Twenty Four… (lucie’s version)
**Twenty-Four… I Had the Time of My Life**
Honestly, I think 2024 will go down as one of my favorite years ever. Don’t get me wrong; I love all weddings and always come away with cheeks that hurt from smiling so much, I am so lucky to be a cotswold wedding photographer. But last year, there was just something a little different… Because I remember it all too well.
I kinda think that’s down to my personal life. For the first time in forever, I successfully managed to maintain a good work-life balance… I think I’ve finally reached my adult era! My kids will tell you they no longer had cold dinners because I couldn’t time things properly, washing actually got put away, and we just lived our best lives. It helps that they’re a little older now, so to all the mums with young kids: hold on in there; it’s going to get easier, I promise.
Anyway!
Back to my one true love: wedding photography. This year, I clocked up around 15,000 miles. I clicked the shutter on my cameras so much I think my finger might fall off. I danced to some epic tunes and enjoyed a glorious amount of cake—between all the laughing, hugging, and, oh, the crying. It’s been one heck of a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Living in the Cotswolds means I have literally hundreds of wedding venues on my doorstep! I was lucky enough to visit some of my favorites: The Old Gore, Cripps Barn, Stone Barn, The Barn at Upcote, and of course, my second home for 2025, Kingscote Barn. I traveled to London, down the M25 (ewww), over to Essex, and into my surrounding counties of Wiltshire and Somerset. All these wonderful venues I visited this year offer something different and unique, and I completely understand why couples book them over and over. But for me, it’s about the people. The connections I’ve made have been some of the best, and I now have many new friends for life (sorry, you’re stuck with me!).
We’ve seen some new trends this year—some I’d love to see more of, mainly bows, and others that can be chucked in the bin (no thanks wonky photos!). But what I’ve loved most is seeing each and every one of your visions become a reality. Your vision creates the foundation of the story I’m telling. All those little details—the things that mean something to you—make your day completely your own, and I love, love, love them.
Best complements I’ve had this year are:
“You smell like a candle”
“You don’t look old enough to have a teenager”
This are the kind of things I love to hear…. Along with how much you love your photos, of course!
Anyway, we should probably see some epic wedding photographs now because that’s what you’re really here for. I wholeheartedly thank every single one of you whose day I have been or will be a part of. I couldn’t do this without you. And a big pat on the back to all the amazing suppliers I’ve worked with—you are all doing an incredible job.
Now, let’s raise my cup of tea to 2024 and welcome in 2025.
Long live all the magic WE MADE 💕⚡️✌🏻