a year in review: mckenzie blair turns one!

Well, the real McKenzie Blair is a little bit older than one, but this month marks my blog’s first birthday! I tediously created this space last October as a selfish means of self-expression. I wanted to be challenged and inspired. I wanted to keep a record of images, ideas and thoughts that I never wanted to forget. But most of all, I wanted to find a safe outlet for the creative energy inside of me that didn’t yet have a voice in my everyday life.

Along the way, I unleashed a fierce passion that had been living idly underneath my consciousness for most of my life. I realized I love to write. I love to click through photographs of beautiful things and let my mind wander. I love to use adjectives, and I love to write with a voice, not a formula. And I really love to let Pandora ring in my ear as I combine all of these things and create a post to share with the world.

So, here I am one year later, all these realizations burning in my mind as I think back to just how far I’ve come. 

This blog inspired me to change my major to print journalism – a move that may have postponed my graduation date, but also may have been the best thing I’ve ever done. 

This blog helped me snag a killer internship with Seattle Bride Magazine – an opportunity that is both challenging and rewarding in all the best ways possible. 

This blog has boosted my confidence and given me the courage to be who I am, free of shame or embarrassment. 

And this blog has introduced me to a community of bloggers that can only be described as fabulous. I’m eternally grateful for the love, support and kind comments from family, friends and complete strangers that have quickly become friends.

And now, a quick look back at some of my favorite mckenzie blair moments…

…my all-time favorite wedding editorial

…still on my wish-list

…a trend that won’t quit (and I’m not complaining)

…an exciting personal moment

…a dangerously romantic wedding to remember

…always filed away for my future kitchen: 

…and my favorite surprise!

This year, I'd like to open up my page for 'business.' If you're interested in collaborating, sponsoring or advertising, I'd love to work with you! Please e-mail me for more information.

Here’s hoping that the next year of mckenzie blair brings even more inspiration, opportunities and joy to myself and my readers. Cheers!

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt

{images: elizabeth messina via amy atlas; all the mountains via a picture is worth a thousand words; shelter via patterson maker; patterson maker; moon face}