Picture this: a warm October day, the sun casting a delightful glow over Lighthouse Landing in Evanston, IL. Another October session on the beach. What a blessing that is! It was just us four. Crazy-in-love Christine and Eddie, accompanied by their furbabe Tohru, and lil' old me admiring them with the biggest smile on my face. Are you transported back to that bright, sunny day yet?
We stood on the beach. The waves were gently lapping at the shore as the sun began its descent. Sweet Tohru was cozily resting nearby in her crate. I had Christine and Eddie running all over the beach. Twirling around. Christine jumping into Eddie's arms. And all the cuddles. Lots and lots of cuddles. It was honestly a dream come true. And just as I thought their session couldn't be anymore perfect, I posed my usual question, "anything else you two were hoping for?" In an instant, Christine's radiant smile lit up the beach even more than the setting sun. She turned to Eddie with a glisten in her eye as she playfully asked if they could dip their toes in the water. And to both of us gal's delight, Eddie eagerly agreed. In a heartbeat, he rolled up his jeans and took Christine's hand. And they both joyfully ventured into the chilly water. The initial shock of the cold water elicited joyful squeals from both of them, but that only lasted a brief moment. At that point, they were immersed in pure bliss. And the endless giggles ensued. As carefree as the birds, they chased each other, gave piggyback rides, and splashed around like a scene right out of a movie.
That's truly the best way to describe this moment. Actually, let me rephrase that. Christine and Eddie's entire love story can be described by this moment. Movie-esque. Romantic. Playful. Down-to-Earth. And so incredibly endearing to watch. These two just have so much joy and happiness to share with each other and everyone around them. Their laughter is infectious. And they truly never stop smiling around one another. My cheeks hurt just writing this post because thinking about this beautiful day and being able to witness the love that these two have for each other makes my heart so incredibly happy. Beyond the happiness it brings, this joyful moment that Christine and Eddie shared was so much more than that. It was a beautiful reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Their spontaneous dip in Lake Michigan served as a testament to the importance of embracing moments of silliness and spontaneity with our loved ones. I like to think that this is how Christine and Eddie approach life in general. They both strike me as free-spirits. Not in a sense that they don't have cares or worries, but in a sense that they don't take things too seriously. They love to laugh together. They love to have fun. And they can unabashedly be themselves, even if that means being a little silly at the beach. I strive to be like Christine and Eddie. I know it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So I'm using this amazing moment and these wonderful people to remind myself to pause, let go, and soak up the joy of simply being.
Christine and Eddie, thank you for this beautiful reminder. I know in the moment you didn't think that soaking up the last bit of the warm day and enjoying a hearty laugh with each other would be so inspiring, but that's exactly what it is. You two are inspiring in every way one can be! In the way you two love and care for one another and Tohru. The way you make each other laugh. The way you love and support those around you. The way you can simply be yourselves. I just adore you two and am so incredibly thankful that you have chosen me to tell your love story. My heart is so full and I cannot wait to celebrate with you two in July!
