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It is hard to believe that another year has come to an end just as quickly as it began.  I remember as a child, it seemed as though it would take forever for 365 days to go by and now, it seems as though the days and months just fly by!  2012 was quite the year for me, both personally and professionally. Personally, my husband and I got to take the trip of a lifetime to Italy in between weddings.  It was everything I had always dreamed it would be and now I am counting the days until we can go back.  2012 also brought the end of my husband’s military career.  Although it was a bittersweet moment for us, it also brought new beginnings, as it allowed my husband to embark on another dream of his; to open his own law firm.  In between traveling the globe and starting businesses and just enjoying our life in the Florida Keys, there was lots of work and tons of weddings!

In 2012, weddings were my life, which is a good thing, since I am a wedding planner!  I had the honor of planning 11 weddings, attending 4 (three of which I also planned), and assisting some of my favorite vendors with 15 of their weddings.  When I look back at where I was a year ago, it is amazing (and slightly crazy) to think that I would be able to say that I took part in 30 different weddings this year, in some way or another.  I also had the opportunity to be featured on several blogs including Style Me Pretty, Floridian Weddings, Occasions Magazine, Every Last Detail and Venue Safari, as well as attend the Inspire Smart Success Experience in Mexico with the best of the best in the wedding industry.

Each of these opportunities has afforded me with the wisdom and knowledge that, you do better when you know better.  From my clients, I was able to learn that getting married brings out the absolute best (and sometimes, the absolute worst) in everyone.  By taking the time to get to know each couple on a personal level, as well as their family and friends, I was able to truly connect with them and learn about their relationship and what they wanted for their wedding. This allowed me to carry out a lot of the desires without even having to ask.  Each of the couples that I had the opportunity to work with hold a special place in my heart and many of them have become close friends.

From my brother -in-law’s (and now sister-in-law) wedding, I was able to learn that sometimes, just being able to attend the wedding and not always being in charge, is a nice thing!  I was very honored that Jeff & Billie asked me to do a reading at their wedding last June, which allowed me to take part in the wedding without being involved in the planning.  I realized that having to get up and read your favorite passage in front of everyone is just as equally nerve-wracking as standing there and saying “I Do” or being responsible for the entire event.  Being that I am a planner through and through, I did arrive with my emergency kit in hand, just in case!

Finally, I think that I learned the most from working with my favorite vendors.  These were great opportunities to learn their client processes and what is like to be on the other side of the planning spectrum.  I was able not only assist where needed, but also learn what works best for them and how they like to be communicated with and truly what their personalities are like.  Having these opportunities provided me with even more insight for my couples and thus, I was able to make better vendor recommendations to my clients and become a more well-rounded planner.

Below are photos that encapsulate my 2012, including a photo from (almost) each wedding that I had the pleasure (and honor) of planning, as well as some personal favorites.

I wouldn’t change a single thing about this past year.  By far, it has been my favorite year in a long time, but I know that 2013 will be just as amazing, if not more so because there are even more opportunities and wonderful couples that I will be working with to make their dreams come true!

Wishing you and yours the very best that 2013 has to offer!

Cheers!

~Kelly