This is such a hard blog post for me to write. On one hand, professionally I’ve had a wonderful year full of beautiful weddings, amazing couples and a lot of great memories but on the personal side 2017 was the hardest year of my life.
In January I lost my beautiful mum to cancer and it sent me into a spin. To me it felt like the world should have stopped turning, how could everything just carry on when the person I loved more than I can put into words had gone?
My mum was my best friend. She believed in my aspirations of becoming a photographer right from the very beginning. Mum was a realist and she always brought me back to what was important – the real sentiment behind a wedding day and that above all else, I love what I do. It’s very easy in this industry to get swept up in all the hype, comparing yourself and your work to others around you. My mum had a way of just making me realize it was ok to be me.
I’ve gained so much strength and courage this last year, faced with your worst fears it’s surprising just how capable you become. I’ve learned a whole new appreciation for the little things in life and I’ve been able to connect on a far more emotional level with my couple’s stories. I understand far better now that what I do matters, the memories I capture are priceless & I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved this last 12 months.
I’ve loved every wedding I’ve photographed and have met some of the most wonderful people. I’ve laughed genuine laughter at times when I didn’t think it was possible and that’s all because of my beautiful couples. Their compassion and kindness was overwhelming, and I can safely say I’ve made some new friends.
To all my 2017 couples – thank you. Thank you for sharing your lives and your love with me.
I don’t know what 2018 will bring but I do know this, I’m blessed to do what I do.
Jodie x
You can also see my slideshow recap of 2017 here:
https://merge-photography.smartslides.com/a-look-back-at-2017
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