Top 13 in 2013

Hey guys – Happy New Year! I’m in Florence right now and I’m having an amazing time, but I wanted to pop in with a little recap of the year, as it was definitely an incredible one! I had so many wonderful experiences in 2013 that it’s hard to narrow the list down to just 13; however, being that this is the blog’s first birthday, I thought it’d be fitting to look back through this first year and highlight some of the most notable moments.

I’ve grown a lot through blogging as well and each of these milestones had a special meaning to me. These are in no particular order either as it’d be impossible to rank them! All of these experiences mean something to me for different reasons.

• Food photoshoots. (Read behind-the-scenes at a FFAB food shoot.)

I have loved working with Lauren to style and photograph food for the blog. When we first got together, I had no idea we’d build a partnership and work together throughout the year but I’m so glad that we did! Some amazing photos – and some really good recipes – has been the result. I look forward to many more food photoshoots in 2014!

• CrossFit. (Read my first time trying CrossFit here.)

Needless to say, starting CrossFit has been huge for me – huge for me and for Aaron! I knew CrossFit was a big deal and I knew it was kind of like a cult, but I had no idea it would be all that for me, personally! I’ve gotten significantly stronger and it’s brought me closer to my husband. It’s given me a lot more confident and I can’t say I’ll ever want to stop doing it! There’s definitely going to be a lot more CrossFit happening in 2014!

• Blogging about branding. (Read the Concept, Web Design, WordPress, Bluehost & Studiopress, and Finally Finding an Identity. Then read, the Bottom Line.)

These were tough posts to write because starting this blog didn’t go as planned. I had so many ideas and I wanted to come onto the blogging scene with bells on; yet, in the world on online branding and marketing, and web design, that didn’t quite happen. I’ve learned, though. I’ve learned that developing a brand, just like developing a voice and an audience takes time. I’m thankful I didn’t throw in the towel and I hope to further hone the Fit for a Bride “brand” in 2014.

• I styled a photoshoot and it was a blast! (Read about the styled shoot with Cynthia Kain here.)

There are no words! Cynthia went way out on a limb for me and guys, this was the most eye-opening experience! I had a lot of fun, but it was stressful too… yet, the pictures make me so proud! I helped plan that! That was MY idea! I put that together! I’d love to do more styled shoots in the future, and hope the next few are just as rewarding as this one was!

• Trying Barre fro the first time! (You can see that here!)

Barre is hard! maybe even harder than CrossFit! I remember my first Barre experience vividly. My favorite part is that all my friends were there.

• Curvy girl bridal interview with Ruth.

I’m really sad that Curvy girl bridal has closed down, especially because it was such a unique store and served a really wonderful community of women who deserve to walk into a bridal salon and enjoy the experience!

• Doing the Color Me Rad 5k with my family.

This was so fun! I plan to do the Color Run again in 2014 with my friends!

• Receiving my first Crossfit engagement shoot through Two Bright Lights.

Two Bright Lights has been great because it’s connecting Fit for a Bride with amazing photographers and awesome couples. I nearly fell out of my seat when I received my first CrossFit engagement shoot, and then the second! I’m proud to be one of the first blog featuring these kinds engagements!

• My first handstand. (Read about it here.)

Hello!!!! This might have been the best moment of the ENTIRE year! I didn’t think I could ever do a handstand, let alone that my little sisters would be the ones to teach me one!

• Getting my home office in shape for a feature!

I’m always rearranging my home and my home office but it was fun to style and photograph the space for the blog. I dream of having a home office like Hey Gorg, and one that I’m actually working out of full-time (not part-time), and hope to one day get to that point and get to feature it here!

• Photoshoots with GG. (See my Dry Shampoo Tutorial with GG here.)

I had so much fun putting together this graphic and I always have fun working with the twins! They have been so supportive of this blog, and their willingness to participate with the Ask GG features is so awesome! I love having them part of this blog, and hope to continue to incorporate them in any way I can!

• Starting a newsletter! >>>>> Sign-up for it here!

I didn’t send out a December newsletter but I’m really enjoying having the option to send a note to readers at the beginning of the month and let them know what’s ahead, and recap what’s been shared on the blog. I really appreciate my subscribers and hope to bring even more to them in the coming year!

• Italy!!!!!! (See some of my trip via Instagram – hashtag #florencellis)

Words can’t describe how much fun I’m having Italy. Having never been abroad before, this is really quite the introduction to Europe and all it has to offer! The Renaissance tour has been incredible, and so has the food and the company. I can’t believe we’ve got the rest of the week to enjoy this place! It’s definitely the best trip I’ve ever been on!

What are your top moments from 2013? I’d love to hear about them in the comments! 

Happy New Year friends!