Big Life Update
I absolutely adore the ocean.
Give me the sun and the sea and I’m a happy human. This summer, I was privileged to spend some days enjoying the water — even during work hours (thank you beach/lake weddings). I made a point to actually go out this time and HAVE a summer rather than stick to the editing cave 24/7.
On top of Lion Rock in Piha, New Zealand. Mavic Air. April 2018.
Now that our favourite season is technically over (cue: tears) and we start wearing socks to bed, editing is in full force and I’m giving it my 110%. I want to finish this wedding season well, and deliver excellent photos and videos to my incredible couples.
I’m ecstatic about how the past 7 months have been. I’ve shot 30 of my own and assisted for 7 weddings. That’s a pretty huge season, my biggest one so far, and I couldn’t thank you all enough.
Katrina & Jordan. Bali, Indonesia. March 2018.
I believe I’ve grown in my craft and I’ve refined how I film and photograph weddings. I’m so much more comfortable, organised, and at peace with how I shoot and edit. Burnout isn’t as horrible as it’s been the past couple of years, and I’m grateful for all the support and understanding I’ve been given.
Not say I haven’t struggled this season. I definitely have. There were still tears and feeling useless and comparing myself to all the talented humans out there. But lately, I’ve just learnt to enjoy my own journey. This is where I’m at — I’ve learnt and grown as much as I can, and I’m doing my absolute best. There’s less and less doubt in my spirit, and more confidence and peace.
As for the big life update:
We’re moving to Australia!
Sam got a job with Hamilton Island Air doing what he does best: flying helicopters and showing people the beauty of this world. This time, it’ll be the Great Barrier Reef and the glorious Whitsundays.
It was the easiest decision to say yes about moving over. I’m actually so excited. I’ll tell you more about it another time, and show you where we’re going to live! It’s insanely beautiful. I can’t believe it’s real.
So, what does that mean for Patty Lagera as a wedding photographer and videographer?
Even before Sam got the job, I made a decision to “take a break” and not book as many weddings as I normally do. The fact that I can take less bookings is a miracle in itself—having “too much work” was never something I thought was possible. But it’s about time—my fifth year—to take it slow and re-evaluate where my business is, where I’d like it to go, and how I can grow myself even further. I want to prioritise REST. I want to be in a place of tranquility and dream bigger dreams for my wee little business. Nonetheless, I’m still going to be in New Zealand this summer for all my amazing weddings coming up, and I can’t wait!
2018 has really been an incredible year so far. I’ve been pushed to the limits, and I never thought I could do what I’m doing now. I can say for a fact that God is good and He is faithful. I am SO grateful for all the friends and family supporting me and constantly believing in me as I pursue my dreams.
What will the rest of the year look like? Who knows for sure?
What I do know is that I will be living by the ocean, creating more art, reading more books, learning how to cook, getting my fitness up, and making friends. I hope that we can travel at some stage (I’m thinking Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and maybe another Bali or Fiji trip) and explore more of Australia too.
I dream all of these big dreams, but even the simplest of goals bring me the fullest of joys. At the end of the day, I want to be healthy, happy, and whole.
Patty xx