10/14/2024
Haley & Jake // October 12, 2024
This Saturday I had the honor of photographing Haley's and Jake's wedding at Audrey's Greenhouse in Wallkill. The weather was gorgeous (which I feel the bride and groom deserved due to our rainy engagement session one year ago). The guests were decked out in their finest and ready to party. The staff at Audrey's were stellar; you truly couldn't have asked for a better venue. The timeline ran ahead of schedule, which is always a plus! And the bride and groom were obviously in love--the kind of love that makes you smile just to witness it. All in all, it was a picture-perfect day!
This was also the perfect event to end my career as a wedding photographer. As I've mentioned countless times, I was a HS English teacher before I started my photography business and, lucky for me, Haley was one of my very first students. Back then she was really into racing, so it was fitting that Haley and Jake entered into their reception to the sounds of a Formula 1 racetrack. Now it seems she is still into racing--and CATS! π I feel like my former students helped me build my business into what it is today. They've hired me for all sorts of family sessions, maternity sessions, engagement sessions, and weddings. I'm truly grateful for their support. But it is these powerful connections which made me realize that teaching is my first love. I never stopped missing the classroom, and I decided to give it one last go before I got too old to miss my chance. It's for this reason that Haley's wedding will be my last. As I gave her a hug and walked out of the venue, it felt very bittersweet.
There is nothing better than love, and I thank all of you who trusted me to capture your version of it over the years. I've adored photographing all the fancy people in fancy venues around the Hudson Valley. I will miss it, but the classroom is where I'm meant to be. So thank you to Haley and Jake for seeing me out. You love is special and I'm just so glad I had the chance to document it for you. All my best to the newlyweds! π₯
And all my best to all my couples! I was a photographer just as long as I was a teacher. I've been lucky enough to build two careers that I've loved in my life. But I could never have done this one without you. THANK YOU π
Special thanks to:
Second photographer: Yoonah Lee Photography
Venue: Audrey's Greenhouse
Day-of Coordination: RSVP by B
Entertainment: Conway Entertainment