Oh my goodness, I have so much to say about Nicole and Josiah!! First thing is first, they reached out to me for a couple’s session to celebrate them finally being D E B T   F R E E !!! These two have worked so hard, have implemented all the Dave Ramsey things, and have now achieved to lift a huge burden off they’re shoulders! I’m so proud of them!!

Second, I just want to talk more about who these people are and how they’ve touched me in such a short amount of time. Jake and I are involved in a small group through our church that makes living in Abilene actually worth it (lolz). They moved here a couple of months ago, and immediately got involved. They shared their story with us, and I was so grateful for their honesty. They opened up about those real things that go on in our hearts and are marriages that aren’t pleasant to talk about. We all know that marriage (and just adulting in general) is freaking hard, but I think we tend to glaze over it. Talk about how we’re going through a hard time vaguely, and without honest vulnerability as to what that even looks like. But these two shared about the fight their marriage has been, which immediately made me feel relaxed. Because guess what? Jake and I have a hard time too. Like I know EVERY couple does! Sometimes it feels completely hopeless, because we’re so stuck in our own selfishness and, well… humanness, I suppose. I think people aren’t afraid to say, “Marriage is hard,” but I DO think people are afraid to explain exactly WHAT that looks like. Whether it’s finances, anger, lack of communication, or whatever that is keeping us shouting or crying, feeling utterly helpless and ALONE. I know I’ve felt that way. But these two were bold with a bunch of people they barely knew, and in that, they made me feel a little more known. A little more hopeful. And definitely more understood. I’m so thankful for them, and they’ve inspired me so much to also be bold in vulnerability.

And you know what makes it so amazing? When you fight through those things continuously, and come on the other side. Knowing each other better and loving one another all the more deeper. It was such a beautiful day when I finally got to do this session with Nicole and Josiah (the ridiculous Texas weather led to some rescheduling), and I loved getting to celebrate and watch the joy they have in each other through my camera. They are so loving and gentle, and I felt like a happier person by just being around them. Love these two!

While you’re here, take a look at the other couples I’ve been lucky to photograph!

Anne-Marie + Josh

Courtney + Derek

Noah + Allena