The day had arrived. Funny thing is, I have no idea what day it was. I couldn’t tell you what month it took place in. Or when the decision was actually made. But one day, my goal slowly shifted from “booking weddings” to “following my passion” and pursuing photography full time.

What?! Sure, anyone can say that was always the goal, but honestly, it wasn’t. I really liked the safety of my cubicle walls and everything they stood for. But one day, something changed. And photography pulled ahead.

When I graduated three years ago, pursuing photography full time was the last thing on my mind. I walked across the stage, ate a celebratory dinner with my family & Thomas’s – clinking (because I can’t determine if ‘cheersing’ is a real word) wine glasses to master’s degrees and full time jobs in St. Pete at the same firm. I was proud of us! We had both worked hard – together. Photography was a tiny twinkle in my eye at this point. Thomas and I had photographed one wedding. One!

We packed up the U-Haul, and the dogs sat in my lap throughout the two and a half hour drive. Of course, we barely got out of the Chipotle parking lot before leaving Gainesville (do you know how hard it is to back up a U-Haul with a car in tow?) but we made it eventually. When we arrived in our new home, we couldn’t believe that somehow we had managed to pack our checkbook (for our security deposit) in the very back of the U-Haul. Needless to say – moving was – err – not the most fun experience, but we’ve really enjoyed our time in our new home town of St. Pete!

Thomas and I both started our grown up jobs three days later. Suited up (and me in heels – Whatttt?). We were ready to go.

I can’t tell you when things changed, but they did. We started getting busy. Busier than I expected. We woke up early to get the editing done. And somewhere along the way, this truly became my passion. It consumed my mind. Endless to do lists, blog posts, workshops, tutorials, emails, and images. Then I learned to shoot film and my passion was heightened to a whole new level.

And here we are, three years after I started my “real job” letting you all know that I’m leaving it to pursue my dreams.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid. I’m afraid of so many things. Little things like – learning how to motivate myself when I don’t have a time crunch of actually getting to work before 8:30 on my shoulders. Not snacking through the pantry. Or actually reminding myself to not wear sweat pants every day. Of course, I’m afraid of failure too. But I think I’m most afraid of is working alone on a daily basis. Sure, there are so many of us in this hustle, learning to make it as entrepreneurs, but I’m really going to miss connecting with my colleagues on a daily or weekly basis. Whether it be daily trivia, a quick wave in the hallway, good morning chats (and good night chats), an endless supply of chocolate, hearing about last night’s yoga class, or having a friend to pour my heart out to when I’ve got a ridiculous story. So thank you – to all of you that have impacted my life at my “real job” – I’m going to miss you more than you know.

More than being afraid, I am thankful. I am so grateful for every. single. couple. that has included us in their day. In some way or another, not only have you provided us with the opportunity to document your own wedding, but you’ve provided us with the opportunity to meet future couples as well. It is absolutely amazing how some couples find us – and you wouldn’t believe some of the opportunities we’ve had from unexpected beginnings. I’m also thankful for everyone – my friends, my family, my couples, my “friendors” and the strangers I’ve never met – who has supported me along the way. Whether it be through a like, a comment, a phone call, a text, or a good old in person conversation, you guys rock, and I couldn’t be more grateful! I’m blown away by how far we have come – but I have to look back and recognize that it wouldn’t be possible without you.

And, a huge thank you comes down to my husband (whoa, that’s weird to say) Thomas. He supported me more than I deserved right from the beginning. What started as carrying camera bags, turned into doing research, and learning to take beautiful images. He has listened to my endless critique of his work (eeep – sorry!). He has also listened to every inquiry that comes through the inbox. He taught me photography is about the journey. He taught me to invest every dollar into education and back into the business. He has taught me what being a teammate is truly about.

So, with that, I am officially giving you all my notice that I will be going full time starting October 1st, and I couldn’t be more excited! Thank you all for being part of this journey with us!

Hugs!