My Entrepreneurial Adventure: Getting Laid Off Was A Good Thing!

I took a solo-trip to Hawaii for my 29th birthday back in 2009. It was a pretty big deal to me because I hadn't ever done anything like that before—my first plane ride didn't happen until 2007! As I aimlessly drove all over the island of Oahu along Highway 1 in my rented jeep, I experienced a sense of freedom that I had never felt before.

Unbeknownst to me, this trip would end up changing my life. During my time on the beautiful island of Hawaii, I discovered that I craved more freedom in my everyday life, not just while I was on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It was on that trip with my toes in the sand that I made a promise to myself that I would change my life by pursuing what I was most passionate about in this world.

Me on top of Diamond Head, one of Honolulu's Most Popular Hikes, back in 2009

HOW AN ADVENTURE TRIGGERED A MAJOR TURNING POINT

Upon my return home, I began making preparations to leave my office job so that I could make my long-held dreams of becoming a full-time photographer a reality. It was difficult for me to think about leaving a job that has supported me for five and a half years, not to mention the comforts of a regular paycheck, but I was determined to do it anyway regardless of the risks involved. In the end, my boss made it easy on me by laying me off without warning just 4 short months after I returned.

At that point, the universe made it glaringly obvious as to what I was supposed to do next.

Five years later, I am still doing what I love, working for myself as a professional wedding photographer! It is the most rewarding job I've ever had the pleasure of doing, and I am truly honored that couples and families continue to choose me to capture their most epic and everyday adventures.

That feeling of freedom I experienced while in Hawaii is something I strive for each and every day, and it is my wish to create an environment where that is also possible for the couples I work with.

It is my mission to help you live more adventurously, too!

Me at my first wedding of the season in 2014. Can't wait for wedding season to start this year!

LEARNING THE HARD WAY

5 Years ago I never would have envisioned my life the way it is today. When I made the decision to create my own job after getting laid off back in 2010 I had no clue what I was doing or how I was going to do it.

The only thing I really had going for me back then was this unwavering passion I've had for photography since I was 10 years old coupled with an unflinching desire to not go back to an office job that I would end up despising. What I've found out over the last five years is that those two things mean more than ANYTHING when it came to making this dream of mine a reality.

A shot of me behind-the-scenes by Raejan Dunn.

Everything else I had to learn as I went: 

• how to get clients to hire me 
• pricing my services in a way that allows me to make a living wage 
• marketing myself authentically and consistently so that I don’t feel sleazy
• how to stay disciplined while working from home everyday 
• planning ahead and income projecting

That only scratches the surface of what I've had to conquer as a new entrepreneur, of course, but those particular areas I pointed out brought the most challenging lessons I've had to endure along the way. None of it has been easy, I’ll tell you that.

I made some courageous commitments in 2014 stretching myself in ways that I didn't think were possible, and as a result I was able to achieve some outrageous goals that seemed unattainable at the time. I must say, it was an amazing year that I won’t soon forget because it was one of my best yet!

Me at Smithmore Castle during a Wedding Professionals Meeting in 2014. Image by Joy Davis Photography.

DAILY (RE)COMMITMENT REQUIRED

One of the biggest hurdles that I've continuously had to overcome throughout all of this wasn't something that I really anticipated, but it’s caused me the most frustration and heartache along the way. What’s that you ask? Well, it’s ME! I have been the greatest obstacle standing between failure and success every step along the way.

People who are on the edge of taking “THE LEAP” and entertaining the idea of going out on their own have often asked me how I found the courage to “FOLLOW MY DREAMS”. It’s a tough question to be presented with, and one I don’t really have an answer for because we are on different paths. If I wasn't laid off, I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to make the plunge.

All I can say is that once you do decide to do it you have to make the decision every. single. day. to continue going after what you want or else it’s NOT going to work. Being your own boss isn't a part-time job or a full-time job for that matter. It’s a lifestyle.

Got a story about your entrepreneurial journey that you'd like to share? I’d personally love to hear them below in the comments!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured Posts }

» BIG LIST of Boone Wedding Vendors
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» PUBLISHED: High Country Wedding Guide Feature
» Allyson + Younes' Destination Wedding at Westglow Mansion

How Spontaneous Adventures Can Strengthen Your Relationship

“If it was sanitary, I’d give you a high five right now because that was the best freakin’ meal I’ve eaten in a while!” I was not quiet about it either because the fella who had just walked up with his family interjected with, “I’m glad to hear that!”

