As 2017 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the many moments that have happened. It is hard to believe all of it fits into one year. Busy is an understatement, but I am so grateful for every moment... Along with teaching at two colleges and holding communication contracts for several companies, I've been able to photograph more than ever before this year.

A spur of the moment photo shoot turned into some of my proudest pictures to date. These sheep in fog pictures went on to win three contests and are going to hang in my future office.

It wasn't all animal and farm pictures, though. I was able to take pictures of some very dear people. From the engagement of Brooks and Jennifer...

To Jennifer's bridal portraits a few months later...

I was so excited to photograph some amazing college seniors like Alec who graduated from UMO with a agri-business degree. He is now in the middle of an MBA at Methodist and will start a new job in the beginning of the year! Where did my little brother go?

There were also several NCSU graduates like Cary...

And Bradley...

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Garrett also graduated with his master's degree after spending countless hours crunching numbers and writing a thesis. He didn't walk the stage, but that's alright...

I'm still just as proud and was able to go back to campus to take engagement pictures of his roommate Colin and his fiance Mallory.

I also was able to capture some real cuties...

And real beauties...

As well as some amazing people...

A new favorite subject to photograph has been bling...

My favorite bling of all, though, is my own...

One of the biggest moments of 2017 was when Garrett asked me to be his wife at Bear Island after a kayak trip...

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Oh what an adventure that kayaking trip turned out to be (read the full story here). Wedding planning has been in full-force and we can't wait for our next adventure after May 19, 2018 when we are married! 2017 held more adventures then a sparkly kayaking trip.

An adventure to Vegas and the Grand Canyon with Garrett's family was, well, grand...

A less desert adventure came when the Linton clan visited Virginia Beach. Views, lighthouses, and waves made for an amazing vacation...

Of course, there was also the annual Kerr Lake trip too. It was paradise.

An adventure to South Carolina to visit Kayla turned into a weekend of sweet surprises from my maid of honor...

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Adventures in Atlanta with friends to celebrate Kena and William's wedding was ever so much fun...

I went to a total of 8 weddings this year. It is that season in life, and it is so wonderful to see those I love find forever love.

It wasn't all warm weather and blissful weddings, though. There were some bitterly cold days this winter. My caption on Instagram of this pic said "I'm not made for the cold" Little did I know, I'd be moving to Nebraska a little over a year later where the temperature is currently -17 at night. Be careful what you say.

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Feeding livestock was an everyday affair--snow, rain, or shine. It was certainly worth it to see my boys rewarded for their hard work, well and fun...

Isaac won Reserve Champion Market Hog at the Wayne County Show and Sale...

Another big win came at the NC State Fair when our sheep Georgette won Grand Champion Supreme Ewe, NC Born and Bred Champion, and Champion Fleece. Georgette was born and raised on our farm.

Each of the boys won grand or reserve champion sheep showman too, and Isaac bought Astrid, his prized sheep...

Speaking of new animals, Callie Cat was rescued and has become my joy. She may be spoiled--complete with 9 collars.

Hellos are always much more enjoyable than good-byes. After traveling over half the country, I dropped Garrett off in Nebraska to attend PhD school at UNL. Distance hasn't been easy, but so worth it...

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I feel as if there are a thousand and one moments I should include here. However, this post is already long, and I can't justify 365 days worth of reports. I will leave you with two final photos that show the love that I have been surrounded with this year, and the love that will forever surround me in future years.

Best of 2017

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