Tomorrow I will officially close the door on my Central NY chapter, pack up my car (actually it’s already packed!), and take the long drive down to North Carolina where I will be starting a new story. Central NY has been such a wonderful part of my life. It’s where my family is settled, where my friends and I have laughed and loved, where I first picked up a camera, it’s where I fell in love with wedding photography. There is just so much that CNY has given me that my heart is over flowing so much that it’s very difficult to write this blog.

I know a lot of people will read this and think “Then why are you moving?” No, it’s not to get away from the snow, although that’s an added perk! The real reason is because I feel God’s call on my life. Some of you may not understand and some of you may know exactly what I’m talking about. For me and my journey, God has been steadfast despite my rebellions and failures. In my daily life I have tried so hard to be faithful with what he has given me. I strive to show His love in every photo I take and with every person I interact with. So when I hear His voice telling me to pick up and move 10 hours away to invest into a ministry, then I obey. No there’s no job opportunity, no secure financial future, just faith and a knowledge that i’m going from something good to something better!

Faith is a scary thing sometimes, stepping out onto thin air goes against our nature. We want to see the solid ground beneath our feet. I have had enough of those “leaps” to know that God will catch me no matter what. So here I am taking the biggest leap of my life into my Father’s hands and I am beyond excited!

Now that I’ve told you the why let me tell you about the how. Remember back in November how I took this great road trip down the east coast? Well one of those stops was in Kernersville, NC to visit my dear friends the Shroyers. I have been friends with this family since I was about 10 or 11. Mike  and his wife Ami have helped me in so many ways over the years and their children J. Michael and Sadie bring me such joy! When I visited their newly started ministry, Cre8, back in November I was immediately drawn to what they were doing. They have such a heart to love on people and help them on a very personal level. I am joining them at their home which is also their church. So, here is the Shroyer’s first photo shoot at their new ministry home where I will be spending most of my time. You’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the future and I am so so so thrilled to be part of what they’re doing in NC!

J. Michael is one of the sweetest boys you will ever meet!

Sadie has the most amazing fashion sense! She’s got some serious creativity!

Even though they might not always get along, J. Michael and Sadie are true brother and sister. They always take care of one another.

Mike and Ami are so completely wonderful and are a great example of how to stay in love!

I just adore this family!

Some outtakes from our November shoot.