How a Simple Train Ride Sparked a Big Dream

Few people know that before there was the Mountain Express, we were all about cameras and creativity. We ran a cozy photography studio and photobooth business—capturing milestones, celebrations, and smiles, one shutter click at a time.

Back in spring of 2019, our studio was thriving. We were busy, grateful, and proud. The children in the photo below? They're our littles—the heart behind everything we do.

That Mother’s Day, while visiting another country, we stumbled upon something unexpected: a whimsical little trackless train ride rolling through a town square.

We hopped on without much thought. The kids giggled as the wind tickled their noses and played with their hair. Their eyes sparkled. Their voices rang out: "Again! Again!"

It wasn’t just any ride. It didn’t go in circles—it meandered, it whistled, it steamed. The scenery shifted. The rhythm changed. It was playful. Surprising. Magical. And it made a lasting impression. The kids didn’t want to leave, and to be honest, neither did we.

On the drive home, Ben and I pondered a question that would change everything: “Could we bring something like that to the North Country? For our kids—and everyone else’s?”

By November 2019, with a lot of love and determination, we launched the Mountain Express right here in rural New York.

And then… 2020 came.

Like so many others, our studio didn’t make it through the pandemic the way we hoped. The world changed—and so did we. But the spark from that little train ride never went out. If anything, it reminded us why small joys matter. Why community matters. Why bringing smiles to children (and the child in all of us) still has power.

Today, while the Mountain Express has become the heart of what we do, we still proudly offer photography and photobooth services for those special moments that deserve to be captured forever.

What started as a whimsical moment on vacation has become something real, lasting, and joy-filled for families in our hometown and beyond.

From our family to yours—all aboard for joy, wonder, and memories made together. 💛🚂

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