This year has handed me an abundance of blessings. Be it personal or professional, 2012 has given me memories and moments that I will forever be thankful for. Keeping in the spirit of 2012, here are 12 parts of my life and my business that made 2012 a year of thanks.

 

1. My clients. Every year you all amaze me more and more. You make my job a true joy and I’m blessed and thankful for each and every one of you! Thank you for letting me photograph your lives, and for becoming a part of mine at the same time.

2. My family. It’s not easy to own a small business, work nearly every weekend, and still see family. But my family is wonderfully supportive and from my parents to my siblings to my husband, they all pitch-in, never fail to support, and get excited with me as Sara Ackermann Photography continues to grow. I am so lucky to have them.

3. South Magazine. Our first ever publication came in 2012. From the moment South Magazine asked to feature our work from Heather and Paul’s wedding, I could hardly wait for the day I could see the photos in print. And the wait was well worth it because the final spread is stunning. I’ll never forget how exciting this moment was for me.

4. Pregnancy. Of all of my 2012 blessings, this has to be the biggest. There’s no doubt that my first pregnancy has been the most incredible and special experience of my entire life. I started this wedding season in my first trimester and ended it 8 months pregnant. Every stage and every step of my pregnancy was taken with a camera in my hand, and I’ll always look at this years collection of wedding photos as my favorites yet-because they were all taken with my boy in tow.

5. Mustard Seed Gardens. It has been such an exciting year watching Mustard Seed Gardens become a beautiful wedding venue. This unique barn venue offers clients a rustic experience that can’t be beat. Personally, I have loved my relationship that has blossomed with their staff, being on their preferred vendor list, and photographing at this venue. It is stunning and the incredibly special natural light of the barn excites me every time I photograph there.

6. Mallary. It’s not often that you get a chance to do something with your best friend that’s as cool as what Mallary and I did. For 5 years we grew together in talent, business, and friendship as we photographed your lives. Sara and Mallary Photography was an amazing experience both professionally and personally and I’ll always be thankful for the wild ride it was and to Mallary for making it special.

7. My office. Moving from my home office to a Carmel office I share with Boldly Chic Events and Design Group has been such an incredible step for SA Photography. Not only has it allowed our three small businesses to work together to deliver our shared clients stunning and cohesive weddings, but it’s also allowed me to have genuine and wonderful human interaction. I’m so thankful for our space and our friendship.

8. The Tiny Twig. My neighbor, friend, and creative inspiration, The Tiny Twig, has surely blessed my 2012. I am thankful for her loyalty and friendship and for the amazing and creative business opportunities that she has thrown my way. It’s been wonderful soaking up her brilliance. And being the same amount of super duper pregnant with her.

9. The Omni Severin. This year I was beyond blessed to shoot wedding after wedding at The Omni. I love photographing this venue. The space is elegant, elaborate, and the ambiance is really something special. I also adore the urban photo locations right outside the doors of The Omni. I’ve watched all of my Omni brides be exceptionally happy and I’ve also struck up a great relationship with their event coordinator extraordinaire, Kate. In all aspects of this venue, it was a 2012 blessing.

10. Travel. While 2012 didn’t take us to any exotic locations, it did take us around the Mid-West. And for the travel, I am thankful. I love photographing new locations and feel extremely blessed that our clients took us out of our Indianapolis area to shoot their weddings on new turf. Among those places were Wisconsin, Chicago, Columbus, OH, Louisville and Lexington.

11. Indy Wedding Ideas Cover. This year we were honored with the request to be on the cover of the June issue of Indy Wedding Ideas. We loved seeing our work and our beautiful bride, Annalise, on the cover of their publication. What a thrill!

12. Details. One of my favorite parts of a wedding is photographing the details. While I love, love to photograph and pose people, snapping shots of details takes me back to my art school days. I’ve always enjoyed playing with light, moving pieces, and capturing still lives in their very best form. 2012 was a year full of incredibly thoughtful weddings, beautifully decorated rooms, and lovely, stunning details. I loved it.

 

Thank you all for an incredible year. Here’s to a 2013 that’s just as blessed and happy for us all!