Zane + Jake | Boyce Thompson Arboretum Engagement Session

Boyce Thompson Engagement Session

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Starbucks. Tuesday Night. 6:30.

I walked in, my favorite aroma faithfully greeting me.  And there they were.

They jumped up and greeted me, offering me some coffee which I surprisingly declined.  Maybe I was nervous.

This wasn’t just any interview.

This wasn’t my typical consultation with the bride and the groom.

No.

There, sitting at the table in Starbucks was the mother and father of…

the bride.

Gulp.

Now I know how Jake felt.

There was one thing that was very clear from the get go, Carolyn and Griff love their daughter and I love how much they love her.  As a parent of two little ones, I love when I can sit down and talk with parents who have walked the road in front of me.  I know when they talk to me and hear my stories, they remember their own like it was yesterday and when I hear theirs I am reminded how quickly time goes.  As my oldest is approaching kindergarten next year, I’m holding on to every second as tight as I possibly can!  But I’m always so encouraged when I talk to parents like Carolyn and Griff because the parent-child relationship doesn’t end when they grow up.  It changes into a beautiful type of relationship that is absolutely priceless.

After we shared our fun stories, I walked them through what an entire wedding experience looks like with me and before we left, we were already scheduling the engagement session.

I walked away from that meeting knowing that I’d just met my new favorite people.

And the fun was only just getting started.

This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting both Zane and Jake for their engagement session at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. I love that place every time I go, but this time…this one took the cake. (Is that a saying or do I just want cake?)

These two will both be graduating soon with their masters from GCU. Their masters you guys. (Fun fact: Zane graduated from community college before high school. Man, if I could go back and do it all again…)  Zane and Jake are two driven individuals.

Zane and Jake,

This is only the beginning.  Your story may have started at the GCU hot tub but that is just the prologue to the greatest adventure you will ever experience.  Walk it hand in hand.  (Notice I said walk, not run) because these precious moments come and go so quickly.  I always used to cringe when people told me it went by quickly…probably because I don’t like being told what to do 😉  I’d just smile, nod and say, “oh yeah, don’t I know it”, but now that I’ve had a little more experience under my belt…I’m learning they are right!

Always put each other first.  Jake, love her.  Zane, respect him.  Jake, don’t forget those little anniversary gifts Kim told you about, Zane support him as he becomes the head of your household.

Honor the Lord, honor each other.

Zane, I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle.

Blessings,
Melodee

 

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Emily + Daniel | Flagstaff, Arizona Engagement Session

Flagstaff, Arizona Engagement Session

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The sun had set. The temperature had cooled, way to cool for us Phoenicians. We made the drive down off the mountain, our final location for their Flagstaff, Arizona engagement session. We pulled into a little burger joint, where the health code was certainly questionable. But when the food is that good, who cares that the workers were eating the left over milkshakes behind the counter…right?

We sat down with our plates of burgers and fries and that’s when he prayed. Not a solemn, everyone bow-your-heads-before-your-plate-of-food-prayer. But a simple prayer. He blessed the food and ended with the sweetest words, “I’m so excited to marry her.  Amen”.  I think I could hear their hearts leap from across the table.

I’ve loved watching these two grow. They’ve been dating, two years today and have one more year before they tie the knot. These two are disciplined and driven in relentless pursuit of their dreams.

Emily is currently student teaching (which brings back so many memories for me) and as we made the winding trip up to the peaks she shared with me her daily motto, “be the person you needed when you were little.” She wakes up every day, determined to be something to someone. Emily, I want to be like you when I grow up.  Never let the weight of the world rob you of your sweet spirit.

Daniel has his sights set high in hotel and restaurant management, and no doubt he’ll achieve his goals in record time.  Daniel, your leadership,  determination and integrity will drive you to the top!

Emily and Daniel, whatever expectation you have of marriage and the life together after, “I do,” crumple it up and throw it away.  Whatever ideas the world have standardized as normal, forget about them.  The perception that has become your reality, forget it all.

Because it’s so much better.

It’s better because it’s what God has designed.  It’s better because marriage is a direct reflection of how Christ loves His church.

Daniel, love her fiercely.  Emily, love him unconditionally.

Emily, love him intentionally. Daniel, love her sacrificially.

Daniel love her honorably.  Emily, love him patiently.

And always, always, keep Christ in the center.  He will direct your steps.  He will establish the work of your hands.  He will bring hope.  He will bring peace.  He will bring joy.

Get ready for the best time of your life.

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