December 26, 2016
This is it. The last week of 2016! This year seriously feels like a blur. Each month went faster than the next and now I am already planning for so much goodness in 2017! When I think about all that has happened this year, it’s almost hard to believe just how lucky I am. My life became drastically busier than the year before and I cannot believe everything I did and experienced. Even going through these images, I’m reminded how truly good my life is.
2016 was full of firsts. I traveled more than I ever have before, visiting new cities and two new countries. I met wonderful people, made new friends, attended retreats and conferences, and learned SO much. I celebrated every birthday and holiday possible. I came across new authors and rediscovered my love for reading again! My work was published, I won awards, and I even made it on the news, TWICE! With the help and guidance of sweet friends, I cohosted not one but TWO workshops for the first time ever! Every month was surprisedly more exciting and fun than the next!
But the best part about 2016 was the all the growth I experienced. I really made the time to find balance, to let go, and to hold myself to a standard of grace over perfection. I grew more into who I truly am and learned even more about what’s important to me. I focused on strengthening my relationships with family members, friends, and God and found the courage to say “No, thank you” to things that were not right for me. I stopped fixating on everyone else’s life and really started trying to make the most of mine. I found joy again and really started letting the hardships from 2015 fade away.
I’m excited to take what I learned this year and carry it into this next year! 2017 will be full of more travel, new adventures, new experiences, new discoveries, and lots of fun times spent with the people I love the most.
Cheers to 2016! Thanks for everything.
First adventure of the year, The Rising Tide Society’s Leaders Retreat in Charleston!
I actually had the chance to SPEAK at this conference! Nerve-wracking, yes, but so awesome and worth it!
Little did I know in February that these women would become some of my best friends this year!
Next stop, Las Vegas for WPPI!
My photography work was published in just about every issue of YOU Magazine this year!
I met one of my biggest role models, mentors, and inspirations of all time – Jose Villa!
I received the sweetest gifts from clients and friends including pie, an ecosphere, and so many coffee mugs!
In April, I WON a seat to Pursuit Conference thanks to the kindness and support from Justin & Mary Marantz!
After returning from Georgia and being in town for only a DAY, I jumped back on a plane and headed to Mexico for my first destination wedding! I loved being able to use my passport for the first time!
When I returned, I cohosted my first workshop, Explore North, with April Zelenka and Jen Dederich.
I led almost a dozen more Rising Tide Society meetups and even hosted a huge Styled Shoot for everyone!
I witnessed and photographed the birth of another sweet little one, baby Lincoln James!
While enjoying a trip to Chicago, I also attended HoneyBook’s launch party! So fun to celebrate this fabulous organization and run into so many sweet and familiar faces I met earlier this year.
Made it to 100 classes of Pure Barre!!
Volunteered time at The Boys and Girls Club whenever I had a chance this year! I love these little humans!
Celebrated every holiday, including the 4th of July!!
Flew to Denver for Creative @ Heart and had the best time!
I was chosen as one of Green Bay’s 10 Women to Know for 2016 and won The Best of Weddings from The Knot!
Next stop, Toronto! I didn’t know what to expect from Canada but I fell absolutely in love with this place!
As soon as I made it back into the country, I left for The Knot’s Minneapolis Workshop! It was so fun to be a part of and I could even bring my mom and sister along with me to celebrate my mom’s birthday the next day!
This year, I felt so lucky to be able to actually spend time with friends and loved ones! I made time to go to the beach, attend baby showers, birthday celebrations, Packer games, and costume parties. This is what life is truly all about!
In October, I cohosted my SECOND workshop, Gracefully Wed, with my dear friend, Elizabeth Nord!
I explored new cities, photographed friends’ weddings, celebrated Halloween, and got a new tattoo!!
This year, I opened a new business with my mom – a consignment shop called Dwell & Grace. When I wasn’t photographing weddings or traveling, I spent the last part of my year there or volunteering.
My last travels of the year took me to Door County for a girls’ weekend to celebrate my birthday and Florida to photograph a wedding with my sweet friend, Colleen of Capture Life Moments!
I celebrated my favorite holiday of the year, Christmas, with my friends and family! It was simple and perfect!
Amazing year, Shaunae!!!! I LOVED seeing you at the RTS retreat & Pursuit; and I am SO SO SO happy you could attend C@H Denver :)