It’s been 1 year since I shot my first wedding.

I was 18 years old and had just graduated high school. I had photographed my high school friends, but I had never photographed a couple and I had never photographed a wedding.

I wanted to change that, so I posted to Craigslist saying I was looking for a couple for my portfolio. I would shoot absolutely free of charge; I was just looking for experience.

Lucky for me, the most wonderful woman, Xauntal responded to my call. And she asked me if I would shoot her wedding reception.

I hesitated. Although I had done plenty of online research, I had zero experience. I had never even attended a wedding in the past 10 years. I didn’t know what people even did at weddings and what I’d be expected to photograph and where I would be expected to stand. I didn’t have any experience posing large groups. I didn’t even have any experience photographing people who were NOT teenagers from my high school.

But I took a chance and agreed. For $100, I got my foot in the door and I am forever grateful to Xauntal and Will for giving me that chance. And being so kind and gracious and supportive then and ever since.

I’ve come so far in this past year and I am excited to see where this next year takes me. I have so many people to be grateful for.