Making it to the Finish Line: Goodbye 2020

We all know that 2020 was a year unlike any other. It challenged us in ways we never thought possible. It taught us lessons we didn’t know we needed. It shifted our priorities, showing us we need to hold onto what’s most important in life—the small, meaningful, every day moments that previously passed us by without a second thought.

In the midst of all the hardships, I’m grateful to have had many pockets of light in a dark year. I celebrated milestones and accomplishments, stepped outside my comfort zone, and grew my business in ways I never imagined.

Even during a pandemic, I was able to launch several yearly events at my newly-opened studio, which brought me so much joy to see my vision for that space come to life. My team and I were there for the couples affected by COVID restrictions, rescheduling all of our 2020 clients and making sure their dream day would still happen. We safely shot many incredible weddings and loved seeing the diversity of celebrations, from last-minute microweddings to intimate dinner parties and stunning elopements.

Although staying at home was creatively stifling at times, it pushed me to flex that muscle in different ways. I created and designed beautifully styled shoots and helped launch two gorgeous wedding venues. While wedding season was a little bit slower than usual, it allowed me the time to capture more newborns, interiors, families, and maternity sessions, a new avenue I enjoyed exploring. And I went back to my art direction roots this summer, working on a higher education campaign where I designed, directed, and photographed an entire undergraduate enrollment campaign for a university. Behind the scenes, I’ve also been working on revamping our brand and website, a true labor of love. I’m so excited to head into 2021 with a new look and feel for Grace & Ardor Co. The year ended on a supremely high note when I landed a cover with Modern Luxury Weddings, a dream come true.

Not only did those pockets of inspiration push me through and carry me to the finish line, but the year as a whole gave me a fresh perspective that I’ll take with me well in the future. Here’s to a great 2021 for us all.

xx Erin