A Year in Moments: The Stories That Carried Me Into 2026
The First Quiet Moments of 2026
There’s something about New Year’s Day that always slows me right down. The world feels softer, the light feels gentler, and it gives me a chance to look back at the moments that shaped the year behind me.
2025 was full of stories that made my heart feel so full, and stepping into 2026, I just wanted to share some of the ones that meant the most.
Wenallt Forest… My Little Pocket of Magic
If there’s one place that truly captured my heart this year, it was Wenallt Forest.
The bluebells were unreal. Proper fairytale stuff. And every time I walked into that forest with my camera, I felt like something special was going to happen.
And with Lucy and Jay… it really did.
Lucy and Jay’s Bluebell Smoke Bomb Reveal
We met in the afternoon, when the light was dipping through the trees in that soft, dreamy way that feels almost unreal. Dusty purples, warm golds, little shadows dancing around the bluebells.
Lucy and Jay had brought a smoke bomb for their gender reveal, and honestly… what a moment.
Watching that bright blue colour bloom through the forest while they wrapped their arms around each other, laughing and soaking up the excitement… I just felt so lucky to be there.
What makes it even more special is that their story didn’t end that day. I’ve since captured their baby shower and their newborn photos, and being able to walk alongside them through these milestones has been one of the joys of my year.
This is the kind of connection I love. Getting to document the chapters, not just the headlines.
A Year Filled With New Little Lives
2025 was also the year I got to photograph new life in my own world.
Two of my close friends had their babies, and my sister welcomed her little one too. Being behind the camera for those moments felt completely different… in the best way.
There’s something so precious about photographing the people you love as they become parents. Seeing tiny fingers curl around theirs, watching them settle into this brand-new version of themselves… it hits differently.
Those sessions reminded me what a privilege this job is. These aren’t just photos. They’re memories someone will hold onto forever.
Crissy and Dan’s Wedding at St Arthur’s Hotel, Gower
Another moment that I’ll carry with me into 2026 is Crissy and Dan’s wedding.
Photographing a friend’s wedding is emotional enough, but doing it in such a stunning place as St Arthur’s Hotel on the Gower made it even more special.
Crissy looked incredible, and the way she looked at Dan all day… honestly, my heart. The love, the laughter, the little moments where they forgot anyone else was there.
And the fact she trusted me to capture their day? I can’t tell you how much that meant. That trust is something I’ll never take for granted.
What 2025 Taught Me
If I had to sum up this year in one word, it would be connection.
Not staged perfection.
Not curated moments.
Just real, honest connection.
The in-between bits. The bits you don’t expect. The bits that feel so small in the moment but end up meaning everything when you look back.
From tiny newborn hands to smoke bombs in bluebells to wedding vows by the sea… this year reminded me why I love what I do.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Going into 2026, I’m holding onto a few intentions:
Keeping my focus on storytelling
Maintaining limited weekend availability so I can stay balanced and creative
Returning to the places that feel like home (Wenallt… you magical thing)
Taking on weddings where emotion is at the heart of the day
Continuing to document families as they grow and change
And offering boudoir sessions that celebrate confidence and identity in a real, gentle way
I’m stepping into this year with so much gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.
A Little Invitation To Start the Year
If 2026 is going to be a year of change, love, growth, or just beautiful everyday moments you don’t want to forget… I’d absolutely love to tell your story.
Here’s to another year of connection, magic, and memories.
Love,
Jo x