Saying Goodbye to North Park Cottage | Jessi Casara Photography is Officially Moving!

I have a sign in my house that says, “It’s not the house I love, but the life that is lived here.” That sign is a lie. I love this house.

North Park Cottage has been my home for over a decade now. I bought it in May of 2015. It was my first real grown-up purchase. I was 30 years old, having just gone through the rollercoaster that was my twenties, when a coworker sent me the link to this house. And somehow it became mine. Honestly, it was too easy. It was like the hand of God was all over it.

I lived in this house every year of my thirties. This is where I brought Tobin, Binx, Minerva, and Chancho (and all 17 of my fish, 3 frogs, and 789,000 snails) to live. This is where I started my photography business. I dreamed many dreams in this house. I fell in love in this house. I endured heartbreak in this house. I survived in this house.

I was trying to remember my favorite memory, but I’m not sure if it’s fair to name just one. But I will say this: Christmas in Silverhill, AL is MAGICAL. Have you ever seen Gilmore Girls? Well, I live right behind the gazebo in Stars Hollow. It is the most perfect small-town holiday season anyone has ever seen. Like, where is the Hallmark Channel? Because they should absolutely be filming here every Christmas.

OR SNOW DAY. I know I wanted to move like 7 years ago, but honestly, if the Good Lord saw it fit to keep me here just because of January 21, 2025, then BLESS HIM. It was the most magical day of my life.

Then there was that not-so-magical weather event: Hurricane Sally. But North Park Cottage stood. She protected me, even as almost every tree in my yard fell around her. And even as I sat in the humid September weather for over a week with no power or internet, I was still grateful that I had her (if not completely freaking out because Chancho, my beardie, didn’t have his UV bulbs for a week, but we made do).

Living right in the town square was pretty magical, too. Sometimes they would have concerts across the street, and I would open up my dormer window and sit in the windowsill with a glass of wine, just listening. Sometimes I would even crawl up on the roof and just look at the stars. Or when the Classic Car Show or Heritage Day Festival was going on, I could just sit on my front porch and watch the people and the vendors go by. They would compliment me on my roses, and I would feign humility (as if I hadn’t spent 7 years making them the luscious fence decor they are today).

Sometimes your house is more than just a home. At least for me, it became a huge part of my identity. I was so proud of owning this little piece of real estate.

But it’s time for the next chapter—not just for me, but for North Park Cottage.

When I told my realtor I was finally ready to list, it didn’t take 24 hours before she had a buyer for me. We hadn’t even listed it yet. And again, it shouldn’t be this easy—believe me when I tell you the hand of God has been over this place since Day 1…But even still, I was having such a hard time imagining letting her go. I had so many dreams for this house.

I always envisioned her eventually becoming a cute art gallery, studio, coffee shop, or a creative little spot…

But guys, guess what?! The new owners are planning to turn her into…drum roll please…A COFFEE SHOP. 

WHICH MEANS I CAN VISIT.

If this isn’t just the most perfect turn of events, I don’t know what is. Because, now that I think of it, drinking coffee every morning on the front patio (or back deck, or kitchen, or anywhere really) probably actually is my most favorite memory here. The peace and sanctuary of this sweet little cottage is my Roman Empire. I will think of her always.

So, here’s to North Park Cottage: may we lift our coffee cups and clink to her good health. May she always be a safe place for all who visit, and may we never forget the life we loved and the life we lived here.

xo,

Jessi

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Jessi is an Alabama Couple, Family, and Wedding Photographer. Based in northwest Georgia, Jessi also serves the Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Gulf Coast areas. She specializes in couple, wedding, maternity, newborn and family photography, and also enjoys commercial and creative portraiture. Available for travel worldwide. Find out more at www.casaraphoto.com and inquire at https://casaraphoto.com/contact. 

(c) Jessi Casara Photography