Is it already the 3rd Quarter?

Summer is here! Such a fun time of year and I’m still wrapping my head around how fast 2025 is flying by.

At the start of this year, I launched Keys to New Beginnings, my way of helping people capture the moments that matter, and It’s grown into something so beautiful!!

Now, with half the year behind us, there’s still so much I’m excited for. Before I get into what’s been filling my heart and calendar. I want to share a bit about what’s coming!

For the 3rd year, beginning on Friday, June 27, 2025 4-7 p.m. The Plains Conservation Center is holding their Annual Art Celebration. Hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens in partnership with the City of Aurora. This is a free art celebration for the community to showcase pieces that embody the diverse and vibrant shortgrass ecosystem we live in. Please come out as AY+ Photo has 3 feature pieces along with many other local artists!

The opening reception will be held at Plains Conservation Center gallery,

21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora

Friday, June 27, 4-7 p.m.

and will include a food truck, live music, s’mores, chalk artists, crafts, face painting and more to bring the public together! I hope to see you there!!

I’ll be back again Saturday, July 26, 2025 documenting the Day of Resilience with the 7/20 Memorial Foundation (come out and join us!) The Day of Resilience is a cherished community event that is free and family friendly.

DJ Sinna-G and Yoga Six offer stretching and mindfulness at 7:30 AM.

Which is followed by the 5th annual "The Hero’s Journey" 5K Run/Walk at 8:00 AM, then 11:00 AM the Reflection Garden on Tap annual fundraiser event begins, featuring live music, wellness booths, food trucks, and live chalk art. The festival runs until 3:00 PM.

From there, things just continue to bloom!

The SCRGP Annual Mural Fest is right around the corner and community voting is open NOW. Your input is very valuable and after you get the opportunity to paint the mural IRL, this September. The festival includes a community “paint-by-numbers” activity, allowing residents to contribute to the mural’s creation.

This is such an exciting annual event I really enjoy being a part of every year!

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Take a look and vote here, it only takes a minute.

Did you know!? The Aurora Mall turns 50 this summer and they have a really special way you can share your memories from over the years! It can be a picture of you meeting Santa, shopping with friends, attending an event, or simply enjoying the mall.

It’s easy to participate! Submit your photos

Keep an eye out for AY+ Photo photographing a variety or celebrations at the Town Center at Aurora and community pop-ups.

Now, whether it’s been new headshots, senior portraits, welcoming a new baby, or celebrating personal milestones. I’ve had the honor of witnessing so many stories unfold through my lens.

□ I had the joy of photographing a bright, bold High school senior as part of the Senior Portrait Project with NAPCP and Willy Wilson. Celebrating life through these sessions, truly brings a new perspective on a life that has been so structured.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been moving right alongside the seasons.

One moment that really stuck with me this month was, attending an artist panel on Santa Fe. The artist talk was real, raw, and emotional. Black artists shared what it means to create work in a world that often judges you before you’re even seen. I left feeling deeply inspired. These are the kinds of spaces we need more of. If you haven’t already, check out the exhibit curated by Tyree Jones-Evans. On view till’ June 29, 2025 at 915 Santa Fe Drive. You can watch the local interview HERE.

…and through Java Jams, I captured a community dance party that reminded me just how much joy lives in our community.

□ Hosting Happy Hour Headshots at my favorite neighborhood coffee shop was such an amazing experience, I’m excited to bring them back in July! These are quick sessions, and a fun way to just step into your own spotlight. □

Outside of work with friends and family…

I get the opportunity to work on multiple passion projects like with The CORLC. The mission of the Nonprofit is to help individuals healing from trauma following a mass violence incident. And for those that experience trauma know, healing can be a never-ending process. The Colorado Resilient-Life Center started in 2018, but has been inactive since Covid. We hope to bring in volunteers to offer a list of classes in a space for teens and individuals to be themselves and heal. A cause close to my heart.

Yes, still building my mortgage business, helping families navigate homeownership is another way I get to be part of someone’s next chapter, and it means so much to me.

Let’s get together

If you’re planning something fun, or just want to capture a beautiful moment in your life, I’d love to work with you! Let’s keep celebrating, sharing stories, and lifting each other up.

Have a safe, Summer 2025!!

— Amelia Y