We're Moving! | Kelsey & Nate Move to Forest, Virginia
/I’m not sure what the bigger news is: that I blogged, or that we’re moving to Virginia.
Still, it’s appropriate to give both of those things their moment. *Celebratory pause for blogging* and now, on to Virginia.
Saying goodbye to our house in Charlotte after we walked through it and bawled our eyes out from the memories.
The Backstory
Near the end of 2020, with Nate’s job at Till Agency being completely remote and my continuous travel to VA for weddings and photographing family and engagement sessions, we re-evaluated our life in Charlotte and asked “what’s keeping us here?”
I mean there’s incredible benefits of living in a major metropolitan area. We’re in the midst of 7 different Targets, 5 movie theaters, 2 Trader Joes, and 1 international airport. However, the main reason we’re in Charlotte right now is because of family. Which, by the way, is a good enough reason to move/stay anywhere and that principle happens to be part of our family values. So why the move then?
Because, another part of living out our values is creating a habitat for our family, for our children to grow and thrive. A safe haven for them and others needing respite to experience peace and refreshment. We’re constantly fighting to be intentional and unhurried in a culture that promotes busyness. To help combat our own inclination for busy, we want to live in an environment that aids in deep breaths and togetherness. We know this will not only help our children, but our marriage and family thrive in this season. Even more, it sets us up to give to others what cannot be bought — peace, rest, restoration, and love.
In short, our current location and space isn’t as conducive for us to live out these values in this season. I hope it’s clear that this isn’t what everyone should do right now. Heck, we won’t always occupy the space we’re moving into because our next step after this is to find land (like lannnnnd) and build. But this is what benefits us most in this season; just like North Carolina did these past 4 years.
We’ve been out and about for a month and visted Sarah Pascutti and she grabbed these treasured photos on Sullivan’s Island.
SO. We’re moving to Forest, VA into an already redone 1880’s farmhouse on the most beautiful, peaceful, and still 2 acres. The cows are our neighbors and I’ve imagined our kids climbing in and playing under the giant weeping willow and running down the tree-lined driveway. We also have a vision for how to make the space our own and I’m honestly excited for those projects. Aside from the house itself, there are mountains there -- “Hills” for my West Coast Friends -- which are incredibly grounding for me. (Don’t worry, still an Anna Maria Island beach girl at heart forever and ever. and ever.) AND we have community. It’s been 4 years since we moved from our Downtown Lynchburg Loft to NC and our community is still strong there -- another incredible treasure that cannot be bought. Lastly, Kelsey & Nate is still rooted in VA and I cannot TELL you how excited I am to keep growing our business, serve more families & couples, and use our property for photo locations.
gIDEON rain & afton Mercy — we were privileged to bring both babies home to our first house
Afton at 2 weeks old and again at 2 years old celebrating a pandemic birthday while waiting for her brother to be born
Some General Q & A’s
Will we miss our family?
Are tankless hot water heaters the best? If you don’t know, you’ve never had one and I can’t answer this question without crying.
Will we ever visit North Carolina?
Absolutely. We still have family, weddings, friends, family, counselors, an airport, Madewell, fave restaurants, and did I mention family there? Right now I’m driving on 29N at least once a month so we’ll just flip that and reverse it.
Can you take our photos?
HECK YES. I’d love to. Contact me here and let’s get you set up!
Can we visit you?
Again, heck tankless hot water heaters yes. We’ll be adding onto the house after we move in so we’ll have a completed and separate guest space for you. Another one of our values is hosting so having a place for you is v important to us.
How did you find this slice of heaven house?
Through our incredible realtor & friend Johanna Calfee. We’ve known Johanna for years and even traveled with her to Thailand to do photo/video work for Freedom 424. When you go around the world with someone, you get to know them pretty well so it was an easy decision to work with her to find this amazing place that never went on the market -- that’s how good she is.
Well friends, if you live in Virginia, we’ll most likely be seeing you soon. Mainly because there’s one Target. If you have more questions, drop them below and I’ll answer!
Much Love,
Kelsey & Nate, Afton & Gideon, & Henry
