2024 - Favourite Moments
As I sit and reflect on the whirlwind that was 2024, I’m filled with gratitude and awe for all the moments, challenges, and victories that shaped the year. 2024 was a year of learning, leaning on the people I love, and embracing new opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone. It's been about showing up for myself, for my photography business, and for the incredible people I get to work with.
I took some time to reflect on the past and manifest for the year ahead. I’ve been focused on tidying up, making to-do lists, updating packages and pricing, and organizing for a more efficient workflow. I also spent some time tweaking my website, ensuring it's as user-friendly as possible for clients looking for wedding photography in Hamilton or those needing family or boudoir sessions. I’m feeling so much more prepared and energized as I dive into 2025.
Don’t forget to scroll down to see my “2024 favourite moments” slideshow. It’s a little recap of sessions, moments, and creativity. There's no specific order, just an overall celebration of the amazing journey I've had working with you all!
2024 - Personal Side:
I’m not going to lie, last year definitely kept me on my toes, but it also gifted me with experiences I’ll hold dear for the rest of my life. It wasn’t all smooth sailing at the start. Alan and I faced some major challenges: Alan started the year job hunting, we enduring long months without AC in our rental unit (May to October was a test), and not having hot water in November (yes, you read that right). But despite those tough moments, we persevered, and it made stepping into our new home at the end of the year all the more meaningful… more on that later!
The Summer of ‘YES’ was exactly what I needed. If I had the time and money, I said "yes" to every opportunity that came my way, and wow, what a ride it’s been. This mindset introduced me to some truly incredible souls including my rave family, The Bass Farmers. I met over 20 people at VELD, and it feels like we’ve known each other for years. We’ve bonded over more than just music; there’s a sense of community, positivity, energy and just straight up zest for life. In fact, some of us are planning a trip to EDC 2025, and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!
In the summer, I did something for myself that I’d been thinking about for a while: I took an art class. It wasn’t easy for me to step outside of my comfort zone. I really hate doing things solo, but I felt the pull to reconnect with my roots in painting. The class was a beautiful blend of photography and painting, and it was so freeing to create just for the sake of creating.
Paddle boarding, like every summer, is my go-to activity. There’s something so grounding about being out on the water, and I made sure to spend as much time outside as possible. Thanks to a friend, I found a paddle group in Toronto, and I’m looking forward to connecting with them more in 2025.
From Mid-September to the end of the year was a whirlwind: I had the incredible opportunity to go to Las Vegas with a friend. She was going for work, and I decided to tag along. We were upgraded to the craziest room I will ever stay in; the top floor of Caesars Palace. We had a living room, dining room table, two bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and two beds… like WHAT?! The getaway was a reminder of how valuable it is to surround yourself with good people and say yes to fun opportunities that present themselves.
We put in an offer on our home the day I got back. I was on two hours of sleep from Vegas, and Alan was in a tent at a dinosaur music festival. It still makes me giggle that all those things can be true at the exact same moment.
Ohhhh…and then came Iceland…ohhhh Iceland. In October, Alan and I lived in a van for a week to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. We drove all of Ring Road. We slept in campgrounds, woke up and brushed our teeth in front of waterfalls and made lunch on the sides of cliffs. Some days I saw no one for over 45 minutes while driving. We drank wine in the blue lagoon and made snow angels on glaciers. This trip was everything I’d dreamed of and more: breathtaking landscapes, adventurous days, and quiet moments in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
After Iceland, we came back to packing, signing a million documents, and cleaning our new home. Alan had one more trip: Thailand for work. He took off just as we lost hot water in the rental. I powered through, showering at friends' houses, my mom's, and in our new home.
At the end of November, we left the chaos behind. We’re still riding that new home high. We now live in our 113-year-old home in Hamilton, Ontario! She has good bones, high ceilings, character, and the coolest backyard. Our cats, Luna and Zoe, have been loving all the extra room to roam. This city is new to both Alan and me, but it’s already become such a special place. Exploring new neighbourhoods, finding local gems, and making this house truly ours has been one of the most rewarding experiences. This city is full of welcoming faces and creative energy, something I value as a photographer.
2024- Professional Side:
When you work for yourself, there isn’t “water cooler” chatter or Monday morning meetings. It’s so important to build a network with like-minded people to bounce ideas off and support each other's goals. I’ve built an amazing support system in the photography world. I feel incredibly lucky to have connected with such talented and generous people who’ve helped me grow, supported my ideas, and cheered me on. It’s been a year of connecting, learning, and expanding.
I finally took a leap into something I love. I launched Boudoir Photography. This has been such an incredible journey, and I absolutely love making women feel strong, empowered, and sexy. In a world that constantly dictates how you should act, look, and feel, you deserve to embrace your true self and feel confident in your own skin.
I had the pleasure of capturing 12 weddings and 49 sessions in 2024, each one unique and beautiful. I’m so grateful for all my incredible clients who trusted me to document their most important moments. Your love, energy, and openness make my job easy. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: this business IS YOU; it's your relationships, your families, your moments, your memories. Every year I watch the recap video with tears in my eyes. Moments don't last, but photos do.
As I close out the year, I’m filled with gratitude. I am proud of the work I’ve done, the people I’ve met, and the life I’m building. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Hamilton or need a professional hype-woman to capture your family portraits, I would love to work with you in 2025!
Here’s to a new year full of new memories, adventure, and growth. Thank you to all of my clients for your trust and for being part of this journey - I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for continuing to inspire me every day.
Here’s to 2025 🖤🥂