While we obviously love weddings and everything that comes along with the planning and the preparation, what we truly love is marriage. Marriage is an incredible gift, something that Amelia and Ben have started to learn about in their first year of marriage. This sweet couple has an almost unbelievable story (see it at the bottom of this post), and after several struggles in their first year of marriage, they decided to celebrate this beautiful gift with an anniversary photo session. It doesn’t hurt that they have style in spades, but we also love that you can really see some of the strongest aspects of their relationship through these photos: a sense of comfort, admiration for each other, and a flirtatious sense of humor.
From the couple:
“Ben and I met at a clothing store where I was working. I rang him up on my last day. He asked me what my plans were and I told him that I was flying off to Maui to attend Bible college the next month. He left the store with both of us smiling. We never introduced ourselves; he was just one of the many people in line on that busy Saturday. The month passed and I was living in Maui. I happened to be at church one day helping set up a wedding with my roommate. As we were cleaning up the stage I was going on and on about this handsome guy I met one time.
In the middle of my story, I looked up and in walks the “handsome guy.” The sun was coming through the church doors and it was as if he was part of a dream. I looked at my roommate and in disbelief I said, “That’s him! That’s the guy I am talking about right now!!” Then he walked right up to me and we finally exchanged names, both of us with giddy smiles all over our faces. He explained to me that he was a groomsman in the wedding. He then asked me to be his plus one. And that was the beginning!
Ben and I went through a lot in our first year. The most hurtful was losing my father to an aggressive brain tumor. At times, Ben truly reminds me of my father and that is so special to me. I am incredibly thankful to have had Ben by my side. Marriage has been such medicine for healing in my life. This anniversary shoot was lifting to the spirit. I enjoy looking at these photos and realizing the strength that now lies behind our love.”
Photography: Amanda K Photography | Creative Direction & Styling: Rebekah Carey A & B Creative | Hair: Bria Pelayo | Make-up: Robin Opal | Yellow and cranberry gowns: Anthropologie; Silver gown: JS Collections via Bloomingdale’s | Grey Suit: Banana Republic; Black Suit: Calvin Klein | Venue: Ashland Springs Estate
