I recently read an article that looked at long lasting marriages and identified key factors for success in those marriages. In the end, the article concluded that the most important factor was to choose well when selecting your lifelong partner. “Choosing well” may seem rather vague, but it makes sense. Choose someone with strength of character who can love you for your strengths and weaknesses, someone with whom you can not only enjoy the wonderful, heart filling highs, but with whom you can weather the storms, figuring out together in an empathetic, respectful, loving manner how to hoist the sails in heavy winds with stinging rain in your face.
Over the past year, I have had the honor of getting to know and forming a special friendship with this loving, brown haired beauty. Let me sum up her incredible strength of character this way; KINDERGARTEN teacher AND CHILDREN’s ministry leader. While I could go on and on about how everyone who meets her loves and has the up-most respect for her, in my book after the description of kindergarten teacher and children’s ministry leader, enough said. To choose her, is to choose well indeed.
Over the last few months, I have also had the honor of getting to know my sweet friend’s fiance. It seems to me that she too has chosen well. She’s chosen a kind, funny, humble, man with a heart of gold. Sweetest of all is how his eyes sparkle any time you talk with him about his future with his bride. My favorite moment of our photo session was his response to my question, “What are you current hobbies?”. He replied, “Well right now, since we are dating, she is pretty much my hobby.”. Swoon! So so sweet!
Personally going into my 10th year of marriage, it was fun to be around a couple just starting their journey. Oh the joy, the sparkling eyes, the excitement for what’s to come! I look forward to seeing these two grow together in their marriage. That sparkling diamond on this bride’s finger truly does represent the rock solid foundation on which their marriage will stand. Yes, they are starting out right with a strong support system, a deep respect for one another and a shared, strong Christian faith. I could not have asked for a better couple nor a better experience for my very first engagement shoot! I am just overflowing with joy for this wonderful couple.
