I definitely looked back at this summer and thought all my chances to build memories are just flying by.  I definitely need to make more of an effort to relax and enjoy life a little more.  Lesson learned!

On a positive note,  I’ve had some amazing opportunities with some amazing clients this summer.  Whitney and Matt are no exception.  This elegant couple’s wedding was my first time shooting in Baltimore.

I’ll definitely be posting more shots from these past few sneak peeks soon.  So, keep checking in and don’t be shy: leave a comment!

Then it hits me… DUH, Kathryn!!  Get your CAMERA! (Fortunately, I had it with me from a shoot I did this afternoon).  Part of me felt like I was being totally intrusive, but my gut told me she’d appreciate it.  With camera in hand, I ran back to the couple and offered to capture the moment and email them a copy.  The girl, rubbing tears of joy from her eyes, said “I’m a mess!”  I told her “You look great!  Come on!”  Her new fiance is all smiles as he says to me “This is her dream!”  I could only assume he meant having a photog on hand to capture the moment.  Talk about luck!

Not wanting to completely interuppt this intimate moment, I quickly captured two shots, gave them my card, and went on my way.  It happened in the blink of an eye.  I’m not even sure if I remember their names correctly, but Brian and Gina- Congratulations, again, and Best Wishes!

My Amazing Husband, Rob-  You had faith and believed in me, even when I felt unsure of myself.  Once it took off, you put up with SO much!    You know how I can be when I’m working against a deadline or feeling overwhelmed, and you handle it with TONS of patience.  Thank you for your endless support.

My Dad- There is no guessing where my entrepreneur gene came from.  All those discussions helped me get a handle on how to get my business going and keep it going.  You never had a doubt about this adventure and you saw potential immediately.  All your positive words helped build my confidence so I could make this dream a reality.

Bola- You are really the one to “blame” for all this!  I mean that in the BEST way possible.  Its amazing that you went from being my photographer to friend to mentor.  Thanks for shoving me into this business, because I wouldn’t have dove in on my own!  You never cease to inspire me!  I love working with you, but I’m SO excited to be a guest at your wedding!

There are a few more people I’d like to acknowledge but I’ll try to keep it brief:   Barbi for getting me some awesome clients and nagging me to see the latest pics.  Melissa and “Aunt” Nancy for being excited to look at each new blog post.  Theresa for being an amazing assistant/sister/friend!  Kerri for making several photo shoots much more fun.  To all my family & friends who have shown me support, encouragement and excitement.

Finally, to all my fantastic clients!  Thank you for trusting me with your special moments.  I’m so glad I got to know each one of you.  For my 2010 clients, I’m very excited to work with you!  Here’s a sneak peek at my last wedding of 2009… one of the most memorable events I’ll ever photograph.

Although I absolutely love the fall, I’m a little sad to admit summer is over.  Three things really defined the summer of 2009 for me: a road trip, baseball (particularly the Phillies), and Wildwood.  With cameras in tow, my husband Rob and I went on a trip to visit family and on the way to Massachusetts, we made a pit-stop at Mystic Seaport.  I absolutely fell in love with it.  I am anxious to see this place when fall foiliage is at its peak!  The homes and the landscape views were breathtaking.  I took a bunch of photos before we headed back onto the road.

We also went to a few great Phillies games this summer.  There are two games in particular that were just phenomenal.  The photos below are of the game against the Cincinnatti Reds, where the Phils scored 10 runs in the first inning!!  They won that game 22-1 and it was unforgettable.  There was a gorgeous sunset from our seats and Rob was seriously content watching the team play so well!  We were also at at the game last week when they clinched the division title.  I’m so glad that we were there for the celebration.

Summertime is full of celebration, and for me there is no better place for that than Wildwood.  We spend a lot of time down the shore with family.  (Cheese Alert!!) Five years ago, Rob and I sat and watched fireworks on the beach for the first time together.  We both knew that night that we’d be watching fireworks together from then on.  This is an annual tradition that I look forward to every year.

This was an inspirational summer for me.   (Watch for second helpings of cheese)… Looking at these three things, I realize how truly American these experiences are.  Although America isn’t in the best shape right now, the reality is that it could be much worse.  There are still opportunities out there and I’m determined to make the best of it.  I’m so grateful for what I’ve been given and the lessons that made me who I am.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

-Winston Churchill