Hi friends and family!

I always struggle with how to start out these letters. I know months pass by so quickly and we all are probably wondering where another year has gone. I’m currently sitting on our couch in our “new” home on December 14^th (yikes, I’m late!!) and my heart is full of gratitude. This year, like most, was full of many ups and downs. In January, Thomas started a new job and is enjoying work, and has been able to spend a lot of time in the woods this year hunting. 2025 was also the best year in business for me, I traveled to over a dozen states for work and feel so humbled at what God has allowed me to accomplish this year. Most of all grateful for all of you!!! 

In early spring, we decided to make our first home our forever home and embark on the great journey of doing a major addition/renovation. Can you hear the sarcasm in that sentence? If you’ve ever been through any sort of remodel, you understand. Shew! What a year… We truly could not have done everything without the help of our sweet family (my dad in particular) and some incredible friends. We’re looking forward to slowing down in 2026 and enjoying life in the new house. I am so grateful for this opportunity to live out my life long dreams of having a home made for hosting. As most of you know, Christmas is my very favorite time of year. Not just because it involves a lot of my favorite things; decorating, gift giving, enjoying family time and good food, but because we take the time to reflect upon Christ’s humble birth.

Every year I remain baffled at God’s miraculous plan for the redemption of sinful humanity.

Knowing we have an eternal hope in Heaven because of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection gives peace in this broken, sinful and oftentimes hard-to-understand life. When we really take time to weigh the gravity of what Christmas really means, it should knock us to our knees in adoration for God’s beautiful gift. I’ll admit, I’m the first to get caught up in all the nonsense of this world. Worldly pleasures get in the way of my enjoyment of salvation. There’s nothing wrong with having nice things, going on fun vacations, being involved in a variety of activities, but it should never take away our focus on the only thing that matters… Jesus.

I’m doing an advent devotional that has allowed me to slow down and try to shift my focus to Jesus during the hustle and chaos of this season. One day in particular that I loved talked about how He is our light. That particular moment, light (Jesus) entered into this dark world. This is why we celebrate Christmas. Without Him, The Light, we’re blind to God’s reality. “We can study, strive and search all we want, but apart from Jesus, we’re simply stumbling around in darkness.”

I could probably write 3 more pages, but I know I need to finish this soon, so I’ll leave you with this: If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, would you consider a life illuminated by Christ’s light?

Peace unexplainable and joy indescribable is what Jesus gives, and it’s so much better than anything this world can offer. He was born to die so we could have an eternal, abundant life.

1 John 5:11-12 says “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

My hope is that this letter brings a little extra joy to your holiday season and even more, that you experience the eternal, abundant life found in Christ!

May God richly bless you and surround you with comfort both now and in the year ahead.

With love, xoxo, Zoe

Work with Zoe Evans | East Coast Wedding Photographer

Zoe Evans is a wedding photographer serving couples across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and beyond.

She specializes in documenting heartfelt, elegant weddings with an eye for detail and a deep love for capturing genuine connection.

Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full weekend event, Zoe’s timeless photography style ensures your memories are preserved beautifully for generations to come.

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