Changes & A New Adventure

We had some big changes over here at the start of the new year, ones that have definitely been an adjustment for all of us, but that have been exciting and crazy and wonderful all at the same time.  I haven’t shared much until now, as much as I am an open book, I still try to be mindful of what I put out there and I really wanted all four of us to be in a comfortable place first.  Above all else, my husband & girls are my number one supporters and most importantly, my number one priority.  I know all of you can relate to that! πŸ™‚
Right after the holidays, I accepted a position as a bridal stylist and officially put in my resignation to my teaching job.  Craziness!  It all really happened very fast, I never planned on leaving my school in the middle of the year but it was an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up.  Luckily, I was able to work it out to finish the semester with my students, while also working my new job, it was a few weeks of madness but we made it through!  
I’ve always been a creative person, I love style and fashion and all the things that go along with it.  I always have, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve only become more passionate about it, partly from this blog and being inspired by all of you. πŸ˜‰  I also love the bridal industry, I have been planning weddings on the side since planning my own in 2011 (which is now linked at the top of this blog, look under pages!).  So this new position has really been the perfect fit, it has been so much fun to actually be in the industry I have been teaching about for so long, and even better to combine it with my love of bridal.  The company I am working for is amazing, I adore my owner and have already learned so much, plus have been able to be a part of so many amazing opportunities in fashion that I have always dreamed of.  I am the biggest believer ever in that “things happen for a reason”, this came at a perfect time & has given me the ability to be even more creative at work and also to still be able to be home with my girls more than when I was a full-time teacher.  All of which has been amazing!

With that being said, I don’t want to come off like we are in a perfect world over here. I always want to keep it real, and there are a lot of parts of starting a new job with two little kids (one who is still a baby), plus maintaining a home and being a wife and daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, aunt … that is just plain hard.  Like many of you, most days I feel like I am trying to pull off way too much and sometimes, not any of it very well.  It would have been way easier to stay at my comfortable job, the one I was in for eleven years, but I knew there was more for me and I wanted more for myself and for my family.  And more than anything, I wanted to show that to my girls, who I hope will do the same one day.

AND just add to the crazy, because why not, since working in this job I have gotten the motivation (and courage!) to officially start my own business!  Planning events is something I have always loved to do, it’s the creative & artistic soul in me, and I’m so excited to combine that passion with work.  Ashley Brickner Event Planning & Styling is OFFICIAL!  I already have some weddings coming up in the next few months, I hope to add more, as well as any other kind of events and just styling in general.  I’m so excited about this new chapter, and am thankful to my sweet family who has been so supportive of it.  If you are interested in more information, please email me at abrickner1@gmail.com, I will soon be adding a link to my new website to the blog as well!

And because what post is complete without pictures, a few of my babies because they are the reason behind everything I do, I’m SOOOOO thankful I have been able to be home more with them more during this season of life.  Miss Avalon Elle stood up for the first time Friday morning, it honestly brought tears to my eyes, I was so proud of her & just so happy I was there to see it, which wouldn’t have been the case if I was still at my teaching position.  Also, not for nothing, she has doesn’t done it since which I am 100% ok with. πŸ˜‰  I love them both with all of my heart, even on the craziest, busiest of days, and hope that they will always know that.
 

Hope you had the best weekend! XO

Comments

  1. April 11, 2016 / 11:41 am

    How exciting! And styling weddings couldn't be a more perfect fit! So how do the hours work now? Are you home more during the week but work more weekends? I'm always curious how these more creative jobs work since if I go back to work I doubt it would be in accounting (as I was before).

  2. April 11, 2016 / 12:12 pm

    Good for you girl! You're taking the steps to make your dreams come true and that's awesome!!

  3. April 11, 2016 / 12:29 pm

    So many wonderful new adventure and joyous new beginnings. I can imagine it was scary to leave teaching but cheers to following your dreams and starting your new business and working in an industry you love. Glad it allows you to still see your girls and let the creative juices flow. xoxo

  4. April 11, 2016 / 1:16 pm

    Oh Ashley, what a dream job! Such an exciting change for your family, congrats!

  5. April 11, 2016 / 1:30 pm

    Congratulations, Ashley! Super happy for you!!

  6. April 11, 2016 / 1:46 pm

    That is such wonderful news! Congratulations. I'd love to hear more about your new position, sounds so exciting, I love weddings. I hope you share more as you're building your business too, I love that!

  7. April 11, 2016 / 2:33 pm

    Yay, so so proud of you for taking the leap and following your dreams. I can't think of a more perfect job for you! I cannot wait to see this business blossom, congrats friend!

