Ringing in year 31…

 

Typically, I don’t write about my personal life on my blog. It’s usually all photos, weddings, and other people’s love stories.

But this year I decided… what the hell. I’m in my 30s now and no one actually cares, so here we are.

This past year was full—in the best, most chaotic, beautiful ways.

I made it to the beach with some of my favorite humans ever, which felt like a small miracle and involved a lot of laughing and memories I wish I could replay on demand. I played my second year in the PUL with Nightshade and met some really cool people who somehow made running around in cleats even more fun. I also captained a club Masters team called RCDC (no big deal) and we went to Nationals—which still feels a little unreal. Broke seed by 5. My aims are high for this coming year.

One of the things I’m most proud of this year was starting a women’s league in Huntsville. I hoped people would show up… and I’m stoked to say over 50 gal pals signed up to play. Turns out women just want a space to throw discs and hype each other up. Who knew?

I also spent a lot more time with my family this year and became actual friends with my parents—which I hear is a sign of maturity? I remain the favorite aunt (“Hehe”), a title I will absolutely defend.

Work-wise, it was a little slower of a year on the wedding scale, but holy cow my fall was absolutely packed. I photographed over 50 sessions and 13 weddings. Which means I cried behind my camera more times than I’ll admit and got even better at fixing dresses, calming nerves, and finding tissues at exactly the right moment.

When I wasn’t working, I leaned into the things that make me feel like me– board games, any kind of art, skateboarding (carefully, don’t worry mom), going to the gym, listening to audiobooks like I’m in a book club with myself, vibing to good music, and being a proudly mid pickleball player.

I’m sure you’re all dying to know my love life updates- Currently I am dating… which is low-key pretty scary. Been on a lot of bad dates and two good ones. Feels both weird and freeing to say I’ve been single for two years now.

Most people know back in 2018, I started dating someone I thought would be my husband. I don’t consider that time wasted—because I learned some very important (and often painful) lessons. I learned I’m worth effort. That love should feel peaceful, not chaotic. That stability is attractive. And that control is not love.

Most importantly, I learned I need a man who pushes me closer to God—not someone who pulls me away from my relationship with the Lord.

No lie, it is hard sometimes to be the single friend. I’m at the stage in life where all my friends are married and are having their first, second, third kid- and I’m over here being the fun adopted auntie who still skateboards at 9pm lol. Definitely not how I thought I would be ringing in year 31, but I really am content with my life. TLDR—I’m not settling. I already tried that once. No ma’am, not again.

A question I got asked a lot last year:
“Does it ever get hard seeing _______?” (seeing them get engaged, get married, get pregnant, have kids, etc.)

Short answer: yes.
Longer answer: also yes—but I still love it.

Honestly, the only time my job ever gets really hard is when I fall in the trap of comparison. COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY PEOPLE! If I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus, then I am happy right where I am at in life. Just gotta just keep swimming. Helps to have friends who hold my head above water when I start to drown.

So yeah, this job is hard sometimes. Any job can be hard occasionally. But I feel genuinely honored every time someone trusts me to capture a tiny slice of their life. I was built to do hard things. And I trust that the Lord wouldn’t hand me anything He didn’t think I could handle.

Looking ahead to this year, I’ve got some goals. I’m not sure why I came up with this goal because I absolutely hate running… but I want to run 365 miles—one mile for every day of the year (pray for my knees and hips). Down for new running buddies- hit me up. I average a 10:12 pace at the moment (sue me).

Along with my running goal, I also want to book 20 weddings this year. My books aren’t full yet, and I’m genuinely excited about the love stories still waiting to happen. So if you know someone getting married… tell your friends. Seriously. I’m fun, I promise.

Speaking of books, I also have a goal to read 20 books this year. Currently on a Brandon Sanderson kick thanks to my friend Brett. I love all things world building and fantasy so send me your recommendations.

My 30th year stretched me, grounded me, challenged me, and reminded me who I am, and that I matter. Here’s to my 31st year being full of love, movement, community, and doing hard things with a little pep in my step.

*cue Love Again by Moon Soul*