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First-Time Homeownership: The Reality Check I Didn’t See Coming

When I signed the papers and held the keys to my very first home, I thought I was stepping into…

Welcome to the Rustic Collective

You know those photos that are just a little bit blurry?Not ruined by any means, but not perfectly sharp either. They…

Balancing Jackpot Photography with a 9-to-5: The Real Behind-the-Scenes

There’s a certain thrill that comes with jackpot photography. The dust, the adrenaline, the sound of a horses hooves coming…

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Latest From The Rustic Collective

Finding Balance in a Life That’s Anything But

Balance. The word sounds peaceful, doesn’t it? Like a yoga pose held gracefully or a perfectly arranged kitchen counter. But…

Juggling Love, a full time job, a side hustle, and Starting Over Together

When my boyfriend moved in, it wasn’t just about combining furniture and figuring out closet space. He quit his job,…

The Reality of First-Time Homeownership: 7 Things No One Tells You

Buying your first home is exciting; empowering, even. But if you think it’s all Pinterest-worthy renovations and cozy nights in,…

First-Time Homeownership: The Reality Check I Didn’t See Coming

When I signed the papers and held the keys to my very first home, I thought I was stepping into…

About Me

Hi, I’m Mandy - photographer, first-time homeowner, professional plate-spinner, and unofficial CEO of juggling too many things at once.

By day, full-time Admin Assistant. By night (and weekends), I’m behind the camera, chasing moments at jackpots, rodeos, and events across Alberta. In between? I’m figuring out how to live with ADHD, keep my senior dog, Dan, happy despite his separation anxiety, and navigate life with my boyfriend, who quit his job, moved an hour and a half away to live with me, and had to start over from scratch. (Romantic? Yes. Stressful? Also yes.)

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