I wanted to write a life update post of sorts…this blog has always been more than a platform to share my wedding work, I hope I can continue to connect with you here on a personal level more often!

You probably know I’ve been living in Utah since the end of April, after a busy wedding season in NZ.

I’ve been lucky to photograph some gorgeous Utah weddings with local wedding photographers, however I knew before coming to the US that my visa wouldn’t allow me to photograph weddings and be self employed here. I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant (!) so even though I had a few bits and pieces to do, like album designing etc. I really didn’t want to sit around waiting for the baby to arrive for 6 months!

So. The biggest reason I have been quiet around here lately, is most of my energy has been going into creating podcasts for my new online space for creative small business owners, Planted With Light!

I had the idea to start a podcast where I would interview creative small business owners from New Zealand and Australia, earlier this year and first blogged about it in May. The response has been awesome. Beyond awesome. With most things I do, I jumped in feet first, announced a launch date, worked many late nights trying to get my head around audio (wondered what ON EARTH I had gotten myself into…) and began the journey into a completely new world of interviewing!

I LOVE producing the podcast each week. I’ve been so lucky to learn from some really inspiring people. Even though it has been hard work I know it’s impacting people, and it’s creating a community too – which makes me very proud! It’s exactly what I wanted to do, and I’m thrilled that it’s actually becoming a reality.

If you would like to have a listen, come on over to the Planted With Light website, or subscribe in iTunes!

As I mentioned, I’m 37 weeks pregnant! I feel so blessed to have had a smooth, easy pregnancy with no sickness…I’ve actually felt pretty amazing. However, now that I am much bigger, my walking is slowly turning into waddling… and sleeping is sometimes a challenge. I’m SO excited to meet our little baby soon. We’ve had a slightly rocky ride with the American health system, I find it to be very medicalised and almost fear based. But, we’ve recently changed hospitals, and feeling more positive now. I can’t believe it’s come up so fast!

October is a big month for us. Not only will our family expand sometime around the 14th, we’ll also find out where we’ll be living next year (from May) with Sam’s work. I’ll keep you updated!

I’ve just booked my flight back to NZ for first week of December (oh. my. goodness. it. was. expensive!!!) I’m photographing 5 weddings in NZ, 2 in December and 3 in January.

This is really different for me, as for the last few years I’ve photographed up to 30 weddings each summer season. Initially it was hard turning people down, but I know I’ve made the right decision to take on a very small number of weddings this season. I’m going to have a new baby, I’m only in NZ for a short amount of time and I wanted to make sure there was enough time to spend time with everyone! It’s really important I didn’t set myself up to be stretched too thin, and be able to give my brides & grooms my absolute best.

Things I’m most excited about right now:

– Seeing my parents soon! They come to SLC in less than 2 weeks. They’re staying across the road in a little Airbnb. I’m so excited for them to become grandparents soon!

– Having a baby. Yep that’s pretty up there in the excited department!

– Impacting, encouraging and helping people through the podcast!

– I’m currently dreaming and planning the outline of an e-course I plan to offer over on Planted With Light which is super exciting!

– Travelling to NZ for December and January.

– Photographing my small but perfect amount of weddings in NZ (Auckland, Waihi, Hamilton, and Gisborne)!

I’ll be updating my Instagram and Snapchat @katerphoto most regularly. If you’re interested in the podcast and Planted With Light, the best way to stay updated is through my newsletter which you can sign up for HERE!

If you are the praying type, I would love to have your support over the next few weeks specifically for a healthy birth and baby, and my international (20+ hour including layover…) flights to NZ with a newborn (soo many prayers needed for that)!

Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to hear what you are most excited about in your life right now, if you have any suggestions or questions about Planted With Light, + any newborn tips and recommendations are welcome too! xxx