Oh hey there! Checking in here on the blog for a big family update 😊

The Wyse crew is moving to Charleston, South Carolina!

Actually Charleston area but that doesn’t write quite as catchy.

I think we’ll fit in just fine because I already say ya’ll 😂😜

I have a lot of things to say. My hope is that they’ll all come out clearly and leave you in a warm and fuzzy place. Hang with me?

If you’re here for the short version:

☀️My family is moving to South Carolina in December! The goal is toes in the sand on Christmas Day 🎄

📷 I’ll continue to offer photography services here in Michigan, through myself (limited) and Chelsea (year-round). I’ll be photographing in Charleston, too!

🤗 I want you to be in the know and dream to stay connected— you can always see what I’m up to on instagram @a.k.wysephotoanddesign or sign up to receive my newsletter in you inbox, here.

Here’s the (much) longer version:

A little backstory: It has been on Drew and I’s radar that moving could be in our future, for many years. More recently, as I’ve been on a journey of healing and learning to advocate for myself, I started talking about it again. Actually, more asking. Asking if we could consider it, and find a place with more sunshine, more salt air, and more to explore all year round.

I want to say something romantic like “Charleston stole our hearts” but in reality, once we experienced it we just really liked it and thought it’d be a dang good place to live. After pursuing it more, it was clear that God was paving the way, going before us with connections, timing, and provision. We are grateful. And we are SO excited!

We are also sad. Leaving Detroit is bittersweet. We have started our family here, made life long friends here, and experienced so much joy. I have also experienced some very dark days here. We are ready to move forward and step into what God has for us, near the palm trees.

Okay, cool, but what does this mean for my portrait photography business?

It is my desire to continue to serve my clients and capture beautiful photographs for their families to cherish. Outside of my own family, one of the greatest joys of our time here in Detroit, for me, has been the people I have met and grown to know and love through this business in the past seven years. I am so grateful for the relationship and trust that we have built. I don’t want it to end.

That said, I would love to continue to offer photography services. There are two ways I plan to do this, if you’ll have me:

First, through my email list, I will communicate with you trips back to the area (Detroit and Traverse City) with opportunities for sessions. I have high hopes to do this twice a year, in months that we can count on decent weather 😉

Secondly, it is an even greater joy to continue to offer you sessions year-round through my associate, Chelsea. Chelsea is a professional that has been trained to shoot in a similar style as me, uses the same gear, and is delightful to be around— bottom line, similar experience and end result. I will continue to manage client communication and edit photos of your beautiful faces. Chelsea is eager to know more of you and help provide you with quality portraits! My hope is that you will take us up on this great opportunity to remain in partnership to create authentic photographs for your family, year after year.

Actually, there is also a third: I’ll be photographing in Charleston, too! You are always welcome to come and visit + hire me for a beach photo session 😉

This also feels worth saying: if you would like to part ways, be blessed, friend. There is no expectation for you to remain, now or ever. As a client or even as a reader/follower. Be free! Peace to you!

This is so very bittersweet. I ran into a friend last week, who looked at me and asked me how I was doing, really wanting to know. With tears I told her my fears. She prayed for me and reminded me that the Lord has already gone before me in your hearts, just like I know he has gone before us in this adventure we are about to begin. I am comforted and at peace.

Because we are moving south, it was really important to me this fall that we get portraits highlighting the fall colors— something we’ve never done before! For 8 falls now I’ve been photographing so many of you in this delightful, colorful season and it was about time we had some keepsakes of our own 🥰 (We normally get portraits in winter or on vacation!) Of course, we scheduled with Chelsea, and I am so delighted with our photographs. What a beautiful send off from the midwest! It’s also a good opportunity for you to see what Chelsea can offer!

Care to see more? Keep scrolling!

That’s all the photos for now. Thanks for scrolling ☺️

I leave you with some requests: If you’re ever in Charleston, will you tell me?! I’d love to see you there and buy you a cup of coffee. And if you know anyone who I should know in that area, would you send them my way?

You’re the best.

xo

amanda kay