2017: A year of many blessings

Wow! We made it through another year! 2017 was a year of many highs and some major lows. What I’ve learned is how important family is through every success and every disappointment. I’m sure I wouldn’t have survived it with such crazy work and travel schedules without my ride or dies. I also feel like if we don’t sit down and recall all the blessings, than we won’t be able to truly be thankful. I think it’s natural to fill our thoughts with what we don’t have or what we didn’t achieve, so why not deliberately combat negativity with positive thoughts. So today, this post is a list of gratitude and recognition that I’ve truly been blessed this year. I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to achieve some of my wildest dreams. Traveling to Europe for the first time, being able to witness my best friend’s wedding, and become a God-mother! I think that makes 2017 absolutely epic. Keep reading for all the special moments that I’m grateful for over the past year.  

Plane ride over Toronto

On January 1st, 2017,  I surprised my husband, Andre, with a flight over the city of Toronto. He doesn’t like surprises at all, but it was so exciting to arrive at the airport on the first day of the year and view downtown Toronto from the sky to start off our year.

Trinidad and Grenada Trip

I had an amazing opportunity to visit Grenada for one of my client’s weddings and Andre and I made a stop in Trinidad to visit his side of the family. It was awesome to make it there

My BFF’s wedding

This was an exciting moment in 2017! Seeing my friend walk down the aisle in Atlanta was pretty awesome. I’m sure it’s a moment that I’ll keep replaying in my mind. I was honoured to be her photographer and one of her bridesmaids.

Jamaica

I went to Jamaica to be with family. It was bittersweet as we went there for my Aunt’s funeral. It was so tough, but I was also very happy to see so many members of my extended family from all over the US and Jamaica.

NYC

Although I love NYC, I haven’t had a chance to visit in a while. I had a great time in the big apple with my sweet clients, Darren and Tiffany. They were so kind to show me around the Bronx and Brooklyn while we also got to shoot their beautiful engagement session and wedding. I also got to host a pop up workshop with a fabulous team of vendors.

My God-daughter

My oldest friend Micah, gave birth to my Goddaughter Ava!!! She’s such a sweet child. Hard to believe she’s already 8 months old. It makes me so happy to see my friends grow their family. I’m sure Ava will be making several appearances on my social media and blog. She’s a real blessing to everyone she meets!

Paris

My trip to Paris for an epic honeymoon shoot was beyond incredible. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris, but going to work with my amazing clients as truly an amazing opportunity. I didn’t travel alone, I brought my Mom along which made it even more special.

Hiked up a mountain!

Andre and I were adventurous and hiked up Black Balsam Knob in Asheville, North Carolina. We wanted something unique and this view was definitely worth it! Special thanks for the wonderful and talented Amelia Fletcher for capturing our love in such a beautiful setting.

What were some of your favorite moments from 2017? Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year!!!

~Sam