View from the new studio!!!

The first view is my favorite!!!!

Where do I start...

It has been way too long...and way too much has transpired since January 1st! I apologize for my lack of "blogging" but I have been doing some serious emotional and business re-arranging! So many changes but SO many blessings all at the same time! God has a way of shaking things up in a way that leaves you with no where to turn but to him...no where to hold on...but to him. If you have walked in my shoes over the last 5 years, you know what I am talking about. He also has a way of blessing you with everything you needed and wanted....you just didn't know it yet! I am not going to lie....over the last few months, I have been angry, screamed, cried and shouted I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY is our life being uprooted AGAIN! Haven't we paid our dues when it comes to that department! God had mercy on me during this tantrum and gently explained to me that there are no limits to what he will go through to reach us and others. I am not sure who this lesson was for...but I am so thankful for it...there are no words that would appropriately tell my precious Savior how thankful I am. He knows my wants, desires, needs...he knows my good side and my bad side...my highs and my lows. Due to the state of the current economy...my husband and I made the difficult decision to cancel our lease purchase on the home in Richmond Place. "Difficult" does not even begin to describe that decision that would affect my children, my family but most of all...my studio! I questioned what would happen with my business...I know without a doubt that my dream is a gift from God but during this time I questioned God on why it seemed to be slipping away. I sat back and rested on what I had learned through the past 5 difficult years..."okay God...this is you. You know our needs...I trust you. That is all I have - YOU!" God blew the doors off my plans and showed me his. We were presented with an incredible opportunity to purchase a foreclosure across the street from the creek I have taken many of your families portraits at! A full 2600 sq. ft. basement that will give the studio room to grow and an existing HUGE area for the studio until the basement can be finished. This new studio also has a separate entrance (so you all don't have to look at my messy house!!!!) (-: The house is on about 1.6 acres and is incredible! The view is better than I could ever had found on my own! The side yard is amazing for sessions (who needs St. Mtn!)...and did I mention the creek!!!!

Okay - now for even better news!!!! I KNOW that times are really tough for everyone! I do not say that lightly! Here is the thing...I DON'T want you going anywhere else for portraits and I know everyone still wants them! I have prayed and tried to find a way to help everyone and still make a little bit to provide for my family. This is what has been laid on my heart:

Until the economy changes effective immediately, to help everyone, I have decided to cut my session fee in half. Both on location and in the studio. I have also decided to cut my collections and a la carte 20%. I don't have a time frame for how long this will last...it could be six months or it could be a year. Once things improve in the economy, I will adjust everything back to the regular pricing. I love all of you and don't want you to go somewhere else due to temporary budget restraints - I just want to continue to provide you with beautiful portraits.

I am also offering an extra bonus to anyone who calls before the end of March to book their session for April or May!!!!

Elena