A High School Sweetheart Wedding: The Mansion at Oyster Bay

I met Sarah and Nick freshman year of high school. When they started dating, word spread like wildfire through the halls and by the end of the week, everybody knew about the new couple. I’d see them walking together between classes, heading to marching band practice side by side, and they very quickly went from Sarah and Nick, to Sarah and Nick™.

Over the years, I became friends with Sarah – we’d laugh together and goof off at Sweet 16s. The kind of friendship that was always easy and fun. I shared classes with Nick, and even when I didn’t, you couldn’t miss him – he was our Class President for three years (more on that later). If you know Nick, you know he’s brilliant beyond belief. But more than that, it's his character that defines him; he’s humble, generous, selfless, helpful, and kind.

They were the antithesis to the typical high school relationship. There was never a Sarah and Nick™ bubble to pop. They weren’t wrapped up in each other at the expense of everyone else. Instead, everything that made them each great, strengthened tenfold together. They were funnier together, kinder together, more generous together. They brought more life and energy as a pair than either of them ever could have on their own.

Needless to say, I became a wedding photographer. So, when Sarah reached out to me in 2024 and asked me to photograph their wedding, I wish I could say I was shocked. I was incredibly honored, but not at all surprised that they were getting married. This was always the couple that was going to make it.

This past weekend, they were married at the Mansion at Oyster Bay, and it felt exactly like them. It was beautiful and warm, without trying too hard. And full of intention in every corner.

We moved through the space the way they did – thoughtfully, taking it all in. Photos on the checkered floors, framed by the arched doorways, tucked into the dimness of the speakeasy.

Sarah had told me how much she loved the architecture and design of the Mansion, and you could feel it in all the choices we made that day. The space held them, rather than overpowered them. I could feel the same Sarah and Nick™ running through the building as I did through the hallways of our high school.

Their ceremony was held indoors. Of course, Josie, escorted by Love and Leashes, was there. The most loyal and regal ring bearer.

Before we knew it, reception started. The dance floor stayed full.

The toasts both echoed what I’ve thought all along – they’ve always been this in love.

I cannot say enough times how grateful I am to have been part of this day. It was the perfect wedding that brought nostalgia, excitement, and love all at once. The kind you don’t just photograph, but feel.

All of this to say: Nick, you’re still infinitely smarter than I, more intelligent than I, and above all, more humble than I. I’m sorry I beat you out for Class President senior year for the graduation speech.

At least your wedding photos are sick.