The countdown for the New Year is here. Tomorrow it will be 2013 but today, let’s celebrate 2012 with a look back on the year. And in perfect New Years fashion, let’s do it with a countdown, shall we? So without further ado, a countdown of our favorite 10 images of the year. Enjoy!

 

Julie and Stephen are a great couple who are getting hitched in 2013. Before the New Year came, Julie really wanted to get some quick shots for her Save the Dates. So we decided to do an abridged engagement session (which happened to be in 22 degree weather) now, and then re-visit their cuteness in the spring for a full out engagement shoot. I’m so excited that these two will have diverse engagement options with drastically different weather, and that I’ll get to spend another day with them in the spring capturing some more cute photos of them. Until then, enjoy their mini winter engagement session.

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!

I love, love, love to shoot inside the Mustard Seed Gardens Barn. It is such a great space with lovely natural lighting and character like you wouldn’t believe. So after taking some photos of the Mustard Seed owners, the Skipper family, I begged my friends Megan and Curtis to stay behind for a quick second so I could take some creatively lit shots. Here’s what we came up with. (so pretty!)

One of the best parts of my job is that I get to surround myself with an incredible circle of small business owners. Two of those owners are my friends, Lori and Cari. Both innovative, professional to a T, and incredibly talented, these two run their businesses with a passion that makes the wedding industry in Indiana exceptional.

For any bride needing a wedding planner who remains in control and professional while delivering impeccable and fun personal service, check out Boldly Chic Events. And for any bride looking for beautiful, creative, and custom paperie, check out Interprintations. From a professional standpoint, we consider these two businesses to be the best of the best. And from a personal standpoint, you’re not going to have a better time with your planner or invitation gal than you will with these two.

For now, take a peek at their head shots. What an honor to be selected to photograph them.

The gals of Boldly Chic Events:

 

The girl behind the designs of Interprintations

 

 

A couple of years back I photographed Casey and Brock’s beautiful wedding. It was a stunning party with the most lovely couple as the main focus. I loved photographing Casey and Brock back then, and I loved it just as much at their session yesterday. They’re just as kind and wonderful as ever, but this time they’re expecting!

Casey and Brock will be welcoming a very blessed little girl into the world in 2013. I can’t wait to see these two love on that lucky baby. Enjoy this sneak peek and view their full session here.

I had a great time photographing this family. Such a great time, that I almost didn’t want their session to end. But as we all know, all good things must come to an end. I’m just glad that the end of this session involved adorable photos and an immediate facebook friend request from momma DeFant, Jen. I’m already thrilled about my new buddy!

Thanks to the DeFant family for a wonderful day. Enjoy this sneak peek.

 

 

Join myself and the rest of the talented wedding professionals from Indy Soiree for a night of beauty, shopping, cocktails, and wedding tips.

You won’t want to miss:

• 1/2 priced flower stems from Design Group
• Holiday shopping at Design Group
• Cocktails and treats
• Paperie gifts from Interprintations
• Beauty services and tips from La Dolce Salon & Spa
• Special savings from us

Who you’ll see: A Cut Above Catering, Boldly Chic Events, Cake Zen, Design Group, Interprintations, La Dolce Salon & Spa, and us!

 

Sarah and Nathan got married on the most beautiful November day. The sun was out and the bride was stunning…so the day was perfect.

These two planned a beautiful wedding starting at the elegant Tabernacle Presbyterian, followed by a vintage car send-off, and a reception at the Omni filled with gorgeous and lush florals and golden tones. The only thing more beautiful than their wedding was the couple themselves. I swear Sarah and Nathan are some of the most photogenic people and it is always a joy to take their pictures. On top of that, they’re sweet and happy as can be…which is always so lovely to capture.

Congratulations to Sarah and Nathan on a beautiful wedding and a beautiful life together. We’re so happy for you both! Enjoy this sneak peek and view their full wedding here.

 

I started my Thanksgiving morning with a wonderful reminder of something I am hugely thankful for: my job. My job allows me to be creative, expressive, and do it all with wonderful clients. So a Thanksgiving morning engagement session with a great couple like Blair and Stephen was the perfect way to kick-start the holiday season.

Blair and Stephen are so wonderful. They’re lovely to be around and kind to each other. I absolutely enjoyed my time with them as we walked through downtown Noblesville snapping pictures, chatting wedding plans, and Blair and I’s common bond: our love for UK. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was exciting, and the company was perfect. Thanks to Blair and Stephen for a wonderful and thankful day. Enjoy this sneak peek and view their full session here.