Filled with Gratitude – Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I seriously cannot believe that it’s already the end of November… it feels like we were celebrating the start of summer just a few weeks ago, but alas – the holidays are here! I wanted to slow things down and take a moment to thank a few of the people who mean the most to me!

This business and this little blog have grown so much in 2014 and none of it would have been possible without the people below! My heart is so full today… so incredibly full! I still cannot believe that I have the opportunity to wake up every morning and do what I love while building a life with my husband and our two pups that I’m proud of. If you had told me six years ago that this passion of mine would take me all over the world, introduce me to the most incredible couples, and fill me with this joy… I never could have imagined it! And I have so many people to thank for helping to make my crazy dreams a reality!

I’m thankful for Husband, Family, + Friends!

First and foremost, I am so incredibly grateful for my sweet husband, my family, and friends who stand by me through everything! They are there for me on the good days and, most importantly, the tough ones. These incredible people keep me laughing when I take the little things too seriously and are always there with a kind hearted word of support when I need it most.

I’m the first person to admit that running a business is hard… and running a seasonal business means that certain times of the year can be overwhelming and stressful! These folks take the brunt of that… they are with me through the craziness and year after year, they blow me away with their support!

And when it comes to Huey… He is the glue that holds my wildly creative, constantly dreaming, traveling heart together. He misses me on the weekends when I’m documenting the lives of my clients and accepts that my schedule will take me away from him more often than he likes. This man supports my dreams as if they were his own… giving me the encouragement, freedom, and support to travel all over the world in the pursuit of building this little business!

My family has literally moved dinners, holidays, and gatherings to weekday evenings so that I can attend. I am so grateful for the sacrifices they make so that I never have to miss out on the big things, even when I’m busy shooting a wedding! My incredible in-laws have bent over backwards to help as well, watching our pups for weeks on end + always there for support when I need it. I’m so blessed.

This year, I have made some of the most incredible friends. I never imagined having such a strong core group of women who would pour into my heart and support me in the way that these girls have. You all know who you are. I love you, so much. My world is so much brighter with you in it.

I’m thankful for my 2014, 2015, & 2016 Couples!

I love each and every one of my couples! You trust me to capture one of the most incredible moments in your lives and I am so unbelievably grateful. It’s because of you that I have the opportunity to live out this dream and share my heart with the world. You allow me to cry with you, laugh with you, and be a part of your lives. I am so thankful. I am so honored. I truly can’t imagine my life without you!

I get teary-eyed reliving the moments of this past year. The first looks, the tearful walks down the aisle, joyful speeches and stolen kisses. I am so honored to be your photographer and I’m truly thankful to have you in my life! The next year is already looking to be a BIG one for me… and that is because of YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I’m thankful for my amazing team!

Oh, Team Sockbun… We developed the nick-name after quite a few hot summer weddings when we would all show up with our hair pulled back in a classy little bun! Add in some pearls, a navy blue or black dress, and you can pretty much imagine our “uniform” for the 2014 season! Maddie and Kate have been the best ‘teammates’ I ever could have imagined and they rarely get the credit they deserve! These two are such an integral part of the wedding day and have contributed to my spirit, joy, and inspiration all season! I love these girls! Whenever someone asks me how I ‘do it all’ – I simply remind them that it takes a team to make this little business run! Amazing assistants, vendors who provide my clients with gorgeous galleries, prints, and heirloom albums, and the support of a thriving local community of photographers! I’m so blessed to have so many people working alongside me and I’m grateful beyond belief!

I hope everyone has an amazing day! I’ll be back in the office on Monday, but for now – – Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
All Anniversary Photographs by my sweet friend Anna of Annamarie Akins Photography