A Look Back at 2011 + A Resolution or Two

2011 has been a very exciting year! I was thinking back over the year and all the changes that have happened. Let's take a look down memory lane...

January - I had started planning for starting my own business. What began as a dream now turned into a constant thought. I discussed plans with my husband and he gave me the green light plus a lot of encouragement.

February - I wrote a business plan. I had no idea how to do this but I researched various websites, books and magazines until I wrote a plan perfect for starting my business. I also started working on a website. I already did this for a living but enlisted help from a sweet friend as well. She came up with my logo and look. It was free in exchange for one day filming her wedding!

March - I ordered equipment. This was exciting and nerve wrecking. I had always used camera equipment from the college and having my own was completely new to me. On March 24th I launched my website/blog. It was such an emotional day. I am still smiling from the outpouring of love I received from friends and family.

April - We were approached by Rusty's work about the potential of moving to San Antonio. Both of us grew up in Arkansas and had laid our roots here. It was kind of scary thinking that I launched this business with Arkansas brides in mind and now we could move to Texas. Rusty and I thought hard and prayed about the right move to make.

May - I had my first wedding in Mountain Home, Arkansas. One week after I launched LBP a woman contacted me to film her son's wedding. I also had the opportunity to film my start up wedding for Brady and Sarah. Also in that month Rusty and I traveled down to San Antonio to look for a place to live still with no confirmation that we were moving. We also were not allowed to discuss the move with anyone but our close family. That part was hard! The last week in May we were given the green light and we set to move to Texas by the last week of June. On Memorial Day we were eating dinner at our house with family when Rusty's boss called and said plans had changed and Rusty needed to leave the following Wednesday (3 days). That was it. Just like that we were moving and moving fast. Rusty wrapped up work, said goodbye to friends and family and made the drive to our new home. I had ONE week to pack my entire house. I scrambled but with help from my mom we got it finished. One week after Rusty left I said bye to Jonesboro, our first home and my close friends. I stayed in El Dorado for a week (where my family lives). That also meant that Rusty and I were separated for two weeks. It was hard, emotional and a stressful time.

June - I arrived in New Braunfels, Texas and fell in love. This town is so great! God really knows what he is doing. We settled in to our home that we are renting. It is located in the hill country and the view every morning is breathtaking. We have never lived in the country but I am so thankful for this time now. Getting acquainted with New Braunfels took some time and we are still learning a lot. We also sold Rusty's car. I add that part in here because I hated that car and selling it plus paying it off was a miracle.

July - My family came down to stay with us for the first time. We didn't get to see fireworks because of the burn ban throughout most of Southern Texas. We started looking for a new car and began meeting new friends. I also started looking for opportunities to grow my business in Texas plus looking for a part-time job. At the end of the month I traveled to Indiana to visit my best friend Summer. My husband without hesitation and knowing how home sick I was bought me a ticket to spend a week with my best friend. The thing about moving to a new town is that it is exciting and adventurous but also hard. I missed my friends and family.

August - I celebrated my 24th birthday with a few of Rusty's work friends that traveled down from Jonesboro. I also cut off my hair and by cut off I mean it was short. At first I was terrified because I have had long curls all my life but it seemed to be a season of change so I went with it. We also bought our first car in August. I had no idea what to expect with this but it worked our great and we love our Murano! I also made a big step in signing up for my first bridal fair plus started working part-time at a wonderful business in downtown NB.

September - I nervously made decor and information for my first booth at the San Antonio Bridal Extravaganza. I literally had no idea what to expect or what I was doing. I just went with it. Rusty and I decorated my booth the day before and then celebrated with wings (our main celebratory dish). The day of the bridal fair I was a big bag of nerves. By the end of the event I was tired but so encouraged. It was great meeting all the brides and to date I booked 3 weddings. I also filmed my 3rd wedding in Arkansas.

October - This month is one of my favorites because we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. I cannot believe we have one year of marriage under our belt. Everyone asks whether it was easy or not. At times it was hard. I will be honest about that but 99% of the time we have so much fun. My husband is one of the greatest people I know. We also celebrated our puppies first birthday. Our Jane dog turned one and lots of treats were in order. I also traveled back to Arkansas for a week and filmed two weddings. It was a very busy month!

November - This month brought my 6th wedding and another trip home. I love getting to mix work with family time. I also got to spend quality time with my friends. Along with November I slowed down a bit and really enjoyed the holidays. Thanksgiving was another trip back to Arkansas but I also got turkey, ham and hashbrown casserole.

December - I wrapped up the year with my last wedding of 2011. It also marked my first Texas wedding! It was one of the best weddings I have attended. I am still working on finishing editing two weddings but I have enjoyed Christmas and family time.

This year I have learned that there is a lot more to starting a business than just jumping in but I also know that if you want it bad enough you can make anything happen. I learned that old friendships are to be cherished because it makes the newer ones even sweeter. I learned that family is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given us. I reaffirmed that my husband really is my soul mate and the only person for me. God made him just for me. He made him to support, encourage and push me. I feel in love with a new city and have come to appreciate new experiences and traditions.

I also want to thank my clients for your business. Thank you for believing in me and your positive feedback. You are the heart of Lovebird Productions and I cannot do what I love to do without you.

Thank you to my readers. This blog grows every day and it amazes me that you even take the time to read my thoughts.

Also thank you to a family who loves me and friends who encourage me. I love each and every one of you.

Now with all that I have learned I am ready for what is ahead. Here are a few resolutions/goals:

1. Explore all my interests. One thing God gifted me with is a few passions. I am glad that I have a lot of interests and thankful for a husband who smiles when I bring up a new adventure.

2. Keep learning and trying new things. This goes for videography and life in general. Moving to Texas has shown us new traditions. I also want to keep studying video and trying new things behind the camera. I can always stand to improve my quality!

3. Continue running a small business. I love what I do and I want to keep doing it. I hope to grow professionally.

4. Travel more. I want to see more of my favorite places plus visit a few new ones!

5. Do more filming of nonwedding events. I hope to add a few fun things to my portfolio not only for my own entertainment but yours as well.

2012 is just a few hours away. I know 2012 is full of the unkown and I am ready to jump in. Cheers to the New Year!

P.S. A big thank you to Rachel for my cute bag in the picture. Perfect Christmas gift!