Thursday, January 15, 2009

The Very Best of 2008

2008 was both an amazing and trying year. The economy, the housing market and the growing unemployment rate has been felt by everyone, but instead of dwelling on that negative, I prefer to stay positive and note all of the wonderful things that happened this year. [Cause when I stay positive, good things happen. :)]

For one, I got married! On a beautiful October Sunday, I uttered my vows through tears to my best friend, Nick. The entire weekend was better than I ever imagined.

And the year was filled was so many memorable moments with my clients. So many cute faces, hugs and kisses, and tears. Ok, many of the tears were mine. I don't know what it is, but just about every time I meet with clients for the Viewing appointment, I tear up looking through the images with them and seeing their responses. Whether they are laughing or tearing up themselves, it means so much to me that my images can illicit that kind of feeling. I think of what my favorite childhood pictures remind me of, the feelings I had at those moments, the security and love I felt from my family, the memories of reading Goodnight Moon with my parents, the thrill at the moment that my brother and I were caught red-handed sneaking Oreo cookies while we thought mom and dad were still asleep upstairs, sitting on my grandfather's lap..... The thought that I am helping kids (and parents) keep memories of their childhoods is both powerful and humbling.

I've heard from clients and friends that they teared up looking at other clients' slideshows, so now I have proof that I'm not just a softy. Just brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.

Ok, I've wiped away the tears and I'm ready to move on to my favorite images from the year. I'm liking this idea as an annual ritual so let me know what you think. Be prepared - this is going to be my longest post ever. Enjoy!











































Thanks for looking through all these images. Have an amazing 2009!