I lied... One More UPDATE!!!

Okay, I lied.  I do have one last post before the big day (yard sale)!  :)  Today was crazy busy and yet so incredibly rewarding!  I had an early morning baby session, lots of editing and TONS of people dropping off goodies for our yard sale!  We decided later today after the studio was already getting VERY full just from today's drop offs, that we should go ahead and start unloading some of the storage unit.  Thank goodness we did.  Guys, its unbelievable how many items we have!  So... to show you just a few... here are some pictures of what to expect.  We haven't even unloaded 1/2 of the unit.  haha

Tons of children's toys, large entertainment units, baby clothes, a beautiful iron bed, down comforters and of course, our adoption t-shirts!  :)

And even Vera Bradley purses!  

There is TONS more stuff where this came from!  So, be sure to come out and see us!  Also, a little clarification via facebook.  Apparently, quite a few of our facebook friends have been getting messages saying the yard sale time has changed.  It has NOT changed and I have no clue where the messages are coming from.  The times are 7:00am-12noon on Saturday, July 31st (THIS Saturday).  :)

Until then... Brantley

Please PRAY!

Guys, this is it!  Its down to the last day before everything begins to come together!  I feel so incredibly blessed right now!  I can't even think or express my exact emotions either.  Its sort of crazy to be honest.

This scripture has been a piece of me today... Its my comfort for this weekend.

Philippians 4: 4-7

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Oh how I love this scripture!  It gives me so much comfort for what God has in store for us!  I cannot even believe the yard sale is finally here!  There has been so much preparation for something that is normally not a big deal.  But this yard sale is a HUGE deal and means so much to us.  We've had friends, family and people we don't even know who have poured out their hearts, given so generously and been the voices of encouragement that we so badly needed.  Its been such an amazing time of preparation and even act of worship for us.  I cannot begin to express how beautiful it feels to be on this journey that Christ has called us on.  Thank you to each of you who have played such a major role in our lives and this cause.

We need your prayers these next couple of days.  We need everyone to lift us up in your prayers as we finish preparing, sorting and organizing everything.  Lift us up with encouragement, because we all know we can never have too much of that.  Continue to pray that Christ will be glorified and that ALL will know the real reason that this has even come together.  I am a firm believer this would NEVER have been made possible without Him.  :)  What a comforting feeling that is to know.  Alright, well this is the last post before the Big weekend.  We have so much unloading to do and won't have too much time to post.  So, thank you again for everything!

Until then.... Brantley

Winner Announcement

Okay... we drew names again and the winner for the Print Giveaway is Jennifer T.  Congrats Jennifer, just shoot me an email to claim your "gift" and we'll get you set up!  :)

Unfortunately, we don't have anything lined up for future giveaways.  :(  If you or someone you know has something to donate for our giveaways, please let me know!  We will post information, website and/or link provided, as well as pictures of your product.  We will also post this information on our facebook page.  

Lastly, I wanted to apologize for my lack of posts lately.  We have been soooooo busy preparing for our yard sale, and haven't had much time to post.  I can't wait to post pics and updates on our sale!  God is blessing us tremendously and we can't wait to see the outcome!  Thank you again for everyone's help, love, support and donations!  We're forever grateful for each of you, even those who we've met through this journey.  Its so awesome to see so much support from so many!  Continue to pray for us!

Until then, Brantley

A Little Overwhelmed...

Overwhelmed is an understatement.  I'm beat, mentally and physically exhausted!  To be honest, I'm realizing that I've taken on WAY too much with this yard sale!  Don't get me wrong, this has been the best 2 months of my life as we've prepared for it.  We've met some pretty incredible people, picked up some pretty awesome donations, made some cool signage and flyers & just had fun doing something together as a couple!  Not to mention, this is bringing us one step closer to bringing our baby home.  However, yesterday I had a little breakdown.  As if dropping my $2,400 camera lens on concrete on the ground wasn't a bad enough start to the day... It only made me more frazzled the rest.  Now, I also had some pretty amazing blessings yesterday too!  We picked up even more wonderful donations, two car loads and a trailor to be exact.  After unloading only part of it into our storage unit late last night... we now officially have NO more room!!!

The hard part, I still have a whole list of people that have us scheduled to pick up.  We also have some really, big ticket items to pick up.  Now, the reason I'm a little overwhelmed.  Well, We have a HUGE storage unit crammed full of stuff and I'm beginning to wander how on earth we're going to make this happen.  You see, I'm a VERY organized human being.  Let's just say, some days I think I'm a little O.C.D.  My sweet friend Rossie, well, she and I are just alike.  She knows all about it!  ;)  I so badly wish she was here to help me go through everything and get it all organized (just the way I like it).  But... the truth is... its a yard sale and I keep trying to remind myself of that.  I know most people are going to toss stuff around, offer you buck and go on their merry little way to the next sale.  Thats still so hard for me to take in.  Another part that is super overwhelming... PRICING.  I still have a hard time understanding that things just don't sell for good prices at yard sales.  Something that would typically be $100, might sell for $10.  Ugh.

And even though we have soooooooooooo much stuff, my fear is that people aren't going to offer squat and we're going to end up giving away all this great stuff to people for nothing!  Well, my point to all of this, is that .... well, I don't know.  hahaha  I tend to think a little too much and all I see is a super large storage unit (the biggest one they offer to be exact) and its jammed full of stuff!  We need help, and I'm not good at asking for help.  It took a LOT from me to ask for donations.  But, I've come to a point where bringing my baby home is way more important than all of this pride I have.  So, we're asking for help.  Help to make this all come together, help unloading the massive amount of stuff and hauling it all over to 701 Whaley on Friday night.  Help, sorting, organizing, pricing everything for the sale.  Then, help again on Saturday morning - when most people would be sleeping in, we need your help bright and early helping us set up tables and put on a smiling face to greet the EAGER yard sale hunters!

