Eleven years…
Marissa and I will be celebrating eleven years of marriage this week.
Several months ago, we were invited to join two other couples (shout out to Audrey, Sean, Keon and Rachel) for a photo shoot at a restaurant.
The photos were going to be among a selection of shots to be used for a travel guide, detailing spots to visit and places to dine at, in and around Canton, Ohio.
Our location that evening was Social At The Stone House.
We were encouraged to bring more than one outfit for the evening, and I normally have to prepare for the fact that my wife can outdress me any day of the week.
I just have to do my best to keep up.
This particular night, Marissa had more than one argument with her closet (something I’m sure no other woman can relate to), but she found a few dresses to bring along.
Fortunately for her, the one she came in with got some great comments from the photographer and the art director so she kept that dress going for the night.
Each couple took turns in the bar, with a variety of poses, and a selection of drinks.
We were given instructions where to look, when to smile, what to imagine, anything that would make the pictures do justice to the location.
Afterwards, we were brought into a private dining area for more shots of us being served with dinner, more drinks, and different angles of us enjoying our meals.
Early on, in the bar, I caught a glimpse in my wife’s eyes and I can struggle to put it into words…
I think back to every vacation we’ve been on, every unforgettable experience we’ve shared, every bit of joy we’ve been photographed with, and some experiences go well beyond a price tag.
They’re about a feeling.
And this night in particular was very much about a feeling.
There are those moments when you look at the person you’ve committed your life to and remind yourself: Yes, this is why I adore you.
It wasn’t just the dress, although whenever I’ve seen her wear it, it never fails her.
It wasn’t just the limelight of the photography and the couples we were enjoying the night with.
It wasn’t just having delicious drinks and delicious food served our way.
It was where my wife could, for just a bit, forget about the stresses of life and just be in that moment.
And the look in her eyes was out of this world.
And I reminded myself…yes, this is why I adore you.
I was so taken with my wife right then, that when I had the chance to speak to the art director later on, I thanked her profusely.
There are some feelings and some moments that no amount of planning and expectation can give you, they just happen.
And when they do, it’s up to all of us to capture those moments, cherish those moments and do what we can to never forget them.
So I have some thanks to give out.
First to Jessa Hendershot, our art director and the owner of Root & Folio. I encourage you to look up her work and she how she can help you. Thank you, Jessa for being part of the inspiration for how and why my wife lit up my world that evening.
Second, I want to thank Megann Galehouse of Lady Luck Studio for capturing all of those moments. The picture below is one of many I remember that will help me keep my memory of my wife that night for posterity. Give Megann a follow and see how she can help you.
Third, a special thank you to the staff at Social At The Stone House. The food, drinks and atmosphere were exceptional.
Lastly, to the woman who I’ve had the fortune to call my wife for eleven years. Here’s to many more memories, planned and otherwise, that remind each of us how we made it this far.
Happy Anniversary, Mrs.
