We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bethany Cramblet. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bethany below.
Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment
Opening a studio – best investment in personal growth + community, worst investment because it cost me a lot of money and never actually panned out to net me any income. I am not sure how much detail I am supposed to go into at this point but here is the short version. I wanted to open a studio in my small, West Michigan town because there were no rental studio options for local photographers less than a 45 minute drive. There was a new development going in locally and I was shown the space and immediately fell in love. We’re talking an old factory with some office space but renovated with huge 12’x12′ windows lining the walls – an absolute dream of a space! I met the owner, seemed like a gregarious and ambitious guy that liked the idea of a photography studio in there. I signed a 3 year lease and moved in. One thing after another happened, regular little floods, critters and bugs, etc (old warehouse stuff) some of which were preventing me from being able to actually open my studio space fully. After renovating and hanging a huge wall of white curtains to create a temporary wall, the landlord was ready to build the wall perminently. I had to close for a month. Once everything was re-set and I reopened they told me I had to move because of “structural issues”. I had 2 days notice and had to be out. We were literally hosting a dance squad’s promotional photos when they started tearing down the concrete wall. The new space had tons of the same issues + no heat through the winter, heating with old restaurant patio heaters. Spring came and we hosted a gorgeous styled shoot that was published a handful of places, other photographers hosted their clients and small educational events, and things were good for about 2 months. Then, the flood. 2″ of water from a flash flood, ruining the brand new white trim I had just invested in and all the props and furniture touching the floor. All my newborn props got wet, much was lost. He refused to do anything to remediate so I had to suck it up. My mom, friends and I spent DAYS cleaning, mopping, and salvaging. Stiff upper lip, we’ll be ok. Then, the landlord decides that my renters coming and going makes his building insecure. His solution was to “let me out of my lease”, we discussed options and landed on one where he puts up a partition to secure the area. Long story short, the partition was never put up, he told me I couldn’t have unsupervised renters or he’d terminate my lease. My wedding was weeks away, my hair started falling out, and I’m calling lawyers to see what my options are. I had done everything I said I would do and because he decided living up to his end of things was too inconvenient it was no longer worth his time to let me rent there. When I told him I was going to look into what options I had legally I was told “good luck” because his lawyers are both good and expensive and he reminded me that the lease says whoever loses in court pays for the other person’s legal fees. I was absolutely heartbroken, having everything I had invested my blood, sweat and tears into pulled out from under me. A week after my wedding, my friends and family all showed up at the studio to help me pack everything up. I didn’t have any fight left in me. Everything has been sitting in a storage unit since October, 2023. This spring I’ll be selling off most of it. But I would still say that it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. There were so many memories made in that space and I learned a lot about who was there to support me when things got tough. I worked harder (and later) than I had ever worked before, spending countless nights painting walls or curating vignettes with the speakers turned up loud. I have built relationships that I will cherish my whole life from this experience. My relationship with my husband is deeper and more resilient because of the challenges we’ve faced. And, most importantly, I learned that I can do hard shit. I have a vision and creativity that is unique and valued, I was able to provide a place for others to be successful and grow as photographers in their business, and we made a difference in our little sub-sect of creatives. I am a changed person because of this experience and I was able to see myself more clearly because of it.
Bethany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I got into this business as a young mom, chasing a hobby that allowed her to be creative and not work a traditional job so I could be home with my kids. It is an ever-evolving business for my husband and I with a few different sub-sections. Lakeshore Visuals is the parent company and my husband’s dream, working with small businesses and non-profits to create content and help them grow. Pavé Wedding is both of us, with me doing photography and him handling videography. Over the years, I have owned a few studios, done all types of photography, but focus mostly on wedding storytelling now with a little portraiture on the side when I feel like it. Storytelling is the common thread of everything because that’s what we’re both passionate about. The people that typically align with our work are looking for candid, real moments and moody aesthetic.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After I closed my photography studio, I found myself in a weird place — somewhere between relief and panic. On one hand, I knew it was the right decision. But on the other? I had no idea what came next. Photography had been such a huge part of my life for over a decade, and without it, I felt a little… untethered.
That’s when I was offered a job with a wellness and longevity company — a completely different world than what I was used to. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit, but something told me to go for it. So I did.
I figured I’d learn a few things, maybe help some people, and pay the bills — but I had no idea how much it would change my life.
For years, I’d battled stubborn metabolic issues that made me feel like my body was working against me. No matter what I tried, the scale wouldn’t budge, my energy was shot, and I felt stuck. Honestly, I had started to believe that was just how things were going to be.
But this new job introduced me to tools and knowledge that completely turned things around. Bit by bit, I started feeling stronger. The weight that I thought was impossible to lose started melting away. My energy came back. My confidence grew.
In total, I’ve lost 80 pounds — but even more importantly, I feel like me again. Now, at 40 years old, I’m healthier, stronger, and happier than I ever thought possible.
The best part? Now I get to spend my days helping other people do the same. I still get to photograph weddings on weekends, but during the week, I’m working with people who are ready to feel better, live longer, and take control of their health — and it’s honestly the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
If you’ve ever felt stuck — like you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work — trust me, I get it. But I’m living proof that change is possible, and I’d love to help you find your path forward.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My husband is now my business partner. I did it myself for many years but Stephen has taken more responsibility over the years, bringing organization and functionality to my chaos and quirkiness. His sister was a new friend of mine who suggested that we go on a blind double-date. It took us a few tries but the chemistry kicked in pretty quick and 6 months later, he moved in. Our family of 3 became 6. We’ve been married for 2 years and now my best friend is my sister and we get to do life together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pavewedding.com
- Instagram: @pavewedding
- Facebook: @pavewedding
- Other: https://www.flow.page/pave
Image Credits
The wedding photo of us (with the white border) was taken by Erica Costello.