“Don’t just count your years, make your years count.” (George Meredith). Like the cover photo of this post? It’s a metaphor for the road I’ve traveled this past year as a destination wedding photographer, which I’m reflecting on for my last blog post of 2020. Pretty good hey?

It’s certainly been a YEAR, in both the best ways and the tough ways. I encourage EVERYONE to look over their last year and pick the top moments from each month. You may see what an amazing year you have had, or you may also see areas for improvement and goal-setting for the next year. Either way, it’s a GREAT thing to do!!! Here are my TOP moments from 2020 (including photos from each month, of course):

January’s TOP Moment: New Zealand Holiday

I spent a few weeks in New Zealand visiting my brother and his family after they had just moved there so he could complete his PhD. Family time, beaches, amazing food, and so many stunning photo ops. It was a DREAM. I can’t wait to go back. Read more about my New Zealand trip here!

February’s TOP Moment: Shooting A Destination Wedding In Mexico

Looking back at my year I realized how much I was able to travel before COVID hit! Shortly after New Zealand, I was back on a plane to shoot Austin and Karly’s Cabo San Lucas wedding. 

It was an INCREDIBLE time getting to know Austin, Karly and their friends and family over a few days. As a bonus, my brother Dave and his wife Alex were also attending their Cabo wedding! Read more about this stunning wedding on the beach here!

March’s TOP Moment: The Most EPIC Styled Shoot At Whonnock Lake

I teamed up with Be Flawless Beauty Bar and Bobbypin’s Curiosities for this incredible styled shoot for Whonnock Lake weddings where Golden Hour showed up BIG TIME. I couldn’t have picked more perfect models than Charles and Jenna who were so willing to try any of my prompts. Read more about this incredible shoot here!

April’s TOP Moment: My Sister Got MARRIED!

David and Sarah’s Fraser River Lodge wedding was a couple of months earlier with a much smaller guest list due to COVID. Even with the last minute changes, their wedding was just as meaningful and beautiful, if not MORE SO.

They chose the stunning mountain backdrop available when you book Fraser River Lodge. I had the honor of being both the Maid of Honor AND the photographer. Read more about this amazing day here!

May’s TOP Moment: I Biked Every Day!

Okay, fine, I missed 3 days… but I loved this opportunity to get fresh air and exercise! If you are able to bike to work or school, try it out for a month and see how great you feel! Here are a few photos from May:

June’s TOP Moment: I Worked 70 Hours Each Week

It was absolute chaos and I barely slept. My eyes bugged out from so much computer time and lack of sleep but a whole lot of coffee and fun was had! Enjoy these photos from June:

July’s TOP Moment: My Birthday!

My birthday is always a highlight!!! This year I went downtown with my sister and parents and hit Cactus Club, ice cream, and Waterfront for a family walk. Make a note of that if you want to give me an ideal night on the town! Here are a few July photos:

August’s TOP Moment: Girl’s Trip To Victoria BC

Amazing mother-daughter bonding time with two full days off. I even turned off my phone for the trip! Such a treat! Highly recommend Victoria for a little getaway. Enjoy these August photos:

September’s TOP Moment: Never Leaving My Editing Cave And 18 Shoots This Month!

Yes, that’s right, 18 shoots!!! So you can see why my office became known as the “editing cave” where I spent almost ALL of my time that month. Weddings, engagements, mini sessions, even a collab shoot with Hunni’s! Here’s a sample of this month’s work:

October’s TOP Moment: Sister Bonding Time

Love my sister bonding time!! I hit Vancouver a few times this month to spend time with my sister Sarah. If you know how tight I am with Sarah, then you’ll understand why I don’t need to explain this top moment further.

November’s TOP Moment: Delivered 15 Galleries!

The most REWARDING feeling in this job is shooting off galleries!!! It brings me so much joy to see my client’s excitement when they receive their photos. Rest assured that I NEVER get tired of your reactions to receiving your galleries, so don’t be afraid to let loose!

December’s TOP Moment: Christmas! Duh!

Even if Christmas had to be a smaller gathering this year, it is forever my favorite holiday and I LOVE every aspect of it. Especially the food!!! I definitely missed my family this year as there are many of us spread out all over the world. 

If you want some tips on what you can do to have a merry Christmas despite COVID restrictions, check out my last blog post here or contact me directly!