WOW. It’s December!!! Where has the year gone?! I don’t have ANY editing on my plate, and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with myself!!!! Just kidding… I have a lot of other side work to do like album designs, client Christmas gifts, packaging, and monthly duties. But this workload doesn’t compare to the past few months of work. I hit a stressful point because I had very high expectations for my business and myself. It’s exhausting to go high speed every day with minimal rest. One month I had two days off, and it was absolutely challenging. At the same time, I enjoy a good challenge! Now that I’m done with that season of life, I was able to reflect on the craziest season…

Since September:

4,567 business miles.
14,308 edited photos.
12 weddings.
22 engagement/lifestyle sessions.
16 mini sessions.
162 cups of coffee later…

And it was all worth it! <3 Despite it being a crazy season of life, it was also one of the best seasons in business! I’ve been happy with turn-around times, quality, and reviews! Next year is going to look so different, but I’m looking forward to a different challenge. 🙂

This week is going to be an exciting week of Christmas festivities while prepping to go see Alex NEXT WEEK!!!!! Ah! I cannot believe it!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I cannot wait to give him the BIGGEST hug as soon as I see him! Until then, let’s catch up with this past week!

COFFEE TALK

MOCHA MOMENTS
THE SWEETER MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST WEEK

1
SMP BRIDE WREATH MAKING PARTY

Late last week, I spontaneously decided to host some SMP Brides over for a wreath making party! We enjoyed crafting, wining, conversating, and cookies!!! It was SO much fun!!!!

Chris took on the challenge of reining two dogs outside while we were inside enjoying cookies. 😉 HAHA! We knew what’s the best part of the Santa role!

LEGIT, everyone!!!

Ollie needs to learn which way to look at the camera! 😉

Thanks, Pinterest, for showing me the ways of wreath making! But, goodness, it involves patience. 🙂

2
THE U.S. ARMY BAND PERFORMANCE

WOW. I want to make this an annual Christmas event!!! My brother is a part of the Army sound production team, and the U.S. Army band played at the DAR Constitution Hall this past weekend giving my family the excuse to see my bro in action! SO AWESOME!!!! And I come from a family who appreciates music, so this was a treat for all of us!

3
DECEMBER FESTIVITIES

Now that December is finally here and the fall wedding season has come to a close, it’s time to wind down and enjoy the December festivities with family and friends. <3 I’m so excited to catch up with sweet friends over the weeks to come!!! And with a slower season, I’m embracing the lifestyle as well. 🙂

4
OLLIE + FRIENDS

Now that I’m also able to be more social and not behind the computer from sunrise until sunset, Ollie can be more social as well! I’ve been taking him around … But we need to work on his etiquette. I’m SO grateful for a super lovey-dovey dog, but not everyone wants to be greeted with a full-on hug! But I also love that he loves anyone and everyone, including small and big dogs and tiny humans! 🙂

But he’s so darn cute!!! And I gave in and let him jump on the couch… Yikes!! Is it too late to reverse train him?

ESPRESSO MOMENTS
THE BITTER MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST WEEK

1
OOOOOOLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Now that you got to see the sweet side of him above … It’s time to see the mischievous side. This wasn’t our best day, I have to admit. I was down in Richmond all afternoon and arrived home just in time for a phone meeting. 30-minutes later, I had to go to another phone meeting. During that last bit of time, I heard some barking downstairs (mind you, he was a mute up to this point) and came downstairs to find this… This week will be much better, I just know it!!!

HAPPY MONDAY!!