Engagement Photos
As someone who has enjoys asking other couples for the "secret to a lasting relationship," it has been funny to reflect on the first time that Matt and I were asked that same question.
"Patience!" Matt says, without skipping a beat. We both laugh, since he certainly isn't wrong. Patience has gotten us through road trips with missed exits due to my (not so great) navigation skills and a few Sunday night football games when the Dallas Cowboys couldn't pull off the win, emotions ran high, and I could have been more supportive.
While patience will surely continue to be important throughout our marriage, the real blessing has been in finding someone who values all the same things.
Things like keeping our faith central to our lives, being servant leaders in all aspects, and giving back to the community where we can.
That's our "glue."
For that reason, our engagement photos take on an extra special meaning because of where they were taken.
When Matt and I first started dating, I admired his passion for working with the special education population in his schools.
I shared that I was volunteering for an organization called Equest that provides horse riding lessons for children with physical, cognitive, social, or emotional disabilities. Matt was quick to offer advice on bridging communication gaps with a few of the nonverbal riders and even volunteered with me one summer.
It was amazing to have a partner who saw an opportunity where others might have hesitated, jumping right in with a servant's heart.
A few very sweet staff members at Equest coordinated with us to have our engagement photos taken on site with the therapy horses. Memories we will treasure!
It's also extra special having one of my lifelong friends as our wedding photographer.
Kayley and I first met as preschool students in Sherman back in the early 90's. Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, I really am that old!
They say that old friends are often the best storytellers of our lives, reminding us of who we were and inspiring us to be the best version of ourselves. Who better to capture all the sweet memories of our wedding day?! And it has been amazing to see Kayley in her element as an incredibly gifted photographer.
Weddings have a special way of bringing together people from your past, present, and future to celebrate the start of something new.
