“Now, look at your life one year ago from today. How were you different then? Where were you? Who was close to you? Okay. Now, look at who you are now. You know of all the heartache in your life up to this point. Today you are the most updated version of yourself. So here is to moving forward. Here is to loving who you are becoming.”

You might think this is an interesting quote to start off a blog post highlighting a builder brand. But just let me tell you this story. This model house is special. Special to the point that most may think I’m a bit insane. However, if you know our philosophy on branding – you’ll be right there with me. It starts with the story of the designer. Kate Krause.

Kate Krause has been one of my best friends for 6 years now. When we first met, I was a completely different person from who I am now. At the time, I was a shell of a human. I had just escaped a psychologically abusive marriage – that’s another story for another day. I was new to the area. Basically, in every way, I was intimated. Kate saw through all that trauma & fear and somehow authentically saw me. From where our friendship began and where we both were personally and professionally to where we both are now is the kind of transformation we see in movies. I am so thankful for my friendship with Kate. Whenever I doubt myself, she is always there with the best pep talk one can say to another creative.

That is why I am so proud of her for her work with Front Porch Builders. For most of the time I have known Kate, she was a designer for a very limited demographic of buyers. Very traditional – no room for creativity. She has since started her venture with Front Porch Builders, and the transformation I have seen in her as a designer is incredible. I have been following her through the process of designing this Model Home, and when I finally had the opportunity to see it, let alone photograph, it was so inspirational!

Breaking out of this box is Kate’s very goal when designing homes for her clients. Why can’t your house have that cozy at-home feel with modern touches? Why can’t your home be a stunning showpiece but still friendly enough to raise a family? Something crucial to master as a creative is finding that balance of what’s expected in your industry but still bringing your own twist to be different than your peers. To say that Front Porch Builders is the one to watch is an understatement!

This shoot has sparked a new creative field for me with photographing interiors, and I love it! Something I always preach to myself, to Mike, to our friends, and our branding clients. Do not put yourself in a box. Do not put your future, aspirations, or business in a box. You have no idea where you will be in 1 year from now. You don’t know where your life will go – isn’t that so incredibly thrilling? When I first started photography more than 10 years ago, I always said I would NEVER be a wedding photographer. Because I believed the stigma, I would be surrounded by Bride-zilla clients and be stressed so much. But the universe had other plans for me. And you know what? I’m happy I opened up, and now look at where it led me. If I had kept myself in that box, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career. I wouldn’t have the absolute honor and pleasure of knowing every single one of our couples. Couples that are inspiring, kind, and just all-around exceptional human beings.

Fast-forwarding to when we rebranded from April Elizabeth Photography to April & Mike. You have no idea how many people told us what a huge marketing mistake we were making by removing the term photography from our title. But we did that intentionally. Keeping photography in our business name put us in a box. And putting our business in a box goes against the very philosophy we teach our clients. Which makes us pretty hypocritical don’t you think?

The bottom line is, don’t put yourself in a box. Be open to growth and your potential in every aspect of your life. You got this, and we are here rooting for you! Thank you so much, Kate and Front Porch Builders, for having us photograph your model home, and we cannot wait to see future projects you complete!

xx,
April