Happy New Year! A Recap on 2008 (written by Anna)

After reflecting on this past year for a bit, I've realized that in life we tend to feel a little discouraged that we aren't achieving everything that we want instantaneously. This past year went by so fast and I felt like we could have done so much more. But then I went back through my blog and realized we kinda did a lot. :) What I will work on in 2009 is enjoying the process and realizing that like Thoreau said, "“If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” I absolutely LOVE this quote. Many times in life people give up because what they want hasn't happened as quickly as they'd like. But if we can all remember to just keep plodding along we'll get there at a time, .."unexpected in common hours." To a wonderful and happy new year!! (Published in The Knot - Southern California!) (New sponsorship with Queensberry Albums!) (Published on the front cover of Las Vegas Bride.) (Toured all over the USA. The shots below are taken in D.C, Niagara Falls and Raliegh North Carolina! But we traveled to over 20 cities sponsored by Pictage, Fuji Film and Queensberry Albums. This was truly a unforgettable experience!) (Read 10 business books this year. Hoping to double that for 2009! One of my favorites was "The Four Hour Work Week" I really feel that reading is a mandatory activity for anyone that is looking to become successful quickly. I keep reading these books that have concepts that would have taken me 10 years or a lifetime to figure out on my own. Its much easier to just read...) (We had the privilege this year of photographing the amazingly talented wedding coordinator Ariel Yve's wedding at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. Her wedding was filmed and will be on an episode of Platinum Weddings on the WE TV Network on January 25th!) (Fun Photo Booth Shot of Michael and I and our Bride Mayleen Ramey, host of ESPN and MTV shows!) (Photographed Teresa Stasser's wedding in Las Vegas. Some fun facts: This shot was taken in The Real World Suite in the Palms Hotel. Also, our images were featured on an episode of "The Water Cooler" that Teresa Hosts. Teresa is also the Co-Host of the Adam Corolla Show) (I auditioned for American Idol for the 3rd time! There a bunch of videos of me singing that I remembered I put on my blog. I think I may take down the Bon Jovi, "Shot Through The Heart" rendition that I did. Very embarrassing...) (I became a vegetarian this year after reading the book below! I love it!) (My sweet brother left on his mission for Brazil this year. We miss him...) (I took an art class with my friend Allie Trowbridge. Funny thing... my Dad is an artist and after taking this class I introduced him to the gallery owner where I was going and she now is using my Dad as one of her artists! Check out Portico Gallery and Harvey Cusworth's websites!) (Michael and I launched our Forum, Photo For The People. We have a ton of great interviews of highly successful photographers on there as well as great Live Chats with those same photographers!) (I got my wisdom teeth pulled this year...) (Michael and spoke at the WPPI Convention in Vegas last March 2008. What a great, fun and rewarding experience. Met tons of awesome people! Can't wait for this year!) After reflecting back on this year and going through my blog I realized that what I really care about is my family and my wonderful husband. We just got to spend a few weeks with family and friends during the holidays and it was truly wonderful. Each minute that we have here on earth is a gift and I'm so grateful for all that I have. Thanks to everyone for your love and support this last year! xoxo