An Ironic Independence Day Post

This year, during peak engagement season (which typically runs from Christmas to Valentine's Day) I was hospitalized for a month and ended up having to have a small brain surgery. So, anyone who inquired at that time for a wedding (or sessions) I referred to other people (mostly because there was a chance I needed a more invasive surgery and a few months of physical therapy - the future was uncertain for me). That was Dec-Feb. Thankfully, the minimal surgery was chosen (not a shunt - which was the big concern), successful, and while the recovery wasn't smooth, recovery did happen. By April, I recovered fully. Due to that, though, I have a lot of openings this summer and fall that I would love to fill with weddings and sessions.

I’m located near Asheville, North Carolina in Waynesville, North Carolina but travel internationally (as far as Iceland and Germany so far). I don't typically begin charging travel fees until I have to drive more than 2 hours in one direction.

This is year 17 of doing photography officially for me. This business of mine has survived two recessions, a 3 month NICU stay for my twins, COVID shut-downs and cancellations, and two floods that greatly impacted my area (one being Helene). It has not felt like it will survive 2026, which is wild to me - but the reality I'm sitting in.

I can't take the credit for the survival up to this point - which is why this is an ironic post of Independence Day. I have never done this "on my own." I have always been able to chase this dream with the support of previous clients, friends, and family who continue to tag me when someone they know is searching for a photographer. Who share their photos and tag me in them and then tell their friends they won't regret reaching out. Who share blog posts and social media posts and interact online knowing that helps me, too. The clients and guests at weddings who leave reviews on Google, Wedding Wire, and The Knot (people hire me based on these, sometimes).

As always, thank you for continuing to keep the dream alive, even when I'm skeptical.

As a thank you, from now on, though, I plan to roll out a Referral Bonus. So, if someone tells me at booking moving forward that you sent them my way you’ll receive the following: $25 for every mini session booked, $75 for every regular session, $200 for every wedding booked because of you (once their balance is paid). I’ll be adding a, “How did you find me?” question to my intake form and asking in follow-up emails if a friend, venue, wedding planner, florist etc sent them my way.

Vendor friends - this Bonus applies to you, too. Thank you for almost two decades of referrals without incentives, but it feels like a good time to thank everyone in a tangible way. 2026 has been a super difficult year in Vicki-World. But here’s to having the energy finally to rally properly and change that statement to, "The first half of 2026 was super difficult in Vicki-World, but it got better."

Also, for the rest of July 2026, in honor of 250 American summers (here's to forever wishing there were 250 90s summers) - I will also be offering discounted Gift Cards for regular sessions. You can purchase a $650 credit for $400. You can click here to buy one. Or email me at victoria@victoriagracephotography.com if you have questions about your plans for the discounted gift card. These gift cards can be used whenever you plan your next session, and do not expire.

Some exclusions apply; for instance - These discounted gift cards may not be used on sessions scheduled before purchasing, toward wedding/elopement balances, combined with other discounts, or used for newborn sessions.  For families of 6+ people an additional fee of $25 a person will need to be added before your photo session. Travel fees not included. 

I hope you all have a fun, safe Independence Day.