I know that I may be the twenty thousandth person that you know listing off the bunches of things that they are thankful for this Thanksgiving, but I promise if you bear with me to the end of this post (or just skip to the last paragraph), I’ll give you a reason to be thankful this holiday season, too!
I don’t even know where to begin my thankfuls for the year! I’m thankful that we were able to move into a new home with a big fenced in yard for my dogs (the real loves of my life). I’m thankful that my husband was able to graduate at the top of his class and was matched into one of the best residencies in the country. I’m thankful that I learned how to navigate an airport alne, have learned to love flying, and have three trips in the next eight weeks to fill my “slow season.”. I’m thankful to have so much loving family and friends nearby to help me through all of the challenges in my life.
And the challenges are not small or far in between… That top residency is a six hour flight away from where I am, so I am living through a serious commuter marriage (which reminds me, I’m thankful for FaceTime). I live as a single dog mom to two crazy rambunctious pitbulls, with a penchant for getting into the trash cabinet–oh, the messes! I have been doing my best to balance the to do list of a rapidly growing small business, while building a solid foundation for our three to five year plans.
But it is exactly because of these challenges that I am most thankful this year. I have met and worked with so many diverse and interesting clients, professionals, and friends. I have learned the value of sharing struggles, building trust, and asking for help. I have brought on the coolest studio manager and friend whom I trust to take the best care of our couples AND to talk me down off from bosslady cliffs when I need her (AND she makes a mean chocolate pie for potlucks). I have fallen in love with another city (Seattle) and although it’s only a short emotional affair (I’m not leaving my true love-Philly), it’s taught me so much about being comfortable wherever I am, being Adaptable, and finding my way to a great cupcake wherever I am.
I’m thankful for all of the things that 2015 has brought me. If a good year will make you a stronger, better person, then 2015 may have been the BEST year so far. So bring it, 2016. I’m ready for the crazy, the growing, the struggling, the loving, the crying, and the life that you have to offer me and everyone around me.
But what does it all mean for Ashley Gerrity Photography? Breaking into new markets (hello Seattle), expanding into neighboring markets (watch out Jersey & Central PA, we are coming for you), and building our all-star roster to be even stronger (Rachel & Serena, my dears!)
One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is spending my weekends with my awesome team! Rachel & I at a recent wedding getting a selfie on the dance floor!
2015 has come and gone with a vengeance. We know that your final month of the year will be FILLED with a pile of “best of” and “top 10” lists and if you follow us on our social media, you’ll find your final countdowns of 2015 filled with more wedding awesomeness than you could have imagined. (And if you don’t follow us on social media, shame on you/what are you waiting for?). But with the blog, we are upping the ante and truly sending off 2015 in epic style-Sharing our favorite moments from the entire year of weddings, one awesome wedding at a time.
As we prepare for a brand update, new logo, and new website to be revealed in the new year, we really think it is critical to look back and love on every last awesome couple that has honored us by sharing their special day! There are plenty of photographers in the world who pick and choose which clients they feature for any number of reasons, but I’m here to tell you the truth- we have nothing but awesome clients, filled with love and personality (I guess we just attract it), so we are incredibly excited to start our annual year in review series on Saturday and hope you will join us every step of the way!
Rachel and I are signing off for the day, spending time with our families, and logging back in on Friday at midnight to release a hell of a deal for all of our current clients, upcoming clients, and soon-to-be clients! So keep your eyes on your email, pop on over to our blog, or stalk on social media to get the BEST wedding offer that money will buy you!
