I sat down at my computer this morning to compile a folder of my favorite wedding images from this year. I would like to say that I did it for you, but truth be told I did it for me. I did it so I could look back over this year and relive all the special moments I was honored to capture. I did it so that I could better understand why I started this business in the first place. I did it so I could remember.

Back to the photos.

It was an impossible task. I poured over photos of gorgeous shoes, beautiful flowers, stunning centerpieces, and killer details. I got teary eyed looking over images of grandparents who has since passed away. I smiled as I looked once again at the faces all of my grooms seeing their stunning brides-to-be for the first time during their First Look. When all was said and done I came up with 647 favorites from this year. Yeah, 647. It was my intention to drop them all into iMovie for a slideshow but that slideshow would take you hours to watch. Instead, I decided to steal the idea from Jeff and Erin Youngren (who, if you have not visited their blog, you definitely should!) of highlighting a few images from my 5 favorites weddings this year. That was also a hard task because I worked with such amazing clients this year. But alas, after much thought, I was able to narrow it down. These 5 weddings are not necessarily the most expensive, elaborate or stunning weddings of the year. I chose them because they found a special place in my heart. With each of them, I connected in a unique way.

As I put the finishing touches on this post I sat back, sighed deeply, and shot up a short prayer of thanks to God, for allowing me to dream and live a life that I love. Here’s to a fantastic year…

#1. Aleksandra and David – Switzerland
I started this year off by flying to Europe to shoot two weddings back in January. One of which was the wedding of Russian-born Aleksandra and Swiss-born David. Their wedding was like living a fairytale. Those of you know who me well know that I love to travel and learn about culture. David and Aleksandra’s wedding gave me a small glimpse into Swiss and Russian culture, specifically wedding culture, and was one I will never forget. From the snow-covered mountaintop castle which we walked through mid-day to the cozy and mysterious dungeon that the reception was held at, this wedding was just so much fun. And, let’s be honest here, who wouldn’t kill for that fur wrap Aleksandra wore?!?!

This is Aleksandra’s Babuska. She was, undoubtedly, my favorite part of the day!

#2. Summer and Alex – Connecticut
There are just not enough words to explain how much I adore Summer and Alex. It may sound cliche but they are the epitome of clients-turned-friends. I could hop on a plane right now, meet Summer in California, and kick it on the beach all day long with her. I am quite certain that would be laughter involved and definitely a tear or two (we are both criers!). Summer and Alex are two of the kindest, most gentle people I have ever met. And they love to travel…which scores them major bonus points in my book. 🙂

#3. Maria and Brad – New Jersey (Jersey Shore!!! Fist pump!)
Maria and Brad’s wedding was quite possibly the funnest (yeah I just made up that word) wedding I photographed this year. They laughed. And they laughed. And then they laughed some more. So did their guests. And their family members. It was all joy, all smiles, all day. And that, my friends, is what two lives joining together should be about! There was singing and there was dancing. There was beach and there was sun. There were fairy wings and dragon cake toppers. And at the end of the day they were sent off by their friends and family members through a shower of sparklers, knowing that their marriage had the full support of everyone who loved them.

#4. Elizabeth and Thomas – Denmark
Elizabeth and Thomas’ wedding is being held for publication right now, so I can’t show you the whole thing yet. After doing their engagement shoot and talking more with Elizabeth, I quickly realized that their wedding was going to be very different than a typical Danish wedding. Danish weddings, in general are extremely simple and understated. I have said all along that they put priorities on two things for their wedding – fashion and food! I have seen Danish brides wear Vera Wang in a bingo hall and serve 7 course meals on paper plates. It is all a part of their charming culture that I fell in love with. As Elizabeth and I continued to get to know each other she introduced me to her wedding blog, prettychicblog.dk, which is the only blog of its kinda in Denmark. On the day of her wedding, Elizabeth and I laughed about terms she used with me all along – terms that are unheard of to most Danes. She talked about the “buttery light” we had, about breathtaking details, and about hoping her wedding would inspire more brides in Denmark. I was honored to be there for a wedding that is being used as a starting point for many 2011 (and beyond!) brides, and I was even more honored to have the privilege of documenting their day! And shoot…I got to practice my Danish!! Så skal du nyd billederne!

#5. Nina and Michel – Maine
Everyone needs a Nina in their life. Seriously. She is the most adorable, charming, funny little thing I have ever met. She is so cute that I kinda wish I could wrap her up in a pretty box with a nice big bow and just mail her to all of you. Because everyone needs a Nina in their life. Michel agreed, so he made Nina his forever. Their day (which you haven’t seen yet!) was put together by a stunning team of vendors, led by the ever fabulous Paula Marrero, and was absolute perfection. Buttery light, a golden sunset, and all-white guest color ensemble (as in their clothes, not the color of their skin), earthy details and a stunning barn. I heart Nina and Michel. And you will too after you see their entire wedding!!

So thankful for the amazing clients I have had in 2010 and where my job had taken me! I made a little map today so that I can see it all in one place. Just wait until you see where 2011 is taking me!! Holy smokes…can’t wait! 2010 was absolutely amazing, but here’s to an even better 2011!