IT’S MY BIRTHDAYYYY! | PERSONAL | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

I’ve thought a lot this week about what I was going to say in this post. It’s a lot of pressure, turning 30! Part of me feels as though I should have some profound wisdom to share, and other parts feel like “30 is the new 20” and I have plenty of time. The truth is, there’s no way to really know that. We don’t know how long we’re here, but I do know and can honestly say-I am blessed to have had these 30 years. I have certainly LIVED.

If I could share some things with the world in this moment, they would be:

Say the things you need to say, do the things you want to do, and see the places you’ve always wanted to see!
Don’t let the world, work, or the people in your life hold you back.
If you’re unhappy in your job, get a new one.
Find a reason to be passionate every day, and a reason to smile throughout it.
Know that your broken heart is inevitable, but temporary, and the scars it leaves behind will only make you stronger.
God deals you no scenario you can’t handle.
Everything happens for a reason, but you control your will to change.
Be you without apologies.
Encourage and help others, because it’s good AND good for the soul.
Break ups are NOT the end of the world.
Live an authentic and intentional life, and be present when it counts.
Enjoy your youth because it’s a luxury. Everyone says that, but most realize it far too late.
Put your phone away every now and then.
Remember that it’s okay to say “no” every once in awhile.
You matter and you’re beautiful!

Enough mush.. Let’s get on with some birthday FUN.

This week, Alicia Wiley Photography and I took a short trip to Canton Waterfront Park where we snapped some birthday photos. We share a Christmas Eve birthday and we thought that this year, it might be fun to mark the occasion with some portraits. We got some number balloons from Party City and we did our best to look good in the wind. It was dark two hours early and drizzling the rain, but it made for tons of laughs as we traded places and got IN FRONT of the camera for once. This was a neat thing to share with my studio mate, and it made for a memorable evening on the water. Here are a few of my favorites: <3

Check back tomorrow for a special Christmas announcement. I may or may not be giving something away from The House of Flynn. Happy Birthday to me and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you! <3

– Ash

Photography | Alicia Wiley Photography