realization & rebirth
Hi, HELLO!
If we haven’t had the opportunity to meet before now, thank you so much for stopping by. If you’re coming back, I’ve missed you? How are you doing? How is life?
What a 2020 this has been. All four years of it. Seriously though, time has moved in such an unexpected way for me the last 4 years. I’ve really had the opportunity to do some really incredible projects and meet beautiful and phenomenal people along the way.
I have been pouring all of me into food related endeavors since 2015. I owned a bespoke wedding cake company, Trouvaille Bakery, which I closed in 2021. I got to be a sous chef for a pastry kitchen, work at Roses Luxury, and then ended up and the very special Boogy and Peel and work for my good friend, Rachel (which is where I’ve been for just over the last year.)
A dutch masters wedding cake I designed for my former bespoke wedding cake company Trouvaille Bakery
Host: SOPHIE KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY // Creative Direction & Styling: EAST MADE CO // Florist: NAVA FLORAL // Venue: WESTLIGHT STUDIOS // Hair & Makeup: CAITLYN MEYER // Calligraphy: SHOTGUNNING FOR LOVE // Cakes: TROUVAILLE BAKERY // Gowns: MARCHESA // Shoes: BELLA BELLE SHOES // Rings: VICTOR BARBONE // Backdrops and Styling Surfaces: JRD ARTSHOP // Styling Props: CURATED BEHAVIOR // Rentals: PLEASE BE SEATED // Linens: LIBERTY PARTY RENTAL // Candles: FLORAL SOCIETY // Models: AMAX TALENT
I have been still photographing on the side through it all, but pretty sporadically. The joy I felt from being present and actively engaging in creating art again and- let’s be real- problem solving, was so invigorating.
“Matty why ARE YOU TELLING ME ALL THIS!?”
Right. The point: A change was coming whether I liked it or not. Last fall I was dealing with back-to-back medical concerns and I’d realized I wasn’t creating on the scale I’d been able to the 5 years leading up to 2021. I was feeling TIRED Y’ALL. It was starting to feel like wedding day without the wedding, and unfortunately also without the creative outlet too. I feel like most if not all good cooks will tell you, “When your passion and heart are gone, the food will be impacted. Even if you still care, even if you are still applying yourself.” I believe that to be true. My body and soul were so tired. Action was imminent. I. made the decision to leave kitchens for good and focus on this incredible thing that I’ve been growing since I purchased my first DSLR in 2012. On Friday of last week I had my last shift at Boogy and Peel. I feel so thankful to be able to have had the support of everyone there to now pursue an absolute dream of mine.
So, here I am on the couch writing to all of you. Feeling thankful for When We Gather and for the other industry professionals supporting me on getting to the point I am now. I am so ready to create art with you.
In return, just this once (okay, but like definitely again too) I wanted to share some just-for-fun images (digitals only, let me know if you want to see the film!) I took with my dear friend Elizabeth a the DC Tidal Basin last week.
Normally, I would avoid the basin during blossom season under all circumstances. In the last 6 springs I haven’t gone. I did it and am so so glad I did. They were in my favorite phase of bloom. THE NOSTALGIA. Walking underneath swathes of cherry trees transported me right back to Tokyo the three years I lived there.
I saw J from across the road and had to get over to take this shot for her. Her partner J was so kind and I can’t wait to get the film to them! (Sending the film in tomorrow, Indie!)
Through the tree shots are some of my favorite- and also, WHO doesn’t love this rust beret/jacket combo!?
