May 10, 2024
He said, "Let's meet at midnight on the golf course to see the Northern lights better"
She said, "Let's do it"
It was a chilly night so she brought a blanket to sit on and donned a hoodie and leggings. Yes, it was dark, but she still put a little makeup on.
He gathered his camera to catch the lights in the sky, grabbed a blanket because it was cold, and made sure he was ready to meet her for the first time.
After months of talking, connecting over shared music videos, and sharing deep parts of each other, the stars aligned for their meeting.
She arrived a few minutes early - the butterflies were dancing in her stomach like never before.
May 11, 2024
He arrived a couple of minutes past midnight and parked a couple of spaces down from her.
Hearbeats quickened.
They get out of their cars and she waits for him to come to her. He rounds the back of her car and her heart stops for a few seconds. Her smile cannot be contained.
Smiles and "Well, hello"
They go for a hug but he stops her and offers his hand. She smiles big and takes it and immediately says, "Really? After all these years, it's a handshake?" He laughs and pulls her in for a big, long hug. A "Finally you're here" hug.
It's a moment I'll never forget. My favorite moment (really one of my top favorite memories).
2 years
2 souls
And the universe said, "Finally"
When you’re in your mid-thirties, I highly encourage you to get headshots. If for no particular reason but to get pampered and enjoy being in the spotlight for a few minutes. As a photographer, I don’t relish being on the other side of the lens in the limelight.
But Lauren and her team made me feel beautiful and my best self for these headshots. I had never had my makeup done before and it was high time for an updated headshot since it’s been ten years since my last one.
A lot happens in ten years and somehow it all flashes by so fast.
Remember the moments. Savor them.
Thank you, Lauren and team for these headshots and for making it so fun and easy!!
📸 @laurenwinchesterphotography
💄 @styledbyshirleyann
#photography #portrait #personality #growth #thrivingthirties
February …. 💌
That month where we begin to wonder if winter will shake its hold on us. The month where love is most celebrated - even for those of us that believe love should be celebrated everyday.
It was a mostly quiet month here. Marked by quiet moments amidst busy events and adventures - although life has not been quiet for everyone. A war continues to rage and so many are affected by it. People we know and strangers we may never know. Each a life worth considering outside of our environment.
I am ever grateful for the life I have right now. For the love I am privileged to experience, receive, and give.
March has entered the chat and promises warmth. Let’s hope it holds peace too.
#february #march #memories #love #life
POV: You check off a major bucket list item with the one you love.
He didn’t have to go with me, I’m the one that has been head over heels for Andrea Bocelli since I was a little girl. His arias, his angelic-voice, his love for his family and horses, etc.
I finally had a chance to go and I took it. But I never dreamed I’d get to do it with someone whose love for good and soulful music matches mine. He hasn’t heard much of Bocelli. But he didn’t hesitate when I told him I wanted to go and wanted him with me.
This man has been the biggest supporter of the things I love - music, art, my passions. The obvious and the not so obvious. He has seen the quiet in me and called it to light. He has boosted my confidence in myself in so many ways and encouraged me to do the scary things that bring my dreams to light.
He’s the best date. The best friend. The best man. The best soul.
💌
#andreabocelli #date #adventure #love #music
January ….
That quiet month that seems to slip by fast and a month of recovery for the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
January has come and gone. New lessons learned, old skins shed making way for the fiery horse to come through.
Grateful for many things. Excited for what this year will bring. ❤️
#January #moments #reflect #forward #firehorse
What can I say except that 2025 was an incredibly exhilarating, challenging, and growing year!
From snow in Jan/Feb and concerts and events through the year to visiting the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf oceans throughout the summer and getting a proper tan. Experiences all in between I’ll never forget.
I’m excited to see what 2026 will usher in and bring.
Happy New Year!
#love #thrive #travel #bye2025 #hello2026
Do you like stories?
We have one - it’s pretty neat.
We’ve known about each other for over 8 years. Somehow crossing paths over the internet but never in person (that we know of).
We lived our separate lives, navigating the ups and downs of our paths we were walking. Occasionally we’d pop in and say hey and catch up bit and then go on about our lives.
