10/09/2024
We're winding down our fall wedding season with our last four events... the last four weddings we will likely ever shoot. I didn't plan to make an announcement today, but as I sit here editing in my favorite coffee shop, listening to an incredible worship song and reflecting on the last 15 years, I feel overwhelming gratitude.
Gratitude for every couple who has trusted us with their special celebrations. Gratitude for how the Lord provided for our family for years through this business. Gratitude for a career I have genuinely LOVED. Gratitude for the Holy Spirit speaking so clearly when He is calling us to new and different things.
Going back in my records, I have shot over 200 weddings. 238 to be exact and Paul has joined for a majority of those.
I haven't publicly shared this yet, but 2024 is our last wedding season. (At least for the foreseeable future; I try not to think in absolutes anymore. 😉 ) I've battled this decision because my heart truly loves the work I get to do. I felt the nudge almost two years ago, and it's been made clearer and clearer the more I have been in the waiting season and praying.
At the end of 2023 our family joined two other families in opening a safe house program for women who have experienced human trafficking and sexual exploitation. We didn't expect to be up and running as quick as we were, but when the Lord moves, He moves! We currently have a woman staying with us, please be praying for her. (You can check out more about what we do here: https://clayandoak.org/ ) Between safe house work and being a present, homeschooling mama, photography work is what had to go.
Is there a temptation to be really nervous about finances? Yep. Has the Lord provided in incredible ways already? Absolutely. So much so that I may need to do a whole post just about what He has done and provided!
So with tears in my eyes, I want to say thank you to so many of you. So many dear vendor friends, our amazing couples, mother-of-the-brides who have encouraged us behind the scenes and built friendships with us, amazing wedding parties we've gotten to hang with... overwhelming gratitude is all I can come back to.
Emma & Chandler, Blakeley & Noah, Laura & David, Jessica & Lee -- have no fear. We are so excited to celebrate your special days with you all and if anything I have a surge of appreciation and renewal knowing you will be some of our last events. It's extra special in a bitter sweet way for us.
The Glory belongs to the Lord and my desire is for Him to get glory in every decision we make. Current album and song I'm loving. (Listen to the first three songs in a row.)
https://open.spotify.com/track/4hXRTRA8iZxwcbBnVsTxRm?si=rYzc5S_pQyiCiyUDEAk90w&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6IpTy7NIs73WkeesEmwlSI
If you've read this far, thanks for letting me take an unexpected moment on here today. I don't know what's next for Uniquely His. I'm still praying through my capacity for families and other sessions, but I know that He will lead us through all those decisions. Thanks for being part of the journey with Paul and I. 💚All my love, Sarah
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