Hello Everyone,
In the cold winter months, I decided that it was time to create a new space for A Sunday Smile. And what better time to relaunch than Spring? Well, we're almost there anyway! Over the last few months, I've been thinking a lot about vulnerability. Being authentic can sometimes be hard to do and vulnerability is one of the traits humans fear the most. Vulnerability, however, is one hundred percent necessary when deciding to get married. I have learned this through my own personal journey, as I will soon join the ranks of the married women. Yes, this is the first time I have announced it online: I am engaged!
Being engaged has brought on a lot of emotions I was not expecting to feel, so many 'what if' thoughts about the future that I never had when I was a girlfriend. But it has also brought me so much hope, strength and love. A lot of times people can look at marriage as something unremarkable and common place. Something people do. However, isn't it remarkable that in the face of adversity people still choose love?
On top of being engaged, this year has also brought hardships. In December I lost my father. He battled with cancer and fought incredibly hard for life and to keep the love of his family alive. He also did a lot of work while he was alive to truly become his own authentic self. He battled with alcoholism for many years but he reached sobriety and faced his fears 4 years before he passed away. This year has been full of so many emotions but it has also been full of so much love.
The reason why I share this with you is because I learned how much vulnerability can bring us all together. I learned that betting on love and a life together can be slightly terrifying but brings us so many memories and so much hope for a shared future.
I decided to take a few months off and when I was ready to get back to my business I feel like I had changed. I needed to start from scratch and create a new space for my clients, readers, and friends. I have a lot more vulnerability that I need to show you.
I won't be just your photographer; I will be your confidant and your friend.
In this new blog I plan to combine articles about wedding photography and real couples with insight into my own journey as a bride and a young woman. I hope you'll come along with me and we can make memories betting on the future, even though we might be a little vulnerable.
Love,
Stephanie