Celebrating a Decade in Business and My Dream Wedding: 2026 is the Year that the Wedding photographer gets married!

Big things are happening this year! I am celebrating ten years in business, and at the same time, I am preparing for my own wedding in August!

After years of capturing other couples’ special moments as a wedding photographer, I finally get to experience the joy of planning my own dream wedding with my dream man!

This milestone year feels like the perfect blend of professional achievement and personal happiness.

It has been an incredible journey to see everything come together, using all of the knowledge and experience that I have gained over the years.

✨ Keep an eye out for some exciting things that I have planned to celebrate and to thank you for 10 years of business!! ✨

Planning My Dream Wedding with a Photographer’s Eye

As I plan to get married in 2026 while being a wedding photographer, I realize I have a unique perspective. I get to apply my professional insights to design a day that not only looks beautiful but also flows perfectly for capturing memories. Here are some ways my experience influences the planning:

• Choosing the venue

Selecting a location with natural light and charming backdrops that will photograph well throughout the day. This was easy for me as I have always dreamed of getting married at my parents stunning property- also known as "The Ranch" or more professionally, "Waterpark Acres"!

• Timing the schedule

I planned the ceremony and reception around the best lighting conditions to ensure stunning photos with plenty of time to soak in the moment. My goal is to not have any rushing around!

• Vendor collaboration

Working closely with my friends who are florists, photographers, hair stylists, caterers, and more helps create a friendly and loving vibe to the day. I am so so grateful to have many friends and connections in this industry (although it made it hard picking just one from each-I wish I could have them all)!

Because relationships are so important to me, having these friends work at my wedding is going to be very special!!

I will be sure to share which vendors are a part of my day soon!

• Personal touches

My fiancé Ben and I are excited to add some fun and surprising details to our day! We both love animals, music and good vibes so we have some exciting things up our sleeve that I will be sure to share with you some time!

This process has been exciting and fulfilling. Seeing all the pieces come together—from invitations to decor—makes the anticipation even sweeter!

I will definitely share more with you all soon. :)

The Emotional Journey of Combining Work and Personal Life

Balancing the roles of a wedding photographer and a bride-to-be has been an emotional experience. It’s a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and reflection. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Appreciating the little moments As a photographer, I often focus on the big picture, but now I am savouring every small detail and step along the way. This is a very special time in life where you share moments with the people that you love the most. I have been soaking it all in!

• Feeling gratitude for clients and support

The relationships built over the years have enriched my life and inspired my wedding plans in more ways than I can count! I feel so lucky to have clients who are truly excited for me! I really appreciate those who have gone out of their way to congratulate and wish me well!

• Celebrating growth

This milestone marks not just a business anniversary but personal growth and new beginnings. I am going into this year with a very full heart!

This year feels like a full circle moment, blending professional success with personal joy.

I love to reflect when times are good. To look back and to appreciate all of the things that you had to go through to get to a beautiful time in life.

Looking Ahead: What This Year Means for the Future

Celebrating ten years in business and planning my wedding is more than just marking dates. It’s about setting the stage for what comes next. Here’s how I see this year shaping the future:

• Renewed passion for photography

Experiencing a wedding as a bride fuels my creativity and empathy for clients. I can truly say that I am more passionate about photographing weddings now that I am in this phase!

• Building community

Sharing this journey with clients, followers and other photographers I work with creates deeper connections and trust.

✨Big shout out to Dianna Fowler who has worked with me for 7 years and who took these gorgeous engagement photos! I am forever grateful for you!

• Personal fulfillment

Balancing work and life milestones brings a sense of harmony and motivation.

A common question I get is: "Are you still booking photoshoots in 2026?"

Yes! This year is shaping up to be very busy with my own wedding plans, 2 of my very close friends weddings and the weddings that I will be photographing in between!

I am taking these slower winter months to prepare and plan so that I can enjoy the fun things ahead and also book photoshoots in where I can!

I will likely have a tad slower turn around time (I hear mine is fast so this might not phase anyone too much), and I will not be booking quite as much in August as that is my wedding month!

But please do not hesitate to reach out with any inquires! Your girl is excited to capture many more amazing moments this year and to share this 2026 year with other brides and grooms!

And hey, maybe this will also be the year that Taylor Swift gets married? I am just going to put that out into the world because boy oh boy, little Kayla Beth would be freaking out if she knew that one day, she would get married the same year as Taylor Swift! 😄

Happy New Year and cheers to the wonderful times ahead!!

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