Based on the number of confused e-mails I’ve received, it occurred to me that perhaps an “official” announcement was in order, rather than trickles of information!
After 11 years in Atlanta (minus a crazy 6 months back and forth to Chicago that we won’t even talk about), it is with a heavy heart that I announce we are moving to Erie, Pennsylvania. My very amazing, talented, awesome and hardworking husband was offered an opportunity that our family simply could not refuse. Will I miss the South? Oh yes. I ADORE my clients here, the friends and ties we’ve made, our house, my studio…the sun(!) but if I linger too long on that sort of thing, my cup empties – and I’m the “cup half full!” of our family.
Erie will take us back North, and yes – we will be closer to family. About 5 hours or so…which, to us, is like being next door. If you didn’t know, we moved away from our families when Aidan was all of 5 months old, and have never lived close since. My kids think grandparents are people you see only when you get on a plane. The thought of being able to visit more frequently makes me very happy indeed. I just can’t think too much about moving into the lake effect snow belt. Aidan and Ava, bless their Southern hearts, are so excited about the snow (you can all laugh now, they honestly have NO idea – my kids think snow is something that falls in the morning and is gone by dinnertime).
Will I restart my business there? Absolutely! I LOVE what I do, and the thought of not having newborns and smiling faces to photograph just isn’t an option. My goal right now is to finish shooting June’s sessions, wrap things up and then focus on getting our family moved and settled. Since Aidan is entering middle school, I want him to start school on Day #1. Fortunately, I’ve already selected his school, so it’s just a matter of finding a home in the district. Once everyone is settled into school, I’ll get my Pennsylvania business set up.
To all of my clients, thank you from the bottom of my heart for selecting me as your photographer. I feel like I’ve watched so many of your families grow – from maternity, to 1st baby, to toddler, to 2nd baby…I will miss you terribly. And the fact that my business was essentially built on your referring me to friends – the highest honor indeed.
To my blog readers – thank you for coming along for the ride with me. I plan to document our adventures along with the sweet babies and children of Erie, Pennsylvania!
And, since any post is useless without an image, here is a sweetie from last week who will grace the blog in the next couple of days:
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Shannon - Lisa always love your work and will look forward to watching your adventure as you move ‘north’!
kellicrowe - Lisa,
I can’t wait to hear about the trip, the house, middle school (gasp) and the beginning of the new business in PA! And the kids’ first winter:)
Sigh. I am happy for you guys but sad for me…but then again, I always bring it back to “how does this effect me?”
Laurie Marie Photography - My first thoughts, with a jerk at my heart, were: but your new studio! But you take the furniture, props, canvases and sign with you to a new place that could be even better!
So, more importantly, congrats on moving closer to family!
We’re from the Northwest and moved to Wisconsin when our first was only 8 months, so my kids had the same perception about grandparents. Last year we moved back having added 2 more kids to the bunch and it’s wonderful being only 7 hours from my parents (we’re in town with my in-laws)
I absolutely love your aesthetic and can’t wait to see and read about your adventures and the new beautiful babies in your future!
Thank you for your work!
michele - my heart goes out to aidan, having to move at such a delicate time in life. middle school is hard no matter what, but being the new guy? be gentle with him. i’ve been where he’s going, and it can be so, so hard. did you find a district with good gifted program? that’s key. these gifted boys are so amazing and a good, grounding group is so important. i wish you all the best of luck! moving closer to family will be heaven! (we’ve been 12 hours from ours since we got married … in can only image the joy of easy visiting!) oh – and congrats to vic!
Michele T - I’m glad you cleared that up!! I was confused! lol As someone who grew up in PA–welcome! I no longer live there, but there are so many things I miss. I’m sure you will fall in love with Pennsylvania and all it has to offer. I wish you the same success in PA as you had in the Atlanta area. As for Aidan…I moved a lot as a child and the last move we made was middle school. I had just entered 6th grade. It’s a good place to start new. And like I did, I’m sure Aidan will find his niche quickly.
Best of luck with your move!
Alisha - I will miss having you so close Lisa. I know you will be successful anywhere you go and you are such an amazing mom that you will make this transition a wonderful one for your family. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about your new adventure. Much love!
Lori - Lisa, Erie’s gain is our loss! I remember first meeting you at our home, when there was no studio, and you were starting your business. You provided such personalized service that I knew you would be terrific! On behalf of my friends who also have sung your praises, I wish you and your family the best. Congratulations to Vic as well.
Rhonda - Best wishes to you! I follow your blog and love your photos – will be looking to see how PA treats you! And, I saw a post below about someone requesting workshops, etc, in the future (not that you are busy enough with a move!) but, that would be AWESOME if you could fit something like that in in the future!
Susie - Lisa, you are a class act and I know your business will bloom wherever you go because of your awesome talent. Best wishes in your move this summer, I hope the transition goes smoothly for each branch of your family
Heather M. - I hope the move and transition go well, Lisa. Good luck with everything! Moving can be so hard.
I know your business will be successful wherever you are. You are so talented.
berta - Lisa, congrats to Vic. I hope your move goes smoothly. I am sure you will be missed in Atlanta, and greatly welcomed in Erie! I hope the kids do well in the transition, as I am sure they will! A whole to new crop babies to photograph! Can’t wait to follow you adventures.
Patti - I’m a long time fan of your photography Lisa and enjoy reading your blog. When I read your moving news, I had to leave you a comment. I suspect I can identify with the emotions you’re experiencing right now. We have had to move across the country due to my husband’s job offers as well. Our most recent move was last August. We moved back to the area where our families are located – much to their delight…ours too but at the same time, it was very bittersweet for us. (We were living on the westcoast and LOVED it. This move brought us back to the snowbelt…say no more.) My best advice is to keep a positive attitude and only look forward and don’t dwell on what you’re leaving. Best of luck with the move. Erie, PA is sooooo lucky to have you move there and capture their families in photos!
Jill - Oh I am so excited for your family that you all will be closer to them. Sad for ATL that they won’t have you closer.
I might be interested in some of the props you have for sale. I can’t seem to locate the post now though. If you still have some for sale and would be open to me coming down sometime this coming week to pick them up, let me know. Thanks!!