We are moving to the DC area!
We’ll be arriving in Northern Virginia in late October, just a few weeks from now.
As you may have read earlier this summer, we’re having a baby. (If you missed that announcement, you can find it HERE.) Right now I’m 25 weeks along, due right around New Year’s Day, and expecting a healthy little boy. I hope he’ll be just like his dad, because the only thing better than Mike would be two Mikes.
Mike and I have decided that we’d like to be closer to family when the baby arrives, so we’re moving back to the DC area, where my parents and brother lives. Our son will be surrounded by loving grandparents and cousins. DC is also much closer to Mike’s family in England, and a shorter flight each year will be a welcome change when we’re traveling with a baby.
As excited as we are for all the big changes in our lives, we’re so sad to be leaving Colorado. We’re going to miss our friends, the mountains, the open spaces, the laid-back way of life, the skiing, the sunshine. I could go on and on. We’ll miss it all dreadfully. Colorado has been good to us. But we’ve been considering this move for a long time, and we know it’s the right decision for our family.
Please tell your friends in the DC area about me.
I’ll be available for DC-area weddings starting next summer, and I’d love for you to recommend me to your friends who are getting married. I will also be available for portrait sessions after my maternity leave ends in June.
My website is www.charlottegeary.com. Please pass it along to your friends in that area. I really appreciate it!
LOVE those shots at the start of this post! I haven’t checked out your work in quite sometime. You used to be on my blog roll, not sure what happened. Probably a computer crash or something. But glad to have found it again!
[…] time to be in Virginia, and I was especially excited to photograph a wedding there, now that I’m moving to Northern Virginia later this month. Stephanie and Dave got married at beautiful Rust Manor House, which is a nature sanctuary operated […]
Congrats on the new arrival and the exciting move!
Congrats on your move, Charlotte. Colorado’s loss is DC’s gain – plus Erin is so excited that you can photograph she & Paul decide to have them – not that I am in any rush to be a grandma, but after their amazing wedding photos you did, I can look forward to having beautiful photos of my grandkids!
How exciting that you will be closer to family in time for your baby’s birth! Congratulations! I’m so glad that I was able to have you photograph my family while you were in Colorado.
Yup, I took those photos of the bird. I used a long lens (probably 200mm) to make it look like I was right in the middle of the action.
Did you do that photo of the bird? Very nice! How did you make that shot? It seems like you were flying front of the bird too. 😀
Congratulations!
….and I suspect that both major-party Presidential nominees for 2012 better get their official campaign portraits taken by you and Mike.
I can’t wait to see the first pictures of Winston Churchill Pritchard (I think you should name your son after the man who I consdier to be the greatst world leader of the 20th century; I read all about Churchill in my high-school history class, and have admired him since then).
I know Colorado is one of the most scenic areas in the country, but Washington isn’t far from Chesapeake Bay, the Delmarva Penisula, and the Blue Ridge Moutnains. You’ll have some great scenic venues for your portraits.
Colorado Springs officials are already starting a “Charlotte and Mike, Please Don’t Go” campaign.
Charlotte,
I was so excited to hear about your baby and move back to DC. Everyone loves the album of Jenny and Brians wedding and I will pass on your availability I can’t wait to book a sitting for my granddaughter Charlotte.
Please let Brian at Stone Manor know so he can add you to his vendor list.
Sue Richter
Best wishes!!!
I know a couple people getting married in Northern VA, so I will definitely pass this info along to them!
Ditto and ditto!
My congratulations on your baby boy. New year isn’t too far off. I remember how excited I was when my wife was pregnant with our first baby. Julia is now 2 & 1/2 y.o. 🙂 A family is always great to have around, especially when another one is being added into the family. All the best!
Glad you’ll be here and good luck for the move! I did it at 8 months pregnant and it was rough but better than with a newborn.
Speaking of, we’ll be welcoming our own #3 in December and may be looking for someone to document big moments next year. Will your prices be changing given the different area you’ll be working in?
That is made of awesome! Welcome back!
Wow – we will miss you here in CO! Good luck – I am sure you will be just as successful and happy in DC!
Congrats on finding out it’s a boy (little mama’s boys are the best!) and on the move. Having family nearby is a huge help with kids. Sad we won’t be able to use your amazing photography skills again. You recommend anyone else in the Springs for a family shoot when Kyle gets back from overseas? Let me know!
It’s great you will be back near your family. I know they will be excited to see the baby more often, and you and Mike too.
You will always have tons of clients with your skills, no matter where you end up.