  8. April 11, 2016 / 2:41 pm

    Congratulations, so awesome!!!

  9. April 11, 2016 / 2:49 pm

    A bridal stylist? That sounds like the perfect job for you. I know you will do so well with that. And the fact that you get to be with your girls more is amazing! I am so happy for you and your sweet family, friend. And Mama, you are definitely not alone in those feelings. Us Mama’s always seem to put so much pressure on ourselves. Just have peace in knowing that you’re doing the best that you can, you’re the best mama to those sweet girls and the best wife. Give yourself grace! And your own business, no doubts that you will rock that as well. Sweet pictures!!

  10. April 11, 2016 / 2:51 pm

    Congratulations, Ashley! So excited to follow along with you on this new chapter!

  11. April 11, 2016 / 3:03 pm

    I couldn't think of anything that could be more perfect for you, my dear! What a blessing! So very happy for you and excited to watch as this journey unfolds! Welcome to the world of being a girl boss;) It can be tough, but so very worth it!

  12. April 11, 2016 / 3:12 pm

    Ashley!! I'm so excited for you!! What a great opportunity and I always find it incredibly inspiring to see people just go for it and do what they love!! you're going to be amazing at this, can't wait to see some of the events you plan, you have great style and taste and I have no doubt you are going to excel at this!! YAY for Girl Bosses! XO

  13. April 11, 2016 / 3:38 pm

    Such a fabulous fruition of a wonderful dream! So happy for you & your family. Proud of you for following your dreams! What a wonderful example for your sweet girls!

  14. April 11, 2016 / 3:58 pm

    What a fabulous way to spend your days! Being creative and using your mind in fun ways is always so good for your soul. Not at all boring and allows you to do something you love!

  15. Anonymous
    April 11, 2016 / 5:04 pm

    This is SO EXCITING. The wedding industry is a perfect fit for you and you'll make a wonderful planner!!

  16. April 11, 2016 / 5:22 pm

    Congrats, Ashley, on both of these new ventures! You are going to rock both of them!

  17. April 11, 2016 / 5:30 pm

    What an exciting new change! I'm thrilled for you to be working in a career you LOVE! Congratulations!

  18. April 11, 2016 / 5:31 pm

    Congratulations on your new adventure! Good luck with everything and I hope it makes you happy!!

  19. April 11, 2016 / 6:37 pm

    Eee! How exciting! I wish you the best with your new adventure! And the girls.. swoon! They are growing up so beautifully and so fast!

  20. April 11, 2016 / 6:51 pm

    Congratulations! Very exciting!

  21. April 11, 2016 / 7:15 pm

    So exciting!! I'll get married again, so you can plan it!! πŸ˜‰ So happy and excited for you guys, and I am sure that the girls are OVER the moon excited to be home with you!!!

  22. April 11, 2016 / 7:58 pm

    This is so exciting, Ashley! I love that you are doing something you've always dreamed of – so inspiring! I'm sure your new business will take off soon and make you successful!

  23. April 11, 2016 / 8:00 pm

    This is greatness! Congratulations on getting out of your comfort zone and doing new things! Anything that gives you more time with your babies is a plus in my book!!

  24. April 11, 2016 / 8:11 pm

    Congrats lady! That is so amazing and I know you will do so great at it. I can't wait to see where this journey takes you! Wahoo!

  25. April 11, 2016 / 9:44 pm

    Congrats, momma!! So happy for you making it happen, best of luck with the transition and settling into the new 'normal'. πŸ™‚

  26. April 11, 2016 / 11:11 pm

    SO EXCITING!! Congrats to you on this big, awesome adventure!

  27. April 12, 2016 / 1:34 am

    Good for you girl! This is so awesome!!! Following your passions and being a mama isn't easy, so it's incredible & inspirational to see you doing it!

  28. April 12, 2016 / 2:57 am

    So exciting!!!! Congrats to you on this new endeavor! I know you will be perfect at it. And now I'm off to check out your wedding link because I'm sure everything about it is gorgeous!

  29. April 12, 2016 / 8:55 pm

    So excited for you and this new adventure! I see so many amazing things in your future! And I hope you get to post photos of them all so we can live vicariously through you! πŸ™‚ Mwah!

  30. April 12, 2016 / 8:59 pm

    That is soo exciting, Ashley!! Congrats! I can't wait to see all the amazing-ness you do!!!

  31. April 13, 2016 / 10:26 pm

    I am seriously SO happy and excited for you!! You go, momma!! Change is hard and scary and EXCITING! Doing what is best for you and your family is what matters most! I'm excited to watch your business grow!!

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