So You’re Heartbroken… Now What?!

Welp… I told you in my introduction I’d share my heart out with you ladies on here… sharing my heart means it’s time to get deep AND vulnerable. Everyone wants to quickly talk about the mountaintops of wedding planning but rarely do we hear of the valleys of heartbreak.

If you’re wondering why we’re passionate about this space, it’s because heartbreak is what really brought all of us together. As Britt mentioned in her introduction, “We bonded over DIY projects during breakups and breakthroughs, literally tearing down walls and reinventing ourselves along the way.” But let me back track cause this all begins with Janelle.

Navigating Heartbreak while Photographing Weddings

Janelle and I met in 2012, while she was married and I was in a 4 year relationship; we quickly jumped into a partnership photographing other couples being happily in love, meanwhile, our relationships started to fall apart. In 2014, she was going through a divorce and a couple of months later in 2015, I ended up calling off my engagement/wedding. Needless to say we both navigated the breakups a little differently, sometimes in unhealthy ways, but we always ended up relying on each other for support and help along the way.

On March 4, 2018, I found myself at a local church I swore I’d never go to. Janelle’s decision to get baptized with her now-husband, Wilson, led me there. A few weeks in, knowing Britt was also navigating a break up, I reached out to her to meet for brunch and I committed to picking her up every Sunday so she’d come to church with me, this helped us navigate healing and pulled each other out of what felt like a really muddy pit.

Little did we know Dubraska and Annie would meet and bond over a break up years later, at a volleyball gathering and we’d all somehow end up becoming friends. In the last couple of years, we’ve experienced even more heartbreak and disappointments, but they’ve only strengthened the bond we all share.

Encouragement to those dealing with Heartbreak

Heartbreak is an experience most people navigate at one point or another, it can leave us feeling lost, shattered, alone and sometimes even desperate to find someone who understands us. As believers, we know that God is near the broken-hearted, and He always has a purpose for our pain. He will use all of this for our good and His glory.

If you’re going through heartbreak just know, we know what it’s like to walk in your shoes.I want to remind you that if you walked away from a relationship, you’ve shown strength, bravery, and resilience. You’re not just walking away from something that could’ve been worse; you’re taking a step towards a potentially brighter future.. I want to encourage you by telling you it gets better from here. Focusing on your healing is worth it and it gets easier if you do it with the right women around you.

Here are a few things that have helped each one of us in our seasons of heartbreak and disappointment:

Find comfort in Scripture and in Community.

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us not to fear because He is with us, He is our God and will strengthen us and help us. It’s a beautiful reminder of God’s presence and steadfast love for us. But if you’re not familiar with scripture just yet, surround yourself with the people that will remind you of the promises God has for you and will speak life into you.

Lean on Prayer.

Prayer is a powerful tool for healing, allowing us to pour out our hearts to God and find peace in His presence. Take time each day to pray for healing, guidance, and the strength to overcome heartbreak. Trust that God hears your prayers and will provide comfort and clarity in His perfect timing but most importantly He wants a relationship with you. Sometimes it takes those moments of despair to make us seek Him in a completely different way. But even when you don’t feel like you have the right words to say know the Holy Spirit intercedes for us even through wordless groans (Romans 8:26) and if not He’ll put the right people around you to pray for you and say the words you can’t muster up to say.

Embrace Forgiveness.

One of the most challenging aspects of healing from heartbreak is learning to forgive those who have hurt us, as well as ourselves. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven, extending grace and mercy to others as God has shown to us. Through forgiveness, we release the burden of bitterness and allow God’s healing love to flow freely in our hearts.

Focus on Self-Care.

As you navigate the process of healing, prioritize self-care and nourishing your mind, body, and spirit. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and meditation, or pursuing hobbies and interests that ignite your passion. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for your well-being and healing journey.

Trust in God’s Timing.

Healing from heartbreak is a journey that takes time, patience, and faith and is not always linear. You will have great days and you will have bad days. Trust in God’s timing, knowing He will restore and renew your heart in His perfect way and time. As Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

And again if you’re going through it, just know we are with you and we understand you, we’re only an email away.