Good food makes me happy, simple as that. So, when I stumble upon a roadside taco and slider stand with five star food during a spontaneous adventure, you better believe that this gal gets giddy!

Apparently, The Roost, located in Linville, NC, has been opened for two months but we are just now finding out about this gem. That happens when we get stuck in our “boone bubble” sometimes.

The only reason we happened upon it was because Cody and I thought that it might be a good idea to get snacks before we set out on a waterfall hike. It was 2 o'clock and we hadn’t eaten lunch yet, so we took a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our plan was to hit up the gas station for trail mix or some granola bars, but we couldn't resist the beacon of this banana yellow stand.

Mulling over their menu was tough because there were so many luscious looking options! We decided to get one of each to make it a little easier. I’d pick the tacos and Cody would choose the sliders so we could sample both!

They whipped up our meal fairly quickly and I squealed with delight when I saw the presentation. Of course, I immediately whipped out my iPhone to document the deliciousness, but I had to go get my “real camera” so that I could take some proper pics because I had a feeling it was going to be a memorable meal.

I almost didn't want to share with Cody because I was enjoying the Smoked Brisket Slider with green apple slaw and Cheerwine BBQ sauce so much, but I was excited to try the Short Rib Taco, too! It was topped with Asian slaw, cilantro, and sour cream. Everything tasted so fresh and the flavor combinations were spot on. We probably could have ordered something else to taste-test but I didn’t want to be too full before our hike!

This was the most impressive meal I’ve had the pleasure of putting in my belly in quite sometime! I’m excited to make a special trip back out that way just so I can have lunch there again because they know how to make good food. It was one of those meals I can’t get out of my head!

We only set out to grab a few snacks but we discovered something better and that was because we were open to whatever unfolded that day. I live for finding places like this that are off the beaten path!

It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the everyday challenges that I (we) must overcome and endure, so this was a fun way to spice things up by unplugging and allowing life to surprise us.

I had to remind myself many times throughout the day that I didn’t need to check my phone incessantly, and that we had no obligations or time commitments that day. We were free to do whatever we wanted and could take as much time as we needed to just be with each other and enjoy ourselves.

It was an incredible day and I want to make “Spontaneous Adventures” a regular occurrence—or required even—to help strengthen and support our relationship! What do you do to rekindle the romance with your partner? And..

When is the last time you went somewhere on a whim and what did you discover?! Please share in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured VENDORS }
» The Roost in Linville, NC (A Taco & Slider Food Stand)

{ Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» Wedding Dresses from South's Specialty Clothiers at Smithmore Castle
» FREE Wedding Magazine When You Subscribe for the Weekly Wander

Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding

“Have you set a date yet?”, curious friends would often ask.

At first, our response was, “YUP! We’re getting married on June 29th, 2014!”

I came up with this date because Cody's birthday is on April 29th and my birthday is on September 29th, so I thought it would be awesome to get married on June 29th, smack dab between our two birthdays!

Photography by Kimberlee Edwards Photography

It was a cute idea and all, but the closer we inched toward that date, the less confident we became about whether or not this was really going to happen.

We've had an extended engagement without any solid plans (other than a date) to make it official because Cody and I thought we hadn't saved up “enough” money for a proper wedding.

That was, until we began to question what our idea of a “proper” wedding was.

After seeing some dear friends get married their way at the end of April, Cody and I were inspired to create our own little celebration befitting of the commitment we wanted to make to one another.

I realized upon witnessing their heartfelt ceremony that the only thing that was really important was that he and I were married at the end of the day.

It was the commitment that mattered the most. 

My expectations suddenly vanished when that realization washed over me and we decided to plan our unconventional wedding that was organized in a few weeks!

Yep, you read that right. A FEW WEEKS!

Photography by Kimberlee Edwards Photography

THE UNIVERSE INTERVENES

I confided in a wedding industry friend that Cody and I were waffling about getting married this summer but that I was hoping we’d be able to find an affordable outdoor wedding venue to get the ball rolling.

Out of nowhere, she generously offered to allow us the use of her rustic barn, creek, and field if we wanted to come check it out.

I could barely believe that Desi was willing to do such an enormous favor for us, but I was ecstatic because her property sounded pretty close to what we had on our wedding wish list!

We fell in love with the picturesque outdoor setting and I knew instantly that it would be perfect for our unconventional *FLASH* wedding! Desi's Farm was the venue we were looking for!

I envisioned having our intimate ceremony tucked in the woods on the edge of the creek followed by a reception at the open barn surrounded with an expansive field and mountain views. It was dreamy!

