03/30/2023
New Beginnings🤎
As some of you may have noticed, I haven’t been active on my business profiles. I have not been posting nor have I been quick to respond. This past year has been, how do I say it? ABSOLUTELY INSANE.
2022 was a year of substantial growth for my business. I booked more weddings and worked with more amazing couples and vendors than I ever have before. I started the year off with a plan to expand my business and connecting with more couples than in previous years. I hoped to be more active on my social media, update my website, and add to my existing gear list.
I have come to realize that most plans don’t work out how you originally had thought. In my case, this *failed* plan has brought me my biggest blessing. It is my greatest pleasure to introduce you all to my Mason James, my baby boy. We found out about our little love back in July and have been preparing to pursue his adoption ever since.
Mason was able to move in with us at the beginning of January but before then we were traveling every spare chance we had to see him, bond with him, and love on him. He was living an hour and a half away from where we are located so the trips added up. This was all happening in the peak of wedding season; my busiest wedding season.
This new change had brought me so much joy but it also came with the most stress I have ever known. I was afraid of letting down my amazing couples as I was trying to balance work life and mommy life. My turn around time started to get away from me with all of the travel as well as having to pick up another job. I started working for a school to create a better schedule for myself while anticipating the arrival of our boy - we had no idea when he would be able to come home with us. I was in my busiest season ever as a wedding photographer, serving at my job of 5 years, and now working full time as a Behavioral Interventionist at the school.
Keeping this change a secret was also adding to my anxiety. How could I explain to my couples why their galleries were taking longer than expected without telling them the truth? I felt like I was failing all of the clients. I started feeling guilty for sleeping too long, working out, going on dates with Hunter - literally anything that didn’t pertain to editing gave me so much anxiety. I was at the point where I was pulling all nighters twice a week.
I am so so extremely grateful (like so much so it’s hard to put into words) for the clients who showed me so much grace and patience while awaiting their galleries. You all were such a light in a time that started feeling very dark. I can’t thank Hunter enough for being the most supportive and encouraging parter.
I cannot wait until I can show you all our beautiful boy. I am not allowed to show you his face just yet as we are still in the process of pursuing his adoption - this road is long and hard.
This all being said : If you read all the way through, THANK YOU. If you have reached out and I have not responded, please try again - I am now mentally and physically able to have a conversation you deserve. I am limiting how many weddings I am taking this year so please reach out if you are interested!
As always ~ With so much love,
Lauren
