It’s no secret to anyone who knows me well that I will always be obsessed with photographing weddings at Mayowood Stone Barn in Rochester, MN. But, throw my friends, Haley and David, into the mix? Well, now we have a real party.
Haley, David, and I have known each other for several years, and this day was a long time coming. Back in 2016/2017, Haley and I were placed in the same group project in a college course that was prepping us for a Study Abroad Immersion Program that was to happen that summer. A few late nights trying to get our presentation done (if you’ve been to college, you know how these can be), started a friendship I never knew I needed in my life. That first night in Berlin, combined with some wine, REALLY solidified a life-long friendship for us. At the time, it was still pretty early in Haley and David’s relationship, and over our 30 days abroad, I feel like I left that trip ALSO knowing David.
As you do in college, you latch on to friends hard, which was no exception for Haley and I. We moved in together the following semester, and we often found ourselves being able to talk for hours every time we were together. Living together, I saw lots of David, too, and it really felt like I was part of their family.
Post-grad, we all took another trip abroad, only this trip was a little different. When we booked to flights, David reached out almost immediately with, “I think I need to propose to Haley on this trip.” I wasn’t going to argue with that. So, amongst the sunset and clouds on a Cliffside in Nice, France, David proposed to Haley. It felt like a full circle moment being part of so much already, to witness this moment. But, nothing really prepared me for the honor that would be photographing their wedding.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all. But, this was my first wedding where I was able to serve people so integral in my life – and let me tell you. Photography (while not impossible) is REALLY HARD when you’re also crying at what you’re seeing unfold.
It was the best day, with the best friends I could ask for, and I’d gladly re-live it again and again. Let me warn you – you might want to grab a tissue for this one.
Haley and David, I love you dearly. Thank you for everything you’ve brought to my life, and I can’t wait to keep watching your marriage flourish in the years and decades to come. Who knew a college presentation would be so wildly integral to a friendship like ours. <3
