I cannot believe I have already been chasing my dream full-time for FOUR years! It feels like yesterday that I was in another profession and saving, practicing, and dreaming of the day that I would be full-time. I am so thankful to the wonderful people who hire me to document their lives and make my dream a reality. You guys are the best!

Here is a shot of the first wedding I shot and one from last month. The growth is dramatic!

This year has been REALLY REALLY GOOD! I Have so much to share with you.

PERSONALLY

Natraj and I are growing roots in Anderson SC. We love our fixer upper and are always working on something on the weekends.

I joined Junior League in Anderson to make friends and serve the community. I’m a huge fan! I have made some really good friends that I love dearly in such a short amount of time. It is wonderful to partner up with local charities to make a difference as well. In February I participated in the Little Black Dress Initiative, which raised over $15,000 for local charities in Anderson. I look forward to participating next year.

We visited Natraj’s family in India in December. We had an incredible wedding reception and I met a ton of new family members. We also toured through Natraj’s home state and I got to ride elephants!!! If you know me, you know I love elephants!

This year, Natraj and I are FINALLY going on our honeymoon! I joked that the longer he took to take me that it would have to be more extravagant. Welp, he booked tickets for us to go to Paris for two weeks!!!! That is later this fall, and I cannot wait! I was so shocked when he booked them. Paris is my #1 dream trip! Gosh, I love that man!

In August my brother Jet is moving in with us. It will be an adjustment, but I’m looking forward to having him here. He is going to finish his last year of high school in the states. If you’re a newer follower, my family are missionaries in Africa.

 

Overall, this year has been absolutely incredible.

*image by Hannah Touchet

BUSINESS

Not only did I shoot more weddings and portraits than I ever have in my entire life (SO BLESSED!), but I also:

I became a leader for the Rising Tide’s Society local chapter in Anderson. I love it! It is a group of creative entrepreneurs that meet monthly to discuss and learn about topics to improve their businesses. The idea behind the group is that when the tide rises all ships can sail, and in our group we believe that in helping each other we can all be successful in business. Our hashtag is #communityovercompetition

It is so good for the heart to give back and to choose selflessness and community.

I won The Knot’s 2018 Best Of Weddings award! An award I have wanted for years. I hope to make it on the best of weddings list again this year!

My work was PUBLISHED 12 TIMES! There was a time when I thought no one would ever care to see my work!

 

I also won TWO bronze awards from the Portrait Masters Competition. A huge shock because they were from my first two studio shoots. Here are the images that won awards.

Which brings me to another HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!

I HAVE RENTED STUDIO SPACE IN DOWNTOWN ANDERSON!

I am insanely excited to be expanding my business to a studio. My heart is bursting with excitement!

My hope is to create transformational shoots that help women see themselves for the beautiful human beings they are and to exist in photographs. I want to create images that will be loved by generations.

I’ll be moving into the space within the next couple of weeks. Message me if you’d like to book a session!

Thank you for another year of love and support. There is nothing else I’d rather do!

Warmly,

Sara