It’s safe to say that 2013 has been the best and most challenging year of my life. From quitting a horrible job in order to pursue a happier lifestyle, to finally feeling like I’ve found a career I love, to getting engaged to the love of my life… it’s been an exciting and terrifying year with memories and experiences I’ll cherish forever.

2013 has been the year of taking risks. After two years of sitting in a cubicle at a horrible job that made me miserably unhappy, I decided to quit my full time job in order to pursue something that made me happy. I had two months of unemployment to reevaluate my life, and this time off helped me recharge and figure out who I wanted to be. It was terrifying not knowing where my next rent check would come from, but thanks to the support of my amazing family and Jack, I was able to remove myself from a toxic environment and take the necessary step to making myself happy.

It’s been the year of “firsts”. This year has surprised me by handing me a load of new experiences, new friends, and new adventures that I never imagined I would have. From starting my own business to meeting my photographic idol, I’ve been blown away by the unbelievable opportunities that I’ve been blessed with. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be able to assist an amazing fine art photographer, which would open doors to so many other life changing opportunities. I never imagined I would be building my own business and have the chance to photograph one wedding, let alone two, and be able to learn from so many other photographers as a second shooter. I never ever believed that I would be able to learn from Jose Villa at one of his workshops and be able to sit in a room with so many other unbelievable photographers as their peer. From having my first “official” photo shoot in January to manning my own business with weekends fully booked with shoots, this year has been a year of tremendous growth.

It’s been the year of imbalance. In January I decided to unofficially (read: made a facebook page) start a photography business. I booked portrait shoots up the wazoo and learned that I could pursue this hobby as an actual career, but never thought it would happen so fast. I booked my first wedding through a facebook connection, which started my journey of gaining experience in the wedding industry. I booked second shooting gigs and another wedding as a lead photographer, and before I knew it my weekends were packed with weddings and lifestyle shoots. It was so exciting and I couldn’t believe I was actually pursing my dreams. But with all of this exciting new work on my plate, I found myself struggling to find a happy balance between building my portfolio, working a day job, spending time with my friends and family, and finding time for me. Before I knew it I was spending countless nights blowing off friends to stay up way too late editing. The few times that I have spent time with friends has left me feeling so rejuvenated and happy, and I know that in order to keep myself sane in 2014, I need to make time to unwind and relax. I know that I need to dedicate myself to my business and I’m so excited to keep pursing this dream, but I can’t do it at the expense of my sanity and friendships.

It’s been the year of new beginnings. In August, Jack got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. After 10 years of knowing each other, this new change to our relationship has opened so many doors to the amazing future we’ll have. We’ve always known we were going to get married, but now that it’s on the horizon and actually happening we are even more exciting to start our lives together as husband and wife.

I’m so excited for the new year and all that it will bring, and I’m so grateful for the amazing year behind us!