Gathering images from nearly every session or wedding in 2021 allowed me to reflect. I'm still working through weddings and sessions, and many of these photos haven't been shared anywhere, which is uncommon at the end of the year. This last year was, in fact, the most abundant and yet also one of the more difficult. We had more work than ever before, more new clients, more return clients— all around more, and we are so grateful for that after the scarcity of 2020. It was hard to keep up most of the time; still operating under Covid safety protocols and the mental weight of the pandemic paired with the fatigue of a new autoimmune diagnosis and being a full-time grad student, I struggled. Looking back, I am appreciative more than anything for the opportunity to do what I do and have done for over a decade.
The marriages we witnessed this season were quite honestly the stuff of our dreams; backyard weddings, living room weddings, intimate guest lists, meaningful details, and memorable moments abound. Everything felt pared down, even when it wasn't: the pandemic had that effect on people. The significant parts of the day floated to the surface; even when the usual bells and whistles were planned in, the couples and their people seemed to have this sense of presence in the moment and freedom about themselves that is rare at weddings but something we've always sought out. I think this year it came from the fact that we could finally celebrate, take a deep breath and gather with loved ones in one place (relatively safely)...and that's really all that mattered to anyone.
We traveled to Chicago, Gatlinburg, all over Northeast Ohio and spent three fun-filled weekends in a row with our friends at Rivercrest (we love them so much). We documented weddings in the flats overlooking the river at sunset, in childhood backyards with dear friends officiating; first dances made even sweeter by the daughter of the bride and groom, receptions for couples on their first anniversary, beautiful days with brides marrying their brides; we photographed wild kiddos and growing families, some celebrating new life, some marking transition, and change--all of them so unique and special to us. We documented a clean bill of health for a 30-year-old queen; my dear friend in her garden; a wedding day that ended in near tragedy; studio self-portraits; my own family marking growth at the end of a tough year.
Every person we encountered this year was walking through some of the most challenging and simultaneously joyful moments they'll experience in their lives. After more than ten years, being invited into those moments, and documenting them, is the most incredible honor, maybe more than ever now in this pandemic world.
We decided sometime in 2020 that 2021 would be our last full season for wedding photography (we'll still be wielding cameras for portraits and families) -- and it was full. 2021 filled our hearts with joy and gratitude, and it filled our eyes with tears. I write this today gratified, looking forward to what's next, and ready for the challenge. Since 2010, Mallory + Justin have worked side by side, hand in hand, delivering personalized connection and documentary photography to hundreds and hundreds of couples and individuals. And it has been a true privilege.
Our year in photos:
As we walk into this next phase, we appreciate your continued support! And as we all walk into this next year, our wish is that you will carry hope and joy with you along the way. We hope that your load feels less heavy and that even when there is darkness in your days, you find peace and comfort to keep looking for the light.
Happy 2022, friends!
