{Engaged} Katie & Joe

A lot of times we go through our lives just going through the motions. We don't stop to think about what we actually need and we spend a lot of time on people and things that do not actually matter or benefit our lives. We meet people, we leave people and we try to change people. We experience heart break and we experience real love. We speak without listening and we lose sight of what is important... but then something... someONE comes along and we are reminded that we ARE important not only to another person, but to ourselves. There is someone who drives us completely insane but we find that we secretly can't live without it. There is someone that you can speak no words to but you still both know you are safe, you are in comfort and you are completely and utterly loved. There is someone who will have your back through thick and thin, through the ups and the downs and only see you more beautiful than they had before. There is someone who makes us feel like we have never felt- we feel silly, we feel happy, we feel crazy... we feel HOME. This someone, this love, it's so rare.. but when it's found, it is unmistakable. And when you see one of your best friends finally finding this person- her 'ride or die', her best friend, the person she looks to for absolute comfort and companionship- your heart is immediately full.

Katie and Joe, I could not be happier that the two of you have found each other to spend the rest of your lives with. I know neither of you are one for words, so I'll just speak them for you ;) You truly have the best kind of love because you without a doubt, 100% accept each other for who you are. You never try to change one another no matter what issue arises. A lot of us tend to forget how important that is and how strong of a bond that can create. Always remember that through all the late night playstation gaming, the dog hair and the barking, the chores that need to be done and the projects that need to be finished, you accept and love each other no matter what & at the end of the day, that is really the only thing in this world of yours that matters.

Here we are Katie, 20 years later, as close as ever,  and who would have thought I'd be taking your engagement pictures! I can't wait for the next 20+ years of exciting things your new life is going to bring and I'm so happy to know I will be there for it all. Love you, homie.

xoxo

 

{Engaged} Brittany & Deryk

I can't believe how many of my friends are engaged. (STOP IT GUYS! STOP IT!) No, I'm only kidding. If they weren't getting engaged, I wouldn't get so many opportunities to photograph them being in love!

Brittany & Deryk immediately came to me to photograph their engagement as soon as it happened. We planned a date but it ended up being dark, cloudy, and no bueno for pictures. We rescheduled again, but that didn't work out either, well, because LIFE. But then finally, we planned another date and it was DO IT NOW OR NEVER! It was drizzly and overcast and we weren't too sure where we wanted to take the pictures... until I pulled up to their house to meet with them and found that their yard was super pretty and the light in their living room was beautiful! I brainstormed some cute, cuddly on the couch and in their room ideas and the weather held off enough for us to get some sweet pictures outside! It all made me realize, you know, life throws curve balls at us all the time, especially when we least expect it. We all lead busy lives, feeling like there's no time for anything, not enough hours in the day, week, month or year. We plan things, they fall through, things come up, we feel like we can't catch up. Life constantly puts road blocks in our way... but! we ALWAYS find our way around them. And you know what? Life, love and relationships would not be as fun or exciting without the difficulties we face and conquer, the unexpected things that pop up and we learn to adapt to... all of those things make life worth living and love worth having.

Brit & Deryk, I hope you always remember that no matter what life throws at you two (wink, wink.. nudge, nudge) you will always work together to persevere and it will only make you stronger and only make your lives as a married couple more exciting!

xoxo

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