Here’s the truth friends… I am the worst at celebrating victories — both small and large!  I prefer to brush past them, avoid the attention, and set on to the next thing.

Well here’s what I’ve found — when I don’t reach the next “thing” all of a sudden the accomplishments that I’ve made feel like they don’t make a lick of difference.  When I forget to celebrate the good things, all that feels left are the hard things.  Here’s what I mean: last week I sent out a letter to the newsletter sharing all about some of my favorite happenings of last year.  They were the big ones…

Like:

1. Traveling to Italy and Switzerland

2. Capturing and celebrating the marriages of some amazing couples

3. Renovated our bedroom over at #TheSwannHouse

4. Photographing my sister (!!!) and her fiancé for their engagement photos

5. Welcomed a new member of #TheSwannHouse, Walter ;)

6. Being named a rising star amongst Washington DC wedding photographers by Washingtonian Magazine

See that last item on the list?! I realized after I wrote out the newsletter that I didn’t even share about it or celebrate it yet!!!

Being featured on the list by the Washington DC bridal magazine — guys its an utmost honor!  I can’t even BELIEVE IT!!!  Seeing my name in print, next to so many other talented photographers, it’s an amazing feeling.  A few years ago I wouldn’t have even let myself dream about something like this.

And so today, I’m going to choose to celebrate it with y’all!  Because sometimes we all need to celebrate a bit more.  I’m going to mark this down as something to look back on!  Plus, I’m choosing you since its you guys, the avid readers of this space who have been cheering me on since day one when my website looked like it threw up coral ;)

So grab a slice of cake, pop the sparkling cider, and let’s celebrate! Because life needs a little more celebrating ;)

PS. Washingtonian Bride and Groom is one of my favorites for educating brides and grooms! Grab your copy at news stands today!!