Year In Review | 2021
And just like that, another year comes to a close. Once again, filled with ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions that we’re getting all too familiar with by now. Reflecting upon the past 12 months, it’s honestly been pretty hard to reconcile our feelings. There were moments of anticipation and excitement that were equally met with disappointment and grief. A real mixed bag. Let’s call 2021… a transition year?
Here’s the down…
In our own storyline, a dominating chapter was about preparing for the arrival of another little one. Our family was growing from 3 to 4. Brighton was fully relishing his future role as a big brother and we were eagerly awaiting this new chapter in our lives, only to have it suddenly taken away in a rather traumatic fashion. 13 weeks and then gone. The loss left us in a deep haze and the future we had imagined for our family was gone. We kept it pretty much to ourselves (other than sharing with a few close people) but it was a heartbreaking and very draining experience. We’ve always wanted to keep our personal and work lives somewhat separate but the further we distance ourselves, the more open we feel about sharing and in our own little way, breaking down the stigma and silence ( we knew the stats but didn’t really understand it all until it happened to us).
Time marched on and as the weeks and months passed we photographed a number of amazing weddings and celebrations. Looking back, these events helped to inevitably lift some of the sadness. We were able to view these weddings with a newfound appreciation. The beauty of gathering with close family and friends became much more vivid. Each moment that we are lucky enough to be celebrating life together is truly special and deserves to be treasured. This might read as hyperbole to some but as storytellers we have always felt this way, and now it has only become more ingrained in what we do. Our loss will never be forgotten but it also left us with a gain. A silver lining of sorts.
Here’s the up…
Despite the challenging moments, 2021 had plenty of joy and elation. Every photographer gushes about their clients… but we simply have the BEST clients! Thank you to each and every one of you! Looking back at all of our weddings this past year has left us in awe. From our hometown Calgary to Vancouver and everywhere in-between (heyo Nelson!) We feel so lucky and honoured to be photographing and filming so many amazing weddings.
(Speaking of filming, we were pleasantly surprised to see that we were named as 1 of 2 runner up’s for Best Wedding Videographers by Avenue Calgary. Videography is a complimentary service of ours that has only really taken off in the last couple of years during the pandemic and so it’s so awesome to be recognized. Check out all of the best wedding categories here. A huge congrats to all of the vendors named! Calgary really does have an awesome community)
Taking a peek at Kevin’s nerdy excel spreadsheet, we are somehow approaching 200 weddings that we’ve photographed + filmed together and honestly every one still feels fresh and unique. This is a testament to our couples and how they intentionally plan out their days. Each story is unique, no repeats. Makes our job pretty darn easy and fun!
2022 here we come…
While the moment of writing this, things are dominated by the latest variant Omicron, this too shall pass…. And with that we have an inkling that 2022 is going to be pretty special. Our wedding season is fully booked and we’re itching to celebrate (we’re heading back to Iceland?!… eeek!) At the same time, rather than looking furiously ahead like we did last year, we’re a little more grounded in the present and taking things slowly, day by day.
Brighton will be going back to pre-school soon and Kevin has decided to join him (no, not at pre-school BUT he’s taking an architecture program to fuel a passion... and another business venture of ours down the road!) With the boys busy Kendal might even find time to read a book and paint once again. However it all plays out, we’re excited to see how this new year unfolds.
But first, our 2021 Review…
Below we did the near impossible task of compiling our favourite shots from the past year (in no particular order). Make sure to give your eyes a break while scrolling… she’s a long one!
Happy New Year!
Hold up…. not done yet!