A few years ago, our lives seemed to begin to converge. We began talking more and more - learning about each other through deep conversations, shared music, and poetry exchanges. But we weren’t quite ready to meet in person.
And then one day it happened - May 2024 the northern lights made their appearance and I called him; I wanted him to see them too as we both love things of the sky. After a series of excitement and shared iPhone photos he set a time and place to meet and watch them together.
Meeting him was one of those fairytale moments… one I will never forget and is forever imprinted in my mind. We talked for hours. I got lost in the wonder that he is.
Later that year, in November, he asked me to be his girlfriend.
What a year it has been! He has spoiled me, seen me, and loved me in ways I’d only dreamed could happen. He’s a walking being of grace, love, humor, acceptance, and depth.
Here’s to many more with this beautiful soul. ❤️✨
#lovestory #love #together #souls #happy #life #journey #couple
“And if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns” ~ George Elliot
This summer was the best I’ve ever had, hands down.
This summer holds some of the best and most extraordinary memories that I will cherish forever.
I became more alive than I have been in such a long time.
And now fall has finally arrived, and she seems to be staying this time. My favorite season - campfires, falling leaves, s’mores, colorful landscapes, hoodies, snuggles, festivals, hot chocolate, crisp air, pumpkin carving - so much!
Happy fall! 🍁
#fall #autumn #seasons #farewellsummer #memories #happy #life #adventure #color #sweaterweather #cuddle #snuggle
Longing for these memories to be present moments …
I have never missed or desired so badly to return to a place as I have Maui.
And I do believe it’s a mixture of reasons - the company was perfect, we felt an ease of unplugging that is hard to do while at home, we filled every single day with adventure, relaxation, fun and happiness, and we were surrounded by breathtaking beauty.
Hawaii, you were kind and healing. I only hope we honored your culture and lands dutifully. We cannot wait to return and soak in your healing waters, bask in the warm sun, and explore more of your lands.
For now, we will hold these memories close as we navigate the difficulties of this day and age.
Aloha
#hawaii #maui #kaanapali #lahaina #hana #travel #nature #adventure #explore #retreat #heal #honor #love #together #waterfall #jungle #ocean #sea #beach #shore #magic #peace #happy #free #sunrise #sunset #vacation #memories #life
Rich because…
I get to travel with this wonder of a human.
They say you learn a lot about someone when you travel together. This is true, but you also learn a lot about yourself if you’re open and aware.
To say we had a wonderful time is a gross understatement. There aren’t words to adequately describe all the experiences we had, the scenes we saw, the wonderful people we encountered and the memories that will last a lifetime.
It was like living a dream the entire time we were there - and we almost didn’t come back. In fact, our entire trip home only furthered our regret for leaving (I must add here, I have never encountered so much rudeness from seemingly everyone on the trip home). But home we are, continuing life but with new perspectives and a wanderlust like never before!
Where will the wind take us next?
Who knows … all I do know is that it is so much better with him. 😊
#travel #adventure #memories #outdoors #hawaii #maui #island #beach #exotic #love #wanderlust #travelbuddy #together #happy #adventureisoutthere #mountain #ocean #wild
10 Things About Florida …
1. It’s flatter that I thought
2. How do y’all even drink tap water?
3. It’s really long
4. It’s so beautiful
5. The water in the gulf is stunning
6. Manatees are the coolest
7. Sunsets are mind blowing
8. The springs are cold and refreshing and sooo clear!
9. The sand is soft and white
10. I’ll be going back
It helps I had a Florida native showing me around the coolest parts of the state. More than anything, I was in awe and wonder at the beauty Florida has to offer.
We stayed and enjoyed time with many friends, celebrated birthdays, visited a spectacular golf center, got drenched in multiple rainstorms, biked with a dolphin, I paddle boarded for the first time, came back with a fantastic shell haul, ate the best restaurant steak I’ve ever had (really… it was heavenly), Atlas had his first beach experience and became a true adventure dog… so much happened I can’t even write it all out!
This was one for the books!
Wonder what Hawaii has in store for us?
#vacation #summer #florida #love #friends #fun #beach #sunset #travel #outdoor #adventure #memories #life #together #happy #ocean #gulf #sea #seashell #dog #puppy #dolphin
