As I sit back and reflect upon 2011 all I can think of is how grateful I am to God for his blessings this year. This was a year of growth for me both personally and spiritually. It was a year of learning to say no and make time for family and friends. The biggest lesson I learned in running a business is to be authentic and genuine to myself and to my clients. I am so excited about 2012. I am approaching each new month with arms open to opportunity and possibly very big change. After our home being for sale for 3 years we have finally sold it! Where to now? Not sure. That’s part of my trusting and believing in God’s guidance in our lives for 2012. Take a trip down memory lane with me as I go through some of my highlights of 2011 both for Chaviano Couture and myself.
January ( Click on month for full review!) began with one of the biggest snow falls Atlanta has seen! Everything was shut down. For those of you who don’t know I am a nurse and still work at the hospital a couple days a week. January began with having to spend the night at the hospital due to all the crazy weather. It was definitely a memorable experience! Picture below is of me outside the hospital just as the snow had began to fall. January also included a trip to Baltimore for Chaviano Couture, Photo shoot for 944 Magazine, Photo shoot for Ruffled blog, and more.
February ( CLICK for review) brought a feature in Atlanta Weddings Magazine, & Valentines Day. As well as lots of time with the cats and Jared:)
March ( Click for review) brought a Trunkshow for my 2011 collection at Studiowed, and a trip to visit my parents in Kansas City. We had a wonderful time together.
April & May were a bit low key for me. I went through somewhat of a transition phase with my business. Some of the things I had anticipated to happen were not happening and I was beginning to get upset and discouraged. I then realized that I truly have to let God lead in my life. I don’t want to do what others are doing or follow the crowd. I am unique and different in my own way and so is my business. I took a trip to NYC in May to plan out the 2012 collection. It was great to walk around and get inspired by the fashion district and meet with amazing people. It was a gorgeous time of year to visit NYC with all the trees blooming. You can see more pictures from that trip on the Facebook Fan Page. CLICK HERE.
June (Click on Month to read review) June’s recap goes a bit more into detail of the months of April and May. I also spent some time in June finalizing details for accessories I had been working on for the couple months prior. These accessories will launch here shortly in January so stay tuned!! You won’t want to miss it!!
July (Click for review) was an awesome month for me! I got to spend time with some of my closest girlfriends and take an amazing girls trip to Montana. Let me tell you, nothing clears the mind better and makes you feel alive than breathing the fresh Montana air!! Such gorgeous scenery! I got to see a grizzly bear which was amazing! Such a memorable month for me.
August went by quickly working on custom gowns for brides and making pretty gowns. That led to September which is one of my favorite months of the year due to my birthday and our anniversary.
September ( Click for review) September brought about a trip to Asheville to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. I could not be more grateful to God for my amazing husband and his love. The past 5 years have flown by and I cannot wait to see what God’s plan is for the next years to come:) Sep 20 marked my 28th birthday, which was another day to be grateful and reflect on God’s blessings. I am so grateful to just be healthy. In the years I have worked in a hospital I have seen much sickness and sorrow. Don’t take your good health for granted.
October ( click for review) October was spent with LOTS of bridal gown fittings. 2 of the gowns were some of my favorite gowns I have every worked on. Since I loved them so much they will be featured in my new 2012 collection. Take a look at the link to see more info on the events of the month.
November- I loved this month because it included Thanksgiving which is one of my favorite holidays. Jared and I took the long drive up to West Virginia to spend time with my family and close family friends. Such fun! Take a look at the two pics below. The first, of one of the longest bridges in the western hemisphere, and the second my vegan Thanksgiving dinner which was pretty delicious if you ask me:) 
December I have yet to write a review for. ( that will come next week) I can say some of the highlights included a shoot for the 2012 collection, Jared’s 30th birthday, and of course Christmas. This year has been a true blessing and learning experience for me. I cannot wait until next year. Let’s make 2012 our best year yet!!!
A BIG THANK YOU to all who have supported me and encouraged me this year. You have been the joy in my day. Thank you is not enough.
Warmest, Annette
