I haven't posted a lot on here lately, because honestly I've been struggling a lot. And I just haven't had any words.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My parents have always joked that I'm planner. Honestly, planning gives me a sense of comfort. I love creating to-do lists, and planning out a month in advance. Over the years I've learned to adapt to changing plans due to unforeseen things and to give myself grace when I've bitten off more than I can chew. I've learned life is life, and sometimes we figure out the plan as we go along. So as you can imagine, 2020, and now 2021, has been the most challenging year of growth for me yet.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Brandon and I started off 2020 looking for a home in Asheville. And ended 2021 moving into a duplex in Maryland. In that time we almost thought we were moving to Las Vegas, and then Lake Erie, and eventually it became Washington DC. I lived on the road more than at home. I lost over 50% of revenue compared to 2019. I traveled back for weddings out of my own pocket and gave my couples gifts when I didn't have money myself. I bought 3 new planners because I kept getting tired of the scribble marks. We lived with my in-laws for almost 2 months while we waited to move into our duplex. I cut myself off from the outside word and edited wedding after wedding for days. I've had to create plans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. I think I'm on plan K or L now, and honestly those look a lot like, "I don't know what to do". It's been easy to hold onto the negative and forget the positive of this year. Because there's been a lot of that too.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like: we got a puppy. I learned it's okay to be emotional sometimes. I became more confident in validating my feelings. That togetherness is important. Hugs are special. Jesus is constant. The success of my business doesn't define me. It's okay to not have it all together.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is not the year(s) any of us expected. But through the pain, we will come out stronger than ever. 
5 years tomorrow with @brandonallenczy and I can't wait for the next 5, and the 5 after that, and again and again ❤ In 5 years we have lived in 6 homes, 5 towns, and 2 states. 3 pets, 2 cross-country roadtrips, and 1 pandemic. Countless trips down I-40, hikes, number of times we mimic our pets. ❤ Since day 1 Brandon has bought me coffee in bed every morning. He prays with me every night before bed. He encourages me daily in my business and spiritual and mental health. He's been with me through death, pain, and worry. He is my person and I am his. ❤ Our marriage isn't perfect and we're always learning more. More about each other and ourselves. Learning how to navigate life's challenges together and constantly sharpening each other. Marriage is the hardest thing I've ever done. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. ❤ Happy 5 years Brandon Allenczy, I love you. 
We couldn't see the mountains through the fog but it made for these moody colors. I had Anna channel her inner Twlight but she's 10 times cuter than Bella with her contagious smile. 
I can be the worst at responding to texts and emails sometimes. BUT messages like this really do make my day ❤ so nice that I can use my gift to bring you joy in the midst of the craziest year. Thanks to everyone who has supported me this year, your kindness doesn't go unnoticed. 
The water was freezing. Rose was about getting in. David did it because he loves her. That sunrise glow was perfect that day. And totally worth that nap I took later. In other news, I'm trying to deliver two wedding galleries today and hopefully a session (that last one might be too ambitious). The perfectionism in me when it comes to editing is obnoxious but my couples deserve the best. Even if that means late nights and way too long tweaking the same image. 
Meet the newest addition to the Allenczy fam! Walnut is a bundle of energy but is so sweet and smart. Born from two mutts, we have no idea what he is. But the mystery makes adopting that much more fun 🐶❤ 
February. I think about this month a lot. The last month of "normal" as we knew it to be. But yet, I was so blessed to be able to capture so many memories this month. First photo features Lisa and Dustin. Newly married, we did a session together in their wedding attire in Asheville. Petite Lisa fit so perfectly in Dustin's arms. Their newlywed glow radiated off of them the entire session. Second photo features Tracie and Andrew. Filled with so many sweet emotions. Between Tracie sharing a first look with her family before the ceremony and heartfelt toasts shared at the reception, so many happy tears were shed. Third photo features Abby and Andrew (different groom than previous Andrew, promise). Such a sweet couple with the coolest tablecloths I've ever since at their reception (sparkly tables for the win) and the best father of the bride speech ever filled with embarrassing memories and sarcasm. Fourth photo features Abriel and Truman. These two are so freaking cute. They make my job way too easy with their sweet, romantic nature. We also ended their session with matching outfits and cheesy 90s glam poses (don't worry I'll share those later). And last but not least, Laura and Miles. We did their engagement session at sunrise on the beach. And even though I am not a morning person...nothing quite beats those sunrise colors. Laura has the sweetest smile and Miles loves nothing more than to make her laugh. These two get married this spring and I've been counting down the days until I can get them in my lens again! 
Every wedding I ask my couples to put their forwards together, take a deep breath, and remember this moment. Forget about the stress of the day. Forget about the timeline. Forget about all the people. All you need to remember is that right now you are here with the love of your life. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos that we forget to relish the present. I don't know about you, but this is a reminder I need to give myself. So take a deep breath. Forget about the to do list. And enjoy the present moment.