#tbt to 2017. 2.5 YEARS ago I was in Palm Springs with an amazing group of photographers. When summerleighaphoto sent me this photo this week, it was CRAZY to see the growth in such a short period of time. Honestly, I look at the girl in that photo, just 24, & I want to roll my eyes. I am a big time journal writer. I can look at my journal entry on this very day & see the goals I wrote for my future. You see, when I was 24, my goals were this: • get 3 international weddings • only work in Stanley, McCall, or Sun Valley • become an “adventure elopement” photographer • find my ideal client and only book boho mountain weddings •. YUP. I’m eye-rolling. I wish I could tell that fresh doe-eyed 24 year old that her goal list wasn’t going to lead her to success or happiness. if I’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that my favorite work has very little to do with the venue or the dress designer or the “style” or where it is. by stating I only wanted to work in places where there are mountains, I was closing myself off from so many opportunities to work with AMAZING people I connected with so strongly. at the end of the day, I love a good mountain wedding, but what I care about most is the EMOTION- can I make you feel cared for & comfortable? I care about the people in the room with you when you put on your wedding dress. I care about the tears streaming down your face when you see your spouse for the first time on your wedding day. I care about catching a photo of your grandpa pouring a shot at the reception. I care about capturing your parents holding hands in the front row of your ceremony holding back tears. I care about documenting the relationships you have with every person in the room. What I didn’t know then was that an “ideal client” doesn’t exist. I will work with everyone who is obsessed with my work and me. It’s not about “getting” or “bagging” a cool trendy wedding, it’s about the privilege of being allowed into your community and your world and be trusted to see the intimate moments on your life. I am proud of the girl in this photo, though, because she was on a brave path to learning A LOT about who she was. She is braver than she knows❤️❤️❤️