Hey there! Thanks for checking in for my monthly recap!

What I’ve Been Up To:

A whole lot! I think October might be the busiest month of 2025 so far. 😅

Three weddings, mini sessions, a proposal, and two engagement sessions later, I’m swamped in editing. But I’m so, so grateful. It was a month full of love, intentionality, and celebrating what comes next. I seriously do have the best job!

At our church, we just wrapped up our Missions Conference. Dillon plays a pretty big role during the conference, so that added in a lot of commitments to this month. We are now on the other side, and looking to wind down just in time for the holidays. Silly us!

Esmie had a follow up for her toe, which is still broken, but less broken. We’re going back for another follow up in January, and that will hopefully be the last of this saga.

If you read my update last month, you’ll know that I said I really don’t like the waiting. I’m a little bummed to have at least three more months of waiting before we know if her toe will heal correctly without intervention. But I’m grateful to hear that she did grow more bone. I’ll be over here working on my patience.

And finally, new clients are slowly but surely rolling in. I always call Thanksgiving-Valentine’s Day engagement season. With all of the holidays and best intentions being set for the new year, so many couples say yes to forever right around now.

Chatting with new couples and hearing their stories is definitely a highlight of this work. I love seeing their hope, joy, and their vision for the future starting to come together. Being invited to those conversations, even if they decide to go in a different direction, is an honor.

What I’ve Been Reading

I’m working my way through Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese, and it’s definitely what I needed.

The last two books I read were absolute busts. I gave them a 2 and a 1, respectively. I almost never rate a book a 1…I’d normally just not finish it. But this one was so short that I could just push through.

After two really bad picks in a row, I couldn’t remember the last time I read a piece of fiction I loved and gave 5 stars.

I checked. It was only 3 weeks ago, but apparently my brain felt super dramatic.

Hester feels literary without feeling snobbish. The language exudes imagery in a classy, refined way, and I’m sucked right in.

If you’re reading the name Hester and asking yourself if it goes along with The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, you’re right on the money. In this story, Isobel, the main character, meets and becomes neighbors with Nathaniel in Salem. Up until where I’ve read, their friendship is budding, which is a little risqué for the times since Isobel is a married woman.

I have to admit that I loved The Scarlet Letter. I also truly enjoyed the other Hawthorne romance I read, The Blithedale Romance. If you’re asking yourself how, it’s probably because someone forced you to read The Scarlet Letter too soon. I was lucky and didn’t read it until college. I think that made a huge difference for me. If you haven’t read it since high school, go back and read it with your adult brain and thank me later.

I don’t know what I’ll ultimately think about Hester, obviously, but I have high hopes.

What I’ve Been Watching

As per usual, I am behind the times. I’m catching up on The Summer I Turned Pretty.

I did start this show quite a while ago, but I just got distracted. I’m Team Conrad for those that are curious.

I like the show, but I’m not as enamored as many on TikTok are. It’s nice to fold towels to. But clearly, if you look at the lack of viewing history, I’m not hooked.

I also just learned that we’re getting a movie, and probably have to wait until 2027 for it? I’m not a fan of this. Just add in the extra few episodes it would take to wrap up the storyline and call it a success. A movie after three seasons for a show for adults feels a little insulting and like they just want my money…more than I’ve already given them. Am I the only one?

What I’m Excited About:

November is a big month for us with lots to look forward to!

-A maternity session with one of my past wedding couples. This will actually be their second maternity session with me! It’s crazy that I’m at this point in my business. And what an absolute honor to keep being invited back in.

-We’re roadtripping to Detroit and stopping at Niagara Falls on the way to my cousin’s wedding. Yes, it’s a long drive, and yes, we’re a little crazy. We originally had flights booked, direct. But the flights got changed to have an insane layover, and I’d rather drive with my kids than be stuck in an airport for 10+ hours with my kids. So we’re making the most of it! And of course, the wedding will be amazing.

-Esmie turns 3 in November! I’m excited to celebrate her and see her have fun with her family and friends.

-Thanksgiving! This is my favorite holiday of the year, and I’m always grateful to slow down, enjoy yummy food, and remember what’s important

-My Black Friday album sale! I’ve never done a Black Friday sale before, but I’m excited to roll one out for the first time ever. If you don’t have an album of your images, now is the time to fix that!

Until next time,

Christine