This post is especially dear to my heart, as 2014 marks the first year I began shooting weddings on my own!

If you’ve been around the blog for a bit, you already know that I second shot with Jamie Sangar on wedding days for two summers during college before taking one on my own, and I absolutely cannot recommend that experience enough! I know there are so many different ways to become a “photographer” these days, but working with someone already established gave me so many hands-on learning opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had!  Not only was I able to observe the way she reacted to different situations, but I was able to PHOTOGRAPH too! And man, did I learn a lot during that time :) And that’s not to say that I am not still learning — oh my GOODNESS I still have so much I want to learn — but that time as a second shooter made me that much more prepared to step out on my own, and I am so thankful for that!

And, while 4 weddings (& a vow renewal!) sometimes seems really small & insignificant to me when I look at what other photographers are doing, I just have to remind myself that everyone starts somewhere! It’s oh-so-easy to play the comparison game, but I’m learning that it’s NEVER worth it. So, while I may not have as many couples to share with you today, I’ve decided that it doesn’t really matter! What matters to me is that I give each & every couple my very best; that I capture the best day of their lives, that I encourage them & assist in any way I can, and that I bring lots & lots of smiles to their faces! To be able to say that at the end of the night is all that matters :)

So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite moments from this year’s weddings!

Ethan & Aileen | September 20, 2014

Dave & Amanda | March 8, 2014

Kyle & Casey | November 1, 2014

Jerome & Ashley | June 7, 2014

Keith & Celena | 10 Year Vow Renewal

And because we all know I’m a bit of an over-sharer (if there is such a thing!?)…here are some more of my favorite images mix-matched galore :)

:)

To each & every one of my couples, thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with your day & making 2014 GREAT! Love you all so so much & wish you all the best this world can give :)

2015 couples — I can’t WAIT for all the memories we are going to share this year too :) Get excited, because your day will be here before we know it!!

Love love love,

Sami