A look back at my favorite 2024 shoots
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on some of my favorite shoots from this year. Photography is so much more than capturing beautiful images — it’s about the people, the stories, and the emotions behind each moment. This year, I was lucky enough to work with incredible couples, families, and friends, and each shoot reminded me of why I love what I do.
Here’s a look back at three of my most memorable shoots from 2024.
Samara + Joe’s wedding – Romantic, playful, and full of heart
Samara and Joe are the kind of couple who light up every room they walk into. Their love isn’t just for each other — it radiates to everyone around them. From the moment I met them, I knew their wedding would be something special.
Their January wedding was held at The Distillery in Garner, North Carolina, but Samara and Joe were determined to banish any winter blues. They filled the space with colorful florals that brought springtime vibes to the crisp, industrial venue. They also added heartfelt personal touches, like a ring-warming ceremony and a Polish tradition involving bread and vodka — a nod to their heritage.
One of my favorite moments came after dark when I finally had the chance to take a photo I’d been dreaming about: a couple dancing under the bistro string lights strung across a nearby street. Samara and Joe braved the cold January air, and the result was pure magic.
The energy of the day was romantic but playful — just like them. Samara’s kindness especially stuck with me. Knowing I was going through a tough time during the holidays, she made a point to check on me and even encouraged me to take breaks if needed. Her thoughtfulness was a powerful reminder of why I do this work: to connect with people and capture their joy.
Kate + Mike’s wedding – Togetherness, joy, and beauty
Kate and Mike’s wedding was all about one thing: togetherness. For them, the most important part of the day was bringing their friends and family together to celebrate their love.
Their wedding was held at Junction West in Raleigh, and while the ceremony posed some technical challenges (outdoor direct sunlight and limited mobility for different angles), the day was beautiful in its simplicity. With the help of my amazing friend and planner, Carina of Raleigh Weddings, the day ran smoothly. Working with someone as creative and hardworking as Carina always makes the job a joy.
Kate and Mike didn’t want to spend too much time away from their guests, but they let me sneak them away for golden hour portraits — a perfect compromise that allowed them to soak up time with loved ones while still capturing gorgeous couple photos.
This wedding stands out not only because of Kate and Mike’s warmth but also because of the strong vendor relationships that made it all come together. Collaboration with people like Carina always makes the day feel seamless and special.
Mini sessions for friends – Playful, vibrant, and full of love
Every year, I host mini-session days for families, but my favorite tradition has become setting aside a separate day just for friends. This year, five families joined me in my in-laws’ backyard, which provided the perfect mix of beautiful forest views and cozy outdoor charm.
While I’d initially decorated with fall and Christmas decor, the best photos ended up being the ones where we left the decorations behind and just let the families shine. Kids played in the leaves, dogs ran around, and golden hour sunlight filtered through the trees — it was simple, natural, and perfect.
Mini sessions are always a bit outside my comfort zone since I’m more at ease shooting weddings than families. But stepping outside my comfort zone helps me grow, and these sessions have become something I truly look forward to each year. I love being able to give the gift of photography to my friends and share something I feel confident in.
What I’ve learned in 2024
Looking back at these shoots, I’ve realized that the people I work with make all the difference. Whether it’s a couple like Samara and Joe who radiate kindness, a team of vendors who inspire creativity, or friends who turn mini sessions into a joyful gathering, the connections I build are what bring me the most joy.
As someone who often struggles with interpersonal connections, photography gives me a way to bridge that gap. Behind the camera, I feel confident, clear, and capable, and it’s through this work that I’ve been able to form relationships that I truly cherish.
Here’s to 2025, and to continuing to capture love, joy, and connection wherever I find it.
Are you planning a wedding, family session, or something in between? Let’s create something unforgettable together. Whether it’s capturing the joy of your big day or freezing a playful moment with loved ones, I’d love to help tell your story. Reach out today to get started!
Ready to capture your love story?
I’d love to learn more about your wedding plans and discuss how we can create timeless memories together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable.
Contact me