On New Year’s Eve, we shared a fantastic dinner with our Dallas friends!  I’m not sure if it was the food or the friendship that I enjoyed most … they were probably equal … but nonetheless, the conversation turned to best memory of 2012.  We poured more wine, and mulled and lingered over a year of memorable treasures … maybe it was a JazzFest moment, there was the milestone birthday celebration that took place in New Orleans for one of us, the moving on from a job for another.  And then the question was pointed at me.  Hmmmm …. I had a LOT to choose from, but after a few moments, it struck me that my best memory of 2012 was a moment … a moment that really mattered to me … that moment I had heard other photographers talk about … the one when you suddenly realize that for the very first time a client was booking you because you’re … you!  Not because you’re relatives, or friends, or even friends of friends … when the inquiry comes in, “I enjoy your photos on Facebook and on your website and hope to work with you,” and the feeling of accomplishment washes over you and you say to yourself, “YESSS … I’m doing this right!” … yes that happened this year!

It came when I was asked to capture the elopement of Christine and Eddie, who chose New Orleans as their destination.  New Orleans is so perfect for a destination wedding, with all of its charm and ambiance.  And the moss-covered oaks of City Park provided an incredibly romantic backdrop for their intimate celebration.  I was honored to be invited to capture their exchange of vows, and to witness the sharing of their obvious love for one another.  Although I’ll never have another first “YESS” moment, I am so looking forward to many more like it in 2013!