As 2011 has been winding to a close, I’ve had this post ruminating in my mind. Parts of it have bubbled up from deep within my soul, and some of the things I’ll say were hatched as strategic plans for the future as I cleared my mind during a vacation on the Florida beaches earlier this month. The common thread through all my musings for 2011 would have to be a profound sense of GRATEFULNESS.

I’m grateful for the love of my life, Jonathan. I’ll never get over the miracle that God created a man that would be a perfect fit for a quirky, independent girl that secretly longed for love and a best friend. He “gets” me, he supports me, and he truly, truly loves me. That love changes me every day.

I’m grateful for beginnings. When I started my business in August of 2010 I would have never guessed how fast it would grow and how much this growth would facilitate my own personal growth. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve cried in frustration while trying to stretch myself, but I’ve also been on the mountain tops and felt a sense of peace knowing that I’m getting somewhere on my journey.

I’m grateful BEYOND WORDS for the people that make my business possible… my clients. My heart swells when I think of this amazing group of human beings who have trusted me, encouraged me, had patience with a new photographer that sometimes made mistakes. These people are the reason I do what I do. Everyone deserves to live a “fairytale” and I’m so passionate about creating beautiful moments for REAL people. I love love love that this is what I get to give to the world, and I will continue to strive to give my best to these wonderful people.

I’m grateful for those in the industry who have believed in me. I have received support from other photographers that I love and admire. Some have answered questions, some have just lent an ear when I was overwhelmed, and some have encouraged me with praise when I needed it most. I hope to always “pay it forward” and give this love to others coming behind me. I have been featured on several sites this year, including On To Baby, La Petite Peach, Style Me Pretty, and All the Photographers.

I am grateful for the One who has given me the blueprint to be truly balanced and successful. The One who teaches me about true love and shows me beauty every day. Ever since I was a little girl, I feel as if my relationship with God has shaped me more than anything else. Though I don’t often bring spirituality into my business as a matter of respect for others, I think it would be sad to say thank you without remembering the most important Love in my life.

Well, an ending of a year always brings a beautiful beginning of another, and the forecast for 2012 is looking pretty peachy! Beginnings usually mean change is coming as well, and it’s certainly brewing over here at Kina Wicks Photography. There are so many dreams and goals that I can’t even tell you about yet, but if you stay tuned I think you’ll be as excited as I am!

My main goals for 2012 will revolve around making my client experience the BEST it can possibly be. With 23 weddings already booked for 2012, I will be suspending my portrait business for the time being. I am in the works of possibly adding an associate to offer some portrait services for families and seniors in the future and of course I will offer portrait marathons a couple of times a year. I do think this is a timely and important change in my business that was inevitable after the explosive growth I experienced last year. I’ve come to realize that you can be good at everything but only GREAT at very few things… and for me my priorities this year will be creating fabulous engagement and wedding photos, a warm, satisfying and timely experience for these clients, and still have a balance in my personal life. I’m also bringing on an intern that will work with me in the office and at weddings and you’ll meet her soon!

I’d like to end this post with a few photos from 2011… THANK YOU again for being an encouragement to me through your words on facebook, emails and on this blog. XOXO!!