2024 Year in Review | Bobbi Petersen Photography | Madison WI Photographer Blog

2024 Year in Review: Embracing Growth and New Beginnings as a Madison WI Photographer

As I sit down to reflect on 2024, I can’t help but feel a wave of emotions—gratitude, pride, and even a bit of disbelief at how far things have come in just one year. This has been a year of transformation, challenges, and incredible milestones, including the establishment of Guilded Grey Events, a beautiful Madison, WI wedding venue. Officially launching Bobbi Petersen Photography after a soft launch in October marked a new and deeply personal chapter in my career.

Taking over Abbots Lane after stepping away from my previous business, Twig & Olive Photography, gave me the chance to remain rooted in the wedding industry I love so much while rebuilding my portfolio from scratch. Starting fresh was no easy feat—I had to rebuild everything from gear to connections—but it was also one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. What made it truly meaningful was the incredible trust and support I received from my peers. Nearly 20 weddings this year came entirely from industry referrals. These weren’t just bookings; they were acts of kindness and faith from people who believed in me. Many tears were shed this year, not from frustration but from the overwhelming gratitude I felt for the community that stood by me and lifted me up when I needed it most.

Highlights of 2024: Madison, WI Wedding Photography and Venue Updates

✨ A Renewed Focus on Connection: For me, photography has always been about relationships, not transactions. This year, I made it a priority to nurture the amazing connections I have with fellow vendors. Monthly meetups with industry friends kept me grounded and sane, becoming a highlight I genuinely looked forward to. Those moments of laughter and shared experiences reminded me why I love this industry so much.

✨ Guilded Grey Events is Live: This year, Jon and I transformed our 35-acre property into something truly special. Our climate-controlled greenhouse—with Cream City brick, an antique chandelier, and thoughtful design—is finally complete, and it’s been incredible to see this dream come to life. We also added a picturesque boardwalk, winding nature trails, and a she-shed made from antique windows. Guilded Grey is now ready to host intimate ceremonies, vow renewals, and creative sessions. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m so excited to share it with my clients and peers. Visit us at guildedgreyevents.com to see what we’ve created!

✨ Specialization: This year also brought the launch of Photography for Lawyers (photographyforlawyers.com), a branch of my business dedicated to branding and corporate photography for the legal community. Serving attorneys has been a rewarding experience—these professionals are worth their weight in gold, and some have become like family. This venture has allowed me to focus on a niche I’m passionate about while staying committed to my wedding work.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Madison, WI Wedding Photography and Venue Plans

As I step into 2025, I’m focusing on what truly matters: professionalism, respect, and collaboration. Strong vendor relationships and teamwork will always be at the core of my business. Sharing images freely with vendors and fostering a supportive environment are non-negotiables for me. My number-one pet peeve is the vendor who thinks they’re the most important person in the room—this industry thrives when we treat each other with respect and as equals.

Let’s Collaborate

Wedding Vendor friends: Winter is a slower season, and it’s the perfect time to connect and create together. Let’s collaborate on a styled shoot to inspire creativity and refresh our portfolios—or leave work at home entirely and meet up for coffee, lunch, or happy hour. Relationships and shared ideas are what make this industry so special, and I’d love the chance to connect with you, whether it’s for work or just for fun. Let’s make the most of this quiet season together!