all the best to you as you journey into 2016.

Colleen

*forgive me if I miss anyone (I know I am missing lots), it’s been a big year, plus I did get a new computer so some photos are not yet transferred….thank you 🙂 *