Reflections of 2025
Wow, it’s hard to believe that 2025 is coming to a close! What. A. Year. Is it just me or did this year zoom by at the speed of light?! 2025 has been a year of growth, both personally and in my wedding photography business. God has done more in my business than my brain could have ever imagined. Only He can get the glory for it! I had the joy of capturing incredible weddings and telling so many love stories through the lens of my camera. From engagements to weddings, I am so thankful for the people who have trusted me with documenting their biggest life moments. What an incredible gift.
The Importance of Writing Out Goals
This week between Christmas and New Year (which, btw, is the best time for resting and recharging), I read through the book Gradually then Suddenly by Christian author Mark Batterson. In this book, Mark shares statistics and studies that have been done on the importance of writing things down. Studies have shown that when you write something down, there is a greater chance of whatever you wrote down happening. It’s like physically writing it down solidifies it mentally. I also believe that how you mentally approach something plays a significant part in the outcome. As a Christ follower, when you surrender to the Lord’s will, He will lead and guide. Staying in an attitude of prayer and journaling down those prayers is an important way of seeking Him. I find so much joy in writing down my prayers. It allows me to reflect on where I’ve been and how God has been actively shaping my future. It’s so sweet to look back and witness His faithfulness. (BTW, If you’re looking for your next read, go read Gradually Then Suddenly.)
Reading through that book got me thinking about my dreams and goals for 2026. What are my personal and spiritual goals for my walk with Jesus? What are my dreams and ideas for my business? So I thought, “I should write a blog!”
My 2026 Goals/Prayers
I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions, haha. I go strong for like 5 weeks and then by mid-February I can’t even spell “resolution.” Can you relate? However, I am a believer in setting goals and abiding daily in Jesus to reach those goals. So, let me share those 2026 goals with you:
- Grow deeper in my walk with Jesus and be a more mature version of myself a year from now!
- Point every person I have the joy of knowing, working with, and influencing to Jesus
- Be the kind of wedding photographer that couples look back on and remember the love they felt throughout their entire wedding photography experience.
- Book 25 weddings for 2027
- Use my film camera more!!
- Do at least one engagement in Gulf Shores, AL
- Host a styled shoot at a dream venue
- Read 10 books for enjoyment (I read 1 book + my Bible in 2025. So anything over 1 book would be an improvement😅)
- Set boundaries and limit my screen time. No doom scrolling allowed!!!!
- Learn how to cook more Plant-Based meals.
- Do a pull up. (Yep, very simple goal. However, trying telling that to my arms hahaha)
- Journal more
- Plan more game nights with my best friends
- Shine the light of Jesus to all I meet!!!
Final thoughts
These are simply my goals. May God’s will be done. May He bring to harvest these dreams. My 2026 is surrendered to my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. I cannot do anything on my own strength. I can try but, I’ll fall short 110% of the time. It is only because of Jesus that I am where I am. He has gifted me and opened opportunities that truly surpass my wildest dreams. My prayer is that God’s will be done in my life and business.
Now it’s your turn:
- What dreams do you need write down?
- What goals do you need to surrender to the Lord?
- Are there any new rhythms in life that you need to start or tweak?
- How are you going to use 2026 for God’s glory?
It’s going to be an incredible year & I’m so excited to see all the God has in store for Miranda Gates Photography. I can’t wait to capture all of my precious 2026 weddings and tell the stories of my sweet brides and grooms.
Goodbye 2025. Hello 2026!!
XOXO,
Miranda
Hey sweet bride! I’m Miranda and I am a wedding photographer in Huntsville, Alabama. My passion is to authentically capture and tell the story of your“Best Day Ever!” If you are getting married in Alabama, let’s connect! I would love to shoot your wedding day! Let’s chat about your vision, your love story, and how we can create something beautiful together. 💕 INQUIRE HERE!
View More on The Blog:
