BALTIMORE MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | A YEAR IN THE LIFE | 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

A YEAR IN THE LIFE | AKP 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Baltimore Maryland Wedding Photographer | Ashton Kelley Photography

I’ll admit that I’ve “liked” one too many bye-bye-2016 memes over the past few weeks, laughed at the jokes welcoming the new year, and ranted over how poor this particular span of time has been amongst the masses. While we wish time away and focus on what a hard year it has been (both personally and for us as a society), putting this post together has really reminded me that SO much is a frame of mind. Yes, we have seen a lot of ugliness this year. Yes, there are terrible things going on in the world. However, it isn’t all bad and there is so much to be grateful for. No, this hasn’t been my favorite year. I’ve had more down’s than up’s, and that’s hard to share, but we so easily dismiss our accomplishments with efforts rushing toward the next thing.. and I love this post for making me slow down and truly reflect on the relationships I’ve built, places I’ve traveled, and opportunities I’ve been given.

Without further ado, here’s a look at my 2016:

JANUARY

• Gilmore Girls is announced to come back!
• Winter Storm Jonas hits the East Coast during our first workshop of the year, but doesn’t stop us!
• I attend Justin and Mary‘s “The Event” with local photographer friends.

FEBRUARY

• I speak at my first international event for The House of Flynn in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
• My foot is broken while going down two stairs in Mexico after a thrilling day that included swimming with dolphins.

MARCH

• The second ever AKP Retreat is held in OBX, North Carolina.
• The “AKP Reel VS. Real” platform is born.

APRIL

• An AKP “Pre-treat” to Charleston, SC connects photographer friends.
• I film and edit my first video!
• Beyonce drops Lemonade.
• Our two-day workshop in Morgantown goes off without a hitch.
• I have the opportunity to work with Miss WV alongside Simply Gorgeous Events by Lara-Jill in a styled project.

Video by Rebecca Moran of WV Motion Works

MAY

• Our first “Dashing Affair” styled event in WV brings out 30 ladies for creative shooting and dinner.
• Dave and I have our engagement session with Lauren Fair Photography.

JUNE

• WV is flooded and I take two weeks away to volunteer in my hometown of Clay County, West Virginia.
• AKP is featured in Every Last Detail.
• I speak at the Tassels and Truffles workshop for Building Boss Ladies.

Photo by Lauren C Photography

JULY

• A surprise bridal “fiesta” is thrown in celebration of our wedding.
• I obsess over the new Pokemon application for about two weeks.
• A collaboration with The One Moment Events lands us a publication date for March 2017.

AUGUST

• We visit Charleston, SC with the AKP Retreat.
• My ladies and I take on Baltimore in a Gatsby inspired bachelorette party.
• I travel to WV to party at my bridal shower with friends and a Coca-Cola theme.
• The AKP Retreat celebrates a one year anniversary!

SEPTEMBER

• I got MARRIED!
• The AKP Retreat takes on Savannah, GA with our biggest turn out to date.

Photo by Lauren Fair Photography

OCTOBER

• Our second AKP Dashing Affair visits Chapel Hill, NC.
• We celebrate our one year studio anniversary, and bittersweetly exit our lease to pursue more travel.
• A few close friends join me to see Adele and it… is… AMAZING.

NOVEMBER

• Orlando, Florida is home to our fifth AKP Retreat with a side of Disney World.
• Gilmore Girls comes back and it is glorious. Don’t worry. No spoilers, here!
• I join Kinsey Roberts on She Creates Business for my first podcast appearance.

DECEMBER

• I travel back to Mexico with The House of Flynn for round two, which is even better than the first time. AND, no broken bones!
• Snail-mail is crucial in my spoil and sparkle project for 2017 wedding clients and 2016 AKP Retreat veterans.

So, I guess in looking back.. 2016 WASN’T that bad. I served amazing couples (to be featured on a separate post to come!), made connections with so many growing creatives, and got to see places in the world I had only dreamed of before this year. Reflection can really be a gift, and the things I accomplished this year were as well. I’m feeling grateful for the chances I had this year, and excited to see what 2017 brings to play. Here’s to a new year!

-Ash