Farewell, Florida

Goodbyes are never easy and change is almost always bittersweet…

A few years ago, we packed up two cars and drove over 1,300 miles to live in a state that we had truly only vacationed in a handful of times. We traded small town comforts for more city-like amenities, evergreens for palm trees, snowy winters for sunny days, (for better or worse) Nor’easters for hurricanes, and the sounds of farming tractors for the rumble of rocket launches. We left behind the familiarity of growing up in a single town for the unknown of a new adventure. At the time, it was a difficult decision and the biggest change we had ever made. But now looking back, it was one of the best things we could have ever done. In the short time we have lived in Florida, the state has become so much more than the place we lived and worked. It became the place where we grew and learned what it meant to build a life together. We celebrated milestones, weathered storms (figuratively and literally - thank you hurricane season), made lifelong friendships, and discovered parts of ourselves we never would have found if we had stayed where life felt comfortable.

Florida watched us move in together, get engaged, become homeowners, and ultimately witnessed our growth both as individuals and as a family of two. The state became the backdrop that allowed us to chase dreams, support each other through long days and late nights, and figure out what we wanted our future to look like.

When we moved from CT to FL, I don’t think we knew what to fully expect. We had hopes, of course, but also knew that FL was not likely to be our home forever. I think that it is fair to say we kept our walls up a little when it came to the Sunshine State. But over the last few years, Florida quietly caught us by surprise and found its way into our hearts.

Now, as we prepare for yet another adventure, we have found ourselves reflecting on our time here, and have realized that in many ways we are not ready for it to end. We are saying goodbye to a place that took us in, and gave us one of the most meaningful adventures of our lives. We are excited for changing seasons again, weekends spent hiking in the mountains, reconnecting with old friends, and spending more time amongst family. We are looking forward to temporarily returning to our roots, and are excited to give ourselves space to dream about what is next for us. But leaving Florida is far more bittersweet than either of us ever imagined it would be.

We know that this is goodbye for now, and not goodbye forever. And we also know that we are not leaving empty handed. We leave with memories we will cherish for a lifetime, friendships we’ll carry wherever we go, and a version of ourselves that could only have been shaped by this place.

We do not have every answer figured out yet, nor do we know exactly where or when our next chapter is truly going to start. But we know that for now, our Florida adventure has come to an end, and another adventure is waiting just around the corner.

As for this business, Amelia Service Photography may be entering a quieter season while we settle into a new rhythm. But I am still here. I will still be sharing photographs of our journey, exploring new places, and continuing to build my portfolio. I’m still accepting bookings and couldn’t be more excited to continue documenting your stories. The business itself may evolve as this next chapter unfolds, but my passion for capturing genuine moments remains exactly the same. Wherever this next adventure takes us, my camera will never be far behind.

So here’s to finding joy in places we did not expect, to the memories we will cherish for a lifetime, and most importantly to the strangers who became family.

To the Sunshine State, and to the people who call her home, thank you.

And to the people of New England, we look forward to being back and seeing you soon.

With lots of gratitude, and forever with love,

Amelia