The truth is.... my fear is that no one will come.  No one will help.  I'm just a mess inside.  I know this isn't true, but its just how I feel.  Nonetheless, I'm super excited!  Guys, after all of this planning and praying for an amazing and successful sale... we have exactly 1 week left!!!!  Can you believe it!  Please pray that Christ be glorified in our sale and through the people helping!  Please support us by advertising the heck out of it this next week at your work place and all over facebook!  We need your help desperately and will greatly appreciate ALL help we can get!  Thank you, for giving so generously and unselfishly to our cause!  It does  not go un-noticed!  We're forever grateful!

Until then, Brantley AND Richard!!!

Yay! Signage is here!!!

So... In case you haven't already noticed, I'm planning big time for this yard sale!  That's because, we have received some amazing donations from so many of you... and we want to go out with a bang!  I'm telling you, this is GOING to be the BIGGEST sale ever!!!  So, we designed some 20x30 (poster size) signs and had them printed, then mounted on artboard.  Those will be displayed at either end of ALL of our tables.  It basically tells our story, and a little about the adoption and costs involved.  We also created a couple 8x10 prints letting people know how many wonderful people have helped us along the way with our sale - whether that be with donations, the day or even in preparation.  So, do you wanna see????

Okay, here you go!

Pretty cool, huh!  Anyway, we're excited to say the least and we have so much more still to come in the next month!  Until then, can you continue to pray for us and pray over this sale.  Not only financially to be provided, but for God to be glorified through all of this.  That is our #1 goal!  We want nothing more than for people to see that without Him, none of this is possible!  Also, our orientation date is quickly approaching with Bethany and we're so excited to see God at work in our lives!  The ball will start rolling after July 9th.  Also, here is a great video of a beautiful adoption journey.  Be sure to watch the whole thing, I promise, it won't disappoint.


Lucy Lane Gotcha Day - One Year Later from kristi on Vimeo.

More updates to come, as well as the winner for our 1st giveaway!  Remember, if you haven't entered, the deadline is 5:00pm tonight!  Sorry, no exceptions!

Until then, Brantley

Tent?

As most of you have already know, we're in the process of planning our yard sale to raise funds for our adoption.  Even though our sale isn't scheduled until July 31st, there is quite a bit of planning to make it all come together!  We've been so encouraged by the overwhelming support, prayers and donations by so many.  Just today alone, we received a LARGE framed portrait of Charleston, smaller prints matted as well as a bookcase in excellent condition!  We are still accepting donations and will happily pick up them from you if needed.  We are accepting anything you are willing to part with.  

For the actual sale, we are in need of some tents to borrow.  You may have tent(s) used when tailgating, or possibly other tents along those lines.  If you have one or know someone who does, please let us know if you'd be willing to let us use it for our sale.  You can send us an email at richardandbrantley@yahoo.com

We're looking for a few to set up over our many tables, and over the tables with the baked goods!  On some other news, we have received a few emails with some other ideas to help raise support on our journey.  Nothing is set in stone, however, one of the big ideas was an auction or raffle.  So, if you are a business or have something you'd like to donate for the auction, or raffle off, let us know through email.

This will be the next project in the upcoming months as we get farther along in our journey.  :)  Again, thank you for all of your prayers and donations!  They mean more to us than you will ever know!!

Yard Sale Details...

We have FINALLY nailed down and confirmed the location for our yard sale.  We've decided on the wonderfully, fabulous 701 Whaley !  This awesome 2 story brick building that sits at this address is where our studio is located.  We spoke with our landlord, and he was so welcoming and told us to use the long patio outside for our sale!  Plus, the All Local Farmer's Market  meets there every Saturday morning as well... so that will help with quite a bit of additional foot traffic. :)

When: Saturday, July 31st

Time: 7:00 am until

Where: 701 Whaley Street

Since our studio will be conveniently located in the building, we will have access to electrical outlets for fans, a fantastic AC when we need to walk in a cool off, as well as bathrooms and water fountains.  We will keep our refrigerator stocked full of drinks to help keep everyone who helps hydrated, as well have munchies for breakfast.  Below you will see a flyer that we made.  If you're interested in helping us spread the word, request a digital file of this flyer & you can print some out.  The more copies you print- the better turnout it will be!

Thanks again for helping us spread the word!  Until then, Brantley

Happy Valentine's Day!

Richard and I celebrated with some friends at 701 Whaley! All Dressed Up's new home. They were hosting an Art Show there and so we hung out, mingled a little and viewed some very interesting art work. I must admit - even a little much for me! haha

Anyway, here are some shots of us!




Me and Melanie Murphy. She is an event planner that will be using a portion of the space at our new location. We've become good friends throughout the process.


Melanie and her husband Darren.

New Studio & Home for All Dressed Up Photography

Well as most of my friends and family all know, I have been eagerly searching for a good home for my business! Working from home doesn't quite cut it! It has been hard (especially now being a married women) to separate work from home! That is really hard and is now getting harder the more our business grows. Anyway...for several months we have been searching day and night for the perfect space! Not just any space, but a home!

Well after months of searching, giving up, then searching again...we found a place! Now the new home to All Dressed Up Photography! We couldn't be more thrilled. So, if you want more details on the space and how we found it, etc...check out our work blog!

Until, here are some pictures. It won't be completed until March 1st! But once it is, we will show you the end result! This first picture is of the outside of my studio. We have a nice patio area with up lit palm trees. Large 15 foot floor to ceiling windows!




The space will be completed with maple hardwoods, neutral painted walls, track lighting and lots of decorating!


My favorite part of the space is the floor to ceiling windows! Aren't they beautiful!