Nicholas and Maddie

This wedding was a bitter sweet one for me on so many levels.

Our family had just moved from the East coast to the West and we were slowly adjusting. I knew before we moved that I would be flying back out to Charleston to photograph Maddie and Nick’s second wedding celebration post COVID. They were officially married in October of 2020, but planned on celebrating again with friends and family in the spring once everything opened back up again.

Like everyone, 2020 had an impact on me more than I’d imagined at first. But not completely in a negative way. With more time at home, and less bookings all together due to the pandemic, lot’s of self, and dare I say, business reflection happened. I think I’ve know for a while now that I’ve been ready to phase out of shooting weddings and focus in on home and family more intentionally. And I think COVID just slowly confirmed that. I fought with the thought of getting rid of weddings entirely for months because of all of the INCREDIBLE couples that I’ve truly grown to know and LOVE! But ultimately, I knew it’s what my soul’s been wanting to do.

So, going into this wedding, knowing it was my last, really made me step back and appreciate everything as it unfolded. The last, first dances. The last teary eyed toast. The last send off and close to such a meaningful door in my life. It’s all so bitter sweet.

Bitter being back on the East coast again, feeling like I was home, but knowing I had to jump on a plane the following day. Bitter saying goodbye to not one, but TWO of my sweet sweet brides (one of which, I share a due date with now)! And bitter, leaving the wedding world behind. But so much sweet came out of it too.

Sweet laughs; Sweet tears.

Sweet salty humidity. Sweet hugs, dance moves, and friends. And such a sweet ending to a beautiful day celebrating Maddie and Nick! Thank you both for the best, last HURRAH I could have hoped for! I love you both!

… and you too Brooke and E.J.!