Reflections and New Beginnings
At 4am on New Year’s day, Sean and I were still working. At 11:58pm Sean had said, “we can’t be sitting in front of the computers when the New Year rolls around” so we walked downstairs and watched the clock turn over to 2008. We then went back upstairs to work until we couldn’t hold our own heads up anymore. Something has got to give.
2007 was wonderful to us! We were so privileged to work with many, many wonderful clients! We saw our business explode in many fantastic ways, and we feel like we made several breakthroughs in our art. It was a very rewarding year! It was also more crazy-busy than we could have even remotely anticipated. We found ourselves throwing every last ounce of energy we had at our work – devoting everything, including the hours we should have been sleeping, to staying on top of things. As you can imagine, with all of the sudden advances in our careers, our personal life took a serious hit and the business itself grew a bit too large to manage in the way we would like. That’s why we’ve made the decision to scale back in a major way this year regarding the number of weddings we accept.
We are cutting the number of wedding commissions we will accept in half so that we can recover some personal time and give greater individual attention to our clients. As of today, we have 3 spots left and we will then close wedding bookings for the year. We’re really excited about all of the opportunities this will open up for us to take McLellan Studio to the next level and provide greater creativity and client care! We’re also excited about the prospect of seeing our friends and family again this year and maybe even making a little time for each other! :o)
On a side note, if you’re another couple who works together, we encourage you to make sure you’re recognizing the difference between being in each other’s presence and actually spending time together! I feel like that’s a constant struggle when you’re both as passionately focused on the same career objectives like Sean and I are. We are together every day, all day long and that’s so deceptive. Even though we’re side by side in this little office, we rarely truly see each other because we’re constantly busy with the to-do list. Make time to really spend time with those you love. That’s my two cents and my personal goal for 2008! :o)
Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of our life for the past year! You’ve made craziness exciting and enjoyable! We can’t wait to see what the coming year holds and who will be a part of it!
Have a wonderful day guys!
– Mel
Randy and I will sit in the same office for hours on end and it’s amazing how different it feels to sit together AWAY from the computers. Ha!
And, in all honesty I’m always amazed at the energy you two have. You’ll work what seems like 24-7 and still find time to have the occasional lunch/dinner with us. Much love and refreshing vibes to you and Sean. Would a beach or skydiving trip help to ease the stress? =)
Congrats on filling up your schedule so quickly. I hope to soon find myself cutting my commissions in half too. Nice! -E
You talkin’ to me?? :-) You’re so right about the difference between sitting near each other and spending time together. Both sets of our parents own their own businesses too and are around each other 24/7 – it’s easy to take that time for granted.
Here’s to a more personal 2008!
way to go guys!!! so does that mean you will also be making more time for……us!!! workshop!
You guys deserve some sometime to enjoy life as much as you make others enjoy theirs!
I do understand, granted Brad & I don’t work together, but we are in school together and study together and it seems like a week or more can go by and we havn’t spent anytime together.
Plus your cats need you!
Thanks Kate! I think you and Randy have the down-time thing down – you two are ridiculously in puppy love for being the parents of two! :o) It does seem that a beach trip is in order doesn’t it? Thanks to you too Eddie! It is such a nice feeling to know that we’ll be doing less “working” and more “creating” this year. We wish you all the best for your studio! Here here Matt! :o) Here’s to you spending more time with your lovely wife this year! Hey Davo and Kimi-o! It does indeed mean that! Although I have yet to get a Baxter email telling me what they want to learn…hmm…Jacqulyn, you are too funny! I guess you’ve been over enough to know that our cats are neglected to the point that they’re willing to go home with strangers! How sad huh?
Kudos on a wonderful resolution. I’m so glad I booked y’all early to guarantee my spot as one of the select few brides! :) Can’t wait to work with y’all!
Thanks Claire! We’re so excited to work with you too! We’re going to have a GREAT time and you will be stunning – I just know it! :o)
Way to go, you two!
What’s the sense in being rockin’ photographers if all you do is work
Mel… I love you guys!!! You two deserve some self love time more than anyone I know. May this year bring you much joy… and possibly more chillin with the Watsons. ;)
Aw – thanks ladies! Marlena – you are so right! ;) and Mel, are you trying to say you guys want to come to Nashville for a weekend? I think a road trip is in order! yay!