Owning and running a business with my best friend has been a dream come true. We have spent long hours doing something that we both love.

Together, we’ve seen people fall in love. We’ve documented thousands of kisses. We’ve watched parents full of emotion, as they watch their children take their wedding vows and give themselves to the one they love.

We’ve watched families grow. And grow.
And many of our clients have become our friends.

And so many of our dreams have become a reality.

Later this year, Andy will be entering his third year of medical school. While we both have been running this business, he has been on another life adventure. He’s spent hours in the Emergency Room- holding hands with very sick people, scared kids, and people facing difficult decisions and heartache.

Many years ago, before he even mentioned getting into medicine, we passed a car that had struck a telephone pole. It was very late at night, there were no other cars in the neighborhood at the time, and we were only a few blocks from my childhood home. There weren’t any first responders on the scene yet, but Andy leapt from the passenger side door of my car and ran to the smoking car. He pulled a woman and her young son from the vehicle. Both of them were coughing and gasping for air, clearly injured. I will never forget this moment. It’s the first time I thought of him as a hero.

Ambulances came, so did the fire department. I don’t know what happened to that family, and although we haven’t spoken about it in years, I know it left a lasting impression on both of us.

There have been many times since that day, where Andy has shown bravery, courage, love and compassion for others.

I believe his heart grows bigger each day.

So, with late nights, long hours, and taking the boards- at the end of last year, we decided that it was time for him to take a step back from photography. He will always be a part of it but can no longer accept new clients. There is another world that is pulling at his heart strings.

So what does the future hold?

Steve Jobs said “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”

And with that my friends- cheers to following our hearts and new beginnings.

Today is the launch of my new name and business: Michele Ashley Photography