My Favourite Things 2025

Throughout the year, my marketing team works with me to create content—always brilliantly. But the December post is written solely by me. In the past, I’ve loved sitting down to reflect on “My Favourite Things” from the year and filling the post with some of my favourite photos.

This year, I’m doing it a little differently. As a family, we’re navigating the emotions of our first Christmas without our daughter, Madison. I want to be gentle with myself and not put pressure on doing things the way I always have. So My Favourite Things looks a bit different this December.

In no particular order:

My Family.

My husband and son (and his girlfriend). We are navigating waters we never anticipated. This is my tribe. We cry together, laugh together, and support each other. Deep support has also come from my mom and husband, my siblings and their spouses, my husband’s brother and his wife, and many nieces and nephews who are beyond amazing.

Our friends are also at the top of the list. I can continue doing my job because I have shoulders to land on when I don’t think I can keep going. We continue to see Maddie’s husband, and every time we do, my heart expands. She was so blessed to have him in her life.

A Trip to Europe.

Our October trip certainly makes the list. Our son joined us for the first ten days, and then my husband and I continued exploring for another ten. The time away allowed us to reconnect, breathe, and experience some wonderful moments.

My Marketing Team – Bottcher Group.

I took a fair bit of time off this year, and they kept things running in the background. I truly can’t say enough about them. Tiffany-Ann, the owner, used to be Madison’s boss at another company and hired her almost seven years ago. The compassion shown has meant so much.

My Clients.

I cannot say enough. From emails, to showing up at Maddie’s funeral, to thoughtful gifts, and for asking questions and letting me talk about my daughter—thank you. There is no manual for what to do, but please know that every attempt to reach out has been deeply appreciated.

Winter at the Woodstone Chalet.

Winter sessions were a huge hit this year. Yes, they are exhausting, but seeing my repeat clients and their growing children makes my heart so full. This is what my job is about: interactions, creating memories, laughing, creativity... and so much more. You are the stars. You are getting the photos taken. You are in the photos. That is a gift.

On the theme of Christmas Minis, I also want to thank my friend Amy from Perfectly Imperfekt. https://www.facebook.com/perfectlyimperfektpoco. For the last number of years, she has been the creator behind the gorgeous personalized keepsakes that clients receive when they come for their session. Her talent adds such a special touch, and I am so grateful for her.

My tears won’t be ending anytime soon, but photographing families and events is my lifeline. I truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It is healing. And this year, I’ve embraced a new word as part of my mantra: AUTHENTICITY. I’m not going to pretend to be anything but myself. I will continue to bring compassion, authenticity, and fun to every session.

I truly have the best job in the world. Cheers to my amazing tribe. Our daughter’s favourite line was, “Be the light in the darkness.”

Our goal throughout the holiday season and into 2026 is exactly that.

Thank you for being part of My Favourite Things – 2025.