It seems absolutely ludicrous that my life could just get exponentially better with every year that passes; but, that’s exactly what’s happened. Sometimes the cynic inside freaks out, certain it will all have to come crashing down around me at some point. That may be true, but the more I wade through experiences happy and sad boring and thrilling drudgerous and dangerous, the more sure I am of how resilient I have the power to be. Maybe that’s too cocky to put out into the universe and I’m surely asking for it now, but here goes. Do your worst, world.
2013 brought me the greatest joy I’ve ever known: baby Vienna girl. She is more beautiful and exquisite than any photo I could ever create, and I sit in awe on a daily basis at the fact that I created her. She is so sparkly, vivacious–I’ll never get enough. I thought about not saying that, because shouldn’t my greatest joy be my Jared? But it was so binding for us, and as wonderful as young love is, this kind is deeper and it grips your heart so sometimes you can’t even breathe with how amazing and huge it is.
But before Vienna girl, I was full of uncertainty, having to make a dozen plans without any idea how I’d feel. Oh, you’ll just want to stay home, person after person told me. That’s the problem with advice: people can only give it from the belly of their own experience, but even with that caveat it’s preached like gospel truth. I was swimming in fear, apprehension, and the biggest anticipation of my life.
Then she came and everything made sense. Of course I would still photograph. I was still me. She just added a zillion dimensions, a million laughs and face-splitting grins, and a smattering of moments where I wanted to rip out my hair.
There’s power in closure. It’s something I’ve ached for in so many relationships, so it feels good to be able to snap up a calendar year and breathe in the success, the failures, the crap and the glory. And I won’t lie, it feels good to curate some highlights and not acknowledge the junk for a minute.
These photographs. Many of my favoritest favorites from 2013 I can’t share yet, but here are some that spoke to me. Thank you times a hundred hundreds to you fabulous people who trusted me to tell the stories of your wedding days, your love, your families. You are all stunning and I’m just really grateful to you.
Hope you love.
2014 is already shaping up to be fabulous. I’d love to photograph you this year. Let’s make it happen.
Both the writing and the pictures made me tear up! Beautiful, and I’m so glad you feel closure. 🙂
I love this and can relate so much. Having a perfect little babe only acts as a new inspiration and rejuvenates your work! I’ve loved watching your craft develop since 2011… you’re amazing Brooke! Let’s work together again!