A rustic-styled wedding with a few DIY elements was what we had in mind, but I wanted nature’s beauty to do most of the decorating for us, so my plan was to keep everything as simple as possible.

Photography by Kimberlee Edwards Photography

LESS PLANNING, LESS HEADACHE

As crazy as it sounded, I thought that planning procrastinator-style would help us finally take the plunge! While the venue was worked out sometime in May, the rest of the details didn't begin falling into place until 2-3 weeks before the wedding day.

It didn't leave much time for planning, I know! And people thought I was NUTS for even thinking about attempting such a crazy feat, but we were ready and we didn't want to wait any longer!

There are many instances where I should have been freaking out HARDCORE, like when the dress I ordered online didn't get here until 3 days before the wedding or the fact that I didn't get a wedding photographer booked until 2 days before our big day, but I wasn't.

I kept reminding myself that Cody and I would be married at the end of the day and that everything else would be a *BONUS*! This became my mantra.

We didn't want to keep holding off until we had a certain dollar number saved up. It might have been a few more years before that would've happened! Plus, we’d like to be homeowners in the not-too-distant future!

So, with managed expectations, we planned something super simple, laid-back, and low-key, just like us!

Photography by Kimberlee Edwards Photography

GETTING CREATIVE WITH A BUDGET WEDDING

It was decided that we would take the slender $1,000 budget we had saved and tap into the relationships & resources available to us here in the Boone community to bring everything together!

This took a ton of trust (or blind faith) and reaching out to others (countless emails were sent) but I was determined.

Many arrangements were made to barter & trade services for some of the major cost factors (as you may know, I'm a wedding photographer & graphic/web designer) while other items were donated and lent to us by friends, colleagues, and family.

I didn't think this was possible, but we ended up spending LESS than $1k with all of the support we received from family, friends, and folks in the community, which was pretty unbelievable!

I think it would have been impossible to have a true DIY budget wedding without receiving help from others. 

Maybe everyone doesn't have the same skills and/or resources available to them but you really have to get creative to make it work when you are paying for a wedding yourself.

Allowing others to help was one of my biggest hurdles but in the end it was the ONLY way we were able to make this spontaneous fête happen!

Photography by Kimberlee Edwards Photography

TERRIFIED ON THE INSIDE, EXCITED ON THE OUTSIDE

Cody and I were excited about making this life-long commitment to one another even though it was scary as hell to just “let go” and hope that everything would come together in the end, but that’s exactly what we continued to do over and over again every time we felt anxious or overwhelmed.

It took a shit ton of surrendering to make it through, but planning a wedding in three weeks has given us this we-can-do-absolutely-anything attitude and our lives are changing for the better!

I’m not going to lie, though, the idea of planning a wedding in such a short period of time is downright insane. But it’s possible because we did it!

Yes, it was a little crazy for a few weeks leading up to (and after) the wedding, but I managed to handle everything fairly stress free the entire time even though loose ends were still dangling days before we said I DO!

Everyone kept saying, “I can’t believe how laid-back you’re being about everything?!?!”

But I continued to remind myself that the only thing I cared about was being married to Cody at the end of the day and everything else was a *BONUS*!

Photography by Kimberlee Edwards Photography

LET THE MAGIC HAPPEN

We packed so much in that abbreviated time frame, and with the help of a great team and others in the community, things came together pretty seamlessly!

In fact, I totally felt like I cheated in the end because it felt too easy!

Our wedding was an absolute blast, it was an incredible day that far exceeded my hopes! My favorite part was definitely our heartfelt ceremony down by the creek where we exchanged rings in the rushing water. It felt like I was in a fairy tale as cheesy as that sounds!

We watched snippets of the video a friend shared with and we laughed and cried all over again while watching it! I look forward to sharing more from OUR WEDDING ADVENTURE as I continue to relive our special day here on the blog, so stay tuned and get connected if you want to see more!

If there’s any aspect of the wedding planning process that you’re particularly interested in hearing about, please don’t hesitate to send me any suggestions you may have by commenting below! I'd love to hear from you!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured VENDORS }
» Desi's Farm | Desi's Floral & Design Studio (Venue, Coordinating, Flowers, etc.)
» Kimberlee Edwards Photography (Wedding Photographer)

{ Featured LINKS }
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» Wedding Dresses from South's Specialty Clothiers at Smithmore Castle
» FREE Wedding Magazine When You Subscribe for the Weekly Wander