D + W - Windsor Engagement Photographer

I have silently watched this couple for almost ten years, admiring their pure love and admiration for one another.  I have excitedly watched them share their lives together through college adventures and the 'real life' adventures that follow.  I have loudly expressed my joy for their engagement to family, friends, and mutual acquaintances.

This beautiful (and engaged!) girl is one of my sweet cousins.  Many of my childhood memories involve her and her family.  From dance shows with Katherine Wheeler Dancers to Halloween Trick or Treating in her neighborhood to Christmas morning traditions to drives in the Camaro.  For several years her and her family relocated to Hong Kong for her fathers work, during that time we missed the opportunity to both be students in high school together for two years.  I can only imagine the amount of fun that we would have had together.

During the time when she was learning about cultures that I will never be able to comprehend halfway across the world, I happened to meet her soon-to-be husband in high school.  He was voted as the junior representative on the ASB student council, I was voted as one half of the spirit leader team.  Between meetings, retreats and numerous activities a mutual friendship developed.  Many of my memories from my senior year in high school involve him...his big bear hugs that can make any sadness melt away, his smile that will make you smile right along with him, his immense respect for his family and his genuine friendship to many.

During my cousins preview day at the high school she was able to 'shadow' me during my classes.  

And, she remembers meeting her future husband.  :)

Their relationship started simply during college at ASU and has been flourishing ever since.  My favorite memory of the two of them was during my cousins graduation from nursing school two years ago.  Several of my aunts and uncles along with my mom and sister travelled to Arizona to celebrate the occasion.  After the emotional ceremony ended the even more emotional embrace between these two brought instant tears to my eyes.  It was an embrace that captured all the late nights studying and their dreams for the future.  It was magical.  

And, I just happened to capture it on video which make my heart do a little happy dance :)

My extended family is looking forward to celebrating this long time couple during their wedding festivities next year.  Although there are many details to determine, we all know that these two are going to have a wonderful lifetime together.  And, of course, I will be cheering them on from the sidelines.

D + W - Thank you for taking time out of your quick trip home for your engagement session.  You both know how much you mean to me.  I love how I have known you each separately.  I love how you are both better together.  Together you make sense.  You make love look easy - just as it should be.  Never stop making each other smile.  Never lose your simple beginnings or your dreams together. 

I am sincerely looking forward to our future family memories...xoxo