Nik and Charlotte have such an amazing love story. I actually spent weeks thinking about their blog post, long before I ever stepped foot behind my lens to photograph them. Despite attending different universities, living for four years in different states, and battling the challenges of being young and in love in this cynical world, they’ve remained together for nine years. And next year on August 3rd, 2013, their tenth anniversary, they will finally be wed.

Happiness seeps through their pores when they’re together. They’re laughter was so contagious. I’m not sure who had more fun at the session, them or me and my sister-in-law, Jennie, whom I brought along as my partner in crime for the shoot.

And oh, there’s no doubt. They love each other. To itty, bitty pieces.

She’s a beauty. Inside and out.

For Nik and Charlotte, the theater in these images are a sacred place. It was where their relationship began, and also where Nik proposed last Christmas. He had even saved the ticket stub from all those years ago (I’ll pause for the inevitable “AWW” coming from female readers)! The building