I’m pressing publish on this post with so, so much excitement today! I’ve been working on something seriously BIG for the last couple of months, and I’m finally ready to share with you today. If the blog post title wasn’t enough of a dead giveaway to what I’ve been planning, I’m not quite sure what is… that said, I am SO excited to share that after four amazing years of calling Washington, DC home, I’M MOVING!!!!
There have been plenty of tears, a little bit of panic, but without a doubt, I am beyond excited for this brand new season! In August, I’ll officially be calling BALTIMORE, MD home!!!! There’s nothing quite like a self-isolating quarantine to help you realize what’s truly important to you, and though coming to terms with change has been really hard for this girl that loves consistency, routine, her people and Trader Joes in DC, I am fully confident in my decision and am SO excited to be neighbors with so many people (and pups!) that I love.
I’m not ready to say goodbye to DC and my friends and clients that call this city home (and won’t be… more on that soon!), but know that, if you’ve been part of my story in DC in any way, I am so incredibly grateful for you and wish I could give you the biggest hug (If only those were safe right now!). This was the first city I called home in my adult life, it was where I started and grew my business, where I had my first post-grad job, where I learned and cried and met so many people that I love. DC has shaped me in so many ways, and while I’m sad to no longer call this city home, I’m so excited to see what’s next.
I’m not going to lie… the housing search was a little less than ideal (Finding housing during a pandemic is… NOT recommended), but it has been really amazing to see how this entire process has come together and has been a huge reassurance that this is meant to be. Now… I know this announcement may come as a surprise and with quite a few questions, so I would love to share a little more about the heart behind my move (and the logistical things too!).
Why now?
I’ve called DC home for 4 years, and though I have absolutely loved calling this crazy beautiful city home, it sure hasn’t been easy. I spent lots of time reflecting on my time here while looking forward to the future, and I realized that though DC may be part of that picture in some way, it doesn’t have to be the place where I live. I am ready to be closer to my family, and I’m ready for a change.
The not-so-fun part but super honest part of all this? COVID has put a lot of things into perspective. I don’t know what the next 6 months to a year (and beyond) will look like, and working in two industries that have been significantly impacted by closures and social distancing, DC has become just a little bit out of the budget I’m comfortable with right now. While this is a largely personal decision based on being closer to people I love in a city I adore, finances also played a huge role too.
I’m not sure what the rest of the year will look like, but when wedding season does pick back up, it just won’t be feasible to move cities… not only am I physically moving my stuff, but I’m also moving my business which has its own list of to-do’s to pursue. I’m hoping to be settled before the craziness that fall will (hopefully) bring. Move during a pandemic? Definitely crazy. Moving during wedding season? Even crazier…
Why Baltimore?
There are about a million reasons I decided to move to Baltimore, but hands down, the biggest reason is this: 
My sister and two of my cousins call Baltimore home, and for the last couple of years, I’ve been driving into town whenever I could to see them. I felt like I missed out on a lot of memories with them, and now, I am beyond excited to be just up the road from my sis, my cousins, and my sweet puppy niece, Luna.
More than that though, I’ve been visiting Baltimore for years, and I fell in love with the city long ago. I always had a weird feeling that I would end up calling it home. I’ll be just under an hour away from DC without traffic, I’ll be closer to my Pennsylvania weddings, and I can still love and serve my clients in nearly the same region I was before (With maybe even MORE flexibility than DC).
Where will you be living?
Phew… the housing search was a TREAT. After a bit of a search, I found the most adorable, light-filled apartment with plenty of space for a little home office and BIG windowsills to fill with plants. I’ll be living with two other girls (and a kitty!) in Fed Hill. I’ll be within walking distance of my sister and one of my cousins too which is pretty surreal! One of the best parts?! I’ll have access to a parking spot for the first time EVER!!! I can’t even tell you how much of a relief and a game changer this will be for everyday errands, sessions, trips to the gym, and especially for post-weddings. No more daily street parking for this gal for now! (Is this real life?!)
What does this mean for your business?
Honestly? Not much is changing! Sure, my physical location will be changing (and I’ll be taking care of all the legal/banking/official things when I move!), but it won’t be changing anything about who I serve, where I serve, what I do, and what I love to do. I still love to and will continue to document all love stories. Weddings and branding photography will still be my focus, I will still continue to serve clients in the DC (You better bet I’m still dreaming of gorgeous sessions at the monuments and in my other favorite places around the city!), and I am excited to have the opportunity to serve couples in MD, PA, VA, and beyond. (Y’all already know your girl LOVES to travel!) Know that there was A LOT of thought that went into this decision, and ultimately, I realized that I would be better equipped to love and serve my clients as the best version of myself with the changes that this decision will bring.
What does this mean for fitness?
I’m lucky enough to work for a really amazing gym that has been so incredibly amazing, supportive, encouraging, and all the things during the season of COVID and now as we move towards new normal. Like I said, I’m not quite ready to say see you later to DC. I’m also not ready to say goodbye to my amazing clients, managers, and co-instructors at Equinox. It may sound CRAZY, but I’m going to continue to work for Equinox a few days a week while commuting the days I’m on the schedule! (Looking at you Equinox Anthem Row and Bethesda!!) I’m so incredibly grateful for the people that have been so supportive in a season of lots of change and anxiety.
Now… I know I was a little quiet on social and the blog last week, and that’s because I was in a super-intensive training! I’m BEYOND excited to share that I’ll be coaching for Orangetheory Fitness at Baltimore’s Harbor East location! The last week+ has been a whirlwind of training and prepping and playlisting and practicing. I have felt so incredibly encouraged and supported by my new team which has me so excited for what’s to come! (My first day officially on the mic is Tuesday!!)
I’m so excited to continue to cultivate a community in DC while beginning to grow a community in Baltimore.
Now… who wants to come take class with me?! You bring the mask… I bring the tunes and hand san!
What are you most excited for?
Honestly? I’m so excited about so many things. I feel like this move has been something that I’ve been thinking about for long time, and I am so excited about the refresh this is going to bring for my life and business. I’m excited to be pursuing a decision that I’ve made on my own in an effort to be the happiest, healthiest, and best version of myself. I’m so excited to be closer to my family. I’m excited to be able to walk over for sweet Luna puppy snuggles whenever I want, I’m excited to be close to the water, closer to my PA weddings, and for all of the new opportunities that are on the horizon. (I’m also BEYOND excited to have a parking spot at my apartment if I’m being totally honest!) I’m excited to be able to save more money. I’m excited to meet friends and to create a community in Baltimore once it is safe to be out and about. I’m excited to be back at the gym that feels like home with the clients that I’ve missed seeing in person for so many months while creating a new home in Baltimore.
Was this an easy decision? Absolutely not. I’m going to miss my little corner of DC something fierce. (Saying goodbye to the literal corner of the world where my business dream became a reality breaks my heart…) That said, I’m so incredibly excited and hopeful for what the future will bring!
Here’s to exciting new beginnings! Keep an eye out for a SUPER exciting celebration coming in a few weeks!
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