THAT'S IT!! The cat is officially out of the bag! And I couldn't be more excited to share this news with all of you!!
Full disclosure: I've technically been "full time" for the last 2 and half years. In November of 2014, when assessing some overwhelming student loan debt (can I get an amen?!), my husband and I spent some time chatting and praying and decided that it was possible for me to add on a little part time gig at our church as their secretary a few days week to help pay that way down. Little did I know that ALP would SOAR in 2015!!
After one crazy fall with nonstop back to back wedding weekends, my husband and I began talks again about what God was saying to us about my schedule. Could I keep going with both? Yes. Could I completely pay off my student loans if I just 'made it work' for another year or two? Yes. Was I ever seeing my husband and enjoying the joys of being a newlywed, spending time with the Lord as much as I needed to, seeing friends and family more than once every now and then or feeling an ounce of rest? Truthfully, the answer was no. I vividly remember during our once-in-a-lifetim vacation to Italy last October feeling exhausted, worn down and completely focused on the work that would be waiting for me as soon as I returned. Not cool man, not cool! Thankfully, by the grace of God and through his strength, I've been able to manage both positions for a season. And thankfully, He has provided for us in ways that would allow for me to no longer have to as of June 1st!
So what's changing??
1. I get to have "Me" back! You'd laugh at me if you knew all of the things I couldn't always do consistently before but definitely enjoy doing now. Seeing the hubs and actually being cuddle bugs at the end of the night, spending my early mornings with the Lord reading his word. Laundry. Yes, laundry! Cooking, nesting into our new home and getting rid of unnecessary clutter, gardening (well, let's be real, my 12 cement block South Philly backyard only allows for tomatoes this year, but boy am I excited to see those puppies grow!!), remembering to shave both legs in the same shower (I know all you #ladybosses out there get this!), texting friends back on the same day....not to mention the things that I haven't yet been able to do too much of yet in the last 9 days but can't wait to do more like squeezing my nephew and nieces, reading, finally finishing my edits on our Italy photos...........the list just goes on and on.
2. Having more time to invest in YOU! Seriously guys, my couples and clients rock my socks clean off and I'm so thankful for your patience during this last year and now this exciting time of transition! I cannot wait to spend more time loving on you well by getting back into my usual routine of quick email turn arounds, checking in on you just because I love ya and spending time learning and growing in new techniques and mastering old ones to keep improving your overall experience with me so that you feel as special as you are!
3. I officially have office hours! I never knew how much freedom there was in boundaries, and having set office hours definitely helps to keep us all happy! :) These last two weeks have been a little nutty to prepare for this transition, but beginning on Monday, our office hours will be Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. During that time, I'll be 100% devoted to all things ALP! (Weeknights will still be for sessions and consultations, and weekends will be for weddings and family time :)).
I love you guys, I really do. I'm so thankful for your constant support and encouragement as we grow together. THANK YOU to all of those who have already reached out with squeals and ecstatic high fives- YOU ROCK!!! As a token of my appreciate for you, I want to extend a 5% booking discount for any wedding/portrait session that is booked from now until the end of June! (Offer doesn't apply to previously booked sessions or weddings and expires at midnight on June 30, 2016)
The only thing left to say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for joining us on this crazy ride! Stay tuned for some downright gorgeous weddings, joy-filled families and some exciting business growth that will be happening as the year unfolds! :)