We arE the townsends
OUR STORY
Our story began in the year of 2008 and it started with young love between two high school sweethearts on Myspace and grew into the world we get to share together today. Robert is an incredibly talented Emergency Department nurse and I, Heather, am a full-time wedding photographer with a fiery passion for all things creative, love-driven, and fun! As natives of Halifax County, we keenly understand the importance of infusing our hometown with exciting and innovative ideas.
While photographing weddings will always have a special place in my life, so does the art of teaching and supporting other creatives and people in what they do and want to do. For me, the creative world is not about competition; I firmly believe there is a place for everyone, brimming with opportunities and, most importantly, a sense of community. Thus, the concept of establishing a studio and gathering space was born!
DECEMBER 2022
We bought the 99 South Main Street Building in Downtown Halifax, Virginia.
JAN-DECEMBER 2023
We began a full year of demolition, construction, complete electrical rewiring of the entire building, new lighting, and design of the future home of Atelier Halifax.
JANUARY 2024
New HVAC system installed, all construction completed, and final touches.
FEBRUARY 2024
We received our certificate of occupancy and officially opened our doors on February 14th, 2024!
meet our partners
AKA: SOME REALLY COOL PEOPLE
Meet our pals and business partners, Adam & Sarah Mullins!
Adam and Sarah are the founders of original Atelier in Lynchburg, Virginia and the reason we decided to become business partners and open a second location, because we love Atelier SO much and wanted to bring it to our home town because we saw a major need for a space that could truly be made your own.
FrOm Adam & SarAh:
“It all started in 2013… We went from being young and married to being young, married, and having three kids in one year. Within just 3 months, we adopted our oldest two children and our first biological son was born. We found ourselves isolated in parenthood and foster care while trying to grow a new business (We also bought a house and quit our full time jobs the same year!) It was that year when we found the value of community.
Our community of friends found us (huddled up and hiding in a corner) and they loved us where we were at. They gathered around us, brought us food, watched our kids, and encouraged us to keep pursuing full time photography.
That is what Atelier is to us. A space to gather, a space to create, a space to do life together. Bring your girlfriends together and dine family style around the table. Host your small event (think baby/bridal shower, intimate wedding ceremony, business meetings, creative gatherings) and create memories together.
It is a space for photographers to come and create images and memories for their clients or to dream up a styled shoot and recharge creatively.”
Thus, ATELiER HALiFAX WaS BORN
It all started with the vision of introducing Atelier to Halifax. Robert and I tirelessly scoured the Town of Halifax for an ideal venue that aligned with our vision. Through immense effort, dedication, and numerous challenges, Atelier Halifax came to life!
Our goal was to establish a haven for individuals in search of a convenient, customizable space—where they could freely express themselves. We envisioned a private setting that catered to various needs, whether it be for creating, hosting photoshoots, workshops, intimate dinners, birthday parties, celebrations, bridal and baby showers, meetings, and countless other possibilities.
Atelier Halifax was born out of our passion to provide a versatile and welcoming space for all.