Oh boy, this is big news! I am so happy for you guys. I know being near family will be so important as you raise your little one. Colorado can surely become a family vacation tradition if you wish it to be in the future. 😉
Best of luck to you as you make this move, Charlotte, Mike, Ally, and Mini Mike!
East coast! Yay! I’m in NJ, so I’ll definitely spread the word.
Good luck Charlotte! Transitioning your business to a new city is definitely a tough thing to do. I’m sure you’ll do fine. My advice is to invest in a good SEO person, I wish we had done that instead of all of the money we dumped into print ads and websites that didn’t work.
Congratulations!! I’m a bit sad you won’t be in Colorado, since I was hoping to get some more portraits done eventually… But I actually might be out in DC next summer (so maybe then!) 🙂
Anyway, I wish you all the best during the move!! 🙂
OK, somehow I managed to miss the baby announcement – CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
And I will tell everyone that I know that you’re back in town for photography work. Heck, I may have to find a man to marry just for the photo session. 😉
Glad to hear you’re headed back our way!
East coast! Yay! I’m in NJ, so I’ll definitely spread the word.
wow you’ll be out in my neighborhood now! I am definitely interested in a portrait session – I’m on my diet right now haha. I will definitely tell everyone about you! I’m a huge fan!
oh yay! I love the DC area (well, except in the summer =) and I’m sure it will be great to come home again
I’m so excited for you! Do you know what area you’re thinking of moving to? We live in Woodbridge since anything more north is just too far out of our price range.
I better start saving now to have you do a shoot for us!
That’s awesome! I’m a long time follower from the DC area and I love your work. I’m only 21 now, but I’ve been telling people for years that I want to book you when I get married over here in DC!
I suppose I’ll have to age a bit and get engaged first though, huh? Haha
Lisa
I’m in the Boston area as well. My first thought was, “Yay, you’ll be closer to me so I have a better chance at having you shoot something awesome for me someday!” Good luck on your move and new addition to the family!
I’m so excited for you! Do you know what area you’re thinking of moving to? We live in Woodbridge since anything more north is just too far out of our price range.
I better start saving now to have you do a shoot for us!
That’s awesome! I’m a long time follower from the DC area and I love your work. I’m only 21 now, but I’ve been telling people for years that I want to book you when I get married over here in DC!
I suppose I’ll have to age a bit and get engaged first though, huh? Haha
Lisa
Oh No! What is she going to do without her gorgeous background of the mountains for her wedding shots?!?! She’s going to top those with shots around the nations capitol.
Here’s to hoping the move goes great!
Good luck on the move. 🙂
I’m in the Boston area as well. My first thought was, “Yay, you’ll be closer to me so I have a better chance at having you shoot something awesome for me someday!” Good luck on your move and new addition to the family!
Welcome home!! 🙂 Think of all the great places you’ll have to take photos. I’m biased towards water oriented scenery though! Have a safe and quick move.
She really is excellent. Thanks so much for the recommendation, Alex!
No problem, I always like to help people network.
Also, not sure how far away this is for you, but if you are looking for a FABULOUS newborn photographer, Amber of Little Moon Photographer is just brilliant. You can tell her (and Sara of Bella Notte) Alex Nguyen sent you. 🙂
That’s fantastic! Thank you so much!
I won’t have to plan east coast trips, because I’ll be living there. 🙂 I’d love to be able to take your portraits!
Tom, that made me laugh! I’m looking forward to seeing you guys more often! And thank you so much for recommending me to your friends. Referrals are so important for my business. 🙂
I’d love that!
I guess in retrospect, 25 weeks have gone by quickly, but they seemed looooong at the time. I’m sure the next 15 will go extremely fast, though!
Yes, please do let me know if you’ll ever be in the DC area and want portraits. That would be fantastic.
I’d love to finally meet you, Mary!
Thank you! Moving cross-country is no small feat, so I appreciate it. 🙂
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to have new places to explore and new settings to photograph. 🙂
My friend is a fabulous wedding planner, and the owner of Bella Notte so I shot her an email about you. 🙂
congratulations – big stuff happening!! i’m excited that this means you’ll potentially have more east coast trips planned and maybe i can squeeze in a long-dreamed-of portrait session with you! best of luck!!
1. YAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY
2. YAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY
3. YAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY
4. I will most definitely promote you to everyone I know. Off the top of my head, I know one couple that will be marrying some time in the next year that I would whole heartedly recommend you to among other reasons, because you’ve several same sex weddings in your portfolio already. I also know a number of actors who will need headshots from time to time.
5. YAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY
I’m insanely excited that you’re moving to Northern Virginia! I can finally book an appt. with you!! 😛
No problem, I always like to help people network.
Also, not sure how far away this is for you, but if you are looking for a FABULOUS newborn photographer, Amber of Little Moon Photographer is just brilliant. You can tell her (and Sara of Bella Notte) Alex Nguyen sent you. 🙂
Can’t believe you’re 25 weeks. It goes by so quickly. 🙂
So excited for you guys though! It’ll be nice to be back by family again, I’m sure.
My friend is a fabulous wedding planner, and the owner of Bella Notte so I shot her an email about you. 🙂
Yay East Coast! As I am in the Boston area, I won’t be as much help in the ‘getting the word out’ department, but I’m still excited about the possibility if dragging people down to DC for portraits someday.
Will do! Hopefully I’ll get to meet you (and Mike and Ally and the new baby) sometime.
Good luck with the move, and don’t hesitate to call on me if you need anything in the area (send me an email if you want my phone number)
I’m insanely excited that you’re moving to Northern Virginia! I can finally book an appt. with you!! 😛
Congratulations and best wishes for a safe and smooth move!
Congratulations Charlotte! It will be wonderful to see your photographs of weddings in some new settings!
Can’t believe you’re 25 weeks. It goes by so quickly. 🙂
So excited for you guys though! It’ll be nice to be back by family again, I’m sure.
Thank you so much, Julie! It means a lot that you’d recommend me to your best friend!
Charlotte – My best friend may be getting married next year – she is still in the DC area – I’ve passed your name and website along!!!!
–Julie (Williams) Armstrong
Sounds like a great decision for you and your family. I hope that all goes well with the transition. My wife and I are located in Central VA (Lynchburg) so perhaps we’ll meet up someday. Cheers!
Geoff, thanks for the welcome! We’ll have to get together sometime after I arrive!
Thanks, Heather! Yes, I have a wedding in Denver in November that I’ll be traveling back for. By then I’ll already be missing Colorado and will be eager to get back. 🙂
Congratulations! This is such an exciting year for your family! 🙂 Will you be traveling back to CO for any upcoming weddings you’ve already booked?
Welcome back to the east coast!
Congratulations on the big move! Your talented-self will surely take DC by storm 🙂
Teresa, I’ll miss the beautiful Colorado weddings, too! I’m excited for new creative opportunities in DC, but it’s going to be hard to beat the scenery I’ve had to work with for the last six years!
Thanks, Lindy! That’s so great that you get to be near your granddaughters.
I’ve always wanted to shoot at the DC Mormon temple — it’s so beautiful. Thanks for recommending me!
You’ll do great in DC. It’s a wise move you are making for your family. I’ll miss those beautiful Colorado weddings, but I know you’ll rock it in DC like only you can.
Ayesha, it’s great to hear that you understand! I’d love to meet you in person and others from SWPB!
Smart move! You will be glad to have family around…being a grandma myself I can tell you that it makes a huge difference being close! Your parents must be thrilled!
The DC Mormon temple is a beautiful building and I will recommend you to any and all my Mormon friends getting married there 🙂 …or anyone else I know in that area.
oh yay, i didn’t know it was a baby move!! 🙂 congratulations! how wonderful. family for our little boy is what keeps us here in the DC area, too. i’d miss colorado, too – your photos alone are enough to make me want to at least visit 🙂 but i’m looking forward to meeting you and we SWPBers promise to give you a warm welcome 🙂 best of luck with the move!
I’d love that, Karen!
Congrats on your move, guys! Adrian and I love DC, we’ll have to get together the next time we’re in the area!
I’m so sad to hear this news since you’re leaving the beautiful CO but I have no doubt that you will be happy in DC — It’s a hard life living away from family and always traveling to be near them (having a baby in Europe and traveling back to CO every year was hard, long and stressful). I am so excited for you & Mike. I love your work and your achievements! You are amazing. I’m still going to hire you for my wedding, just looks like we’ll have to fly you out!! ;o)
Congratulations, Charlotte & Mike!!! <3
Thanks for making me feel so welcome, Dani! I’m an east coaster at heart, so I’m looking forward to heading back! I really appreciate your willingness to spread my name around, thank you so much.
Oh Charlotte, as an east-coaster I’m so thrilled to hear this! I’m north of the Baltimore area, but still, NoVa is far closer than Colorado 😉 I’ll happily spread your name once you’re back in the area. I’m sure it will take no time before you’re making your artistic mark here! Best of luck with your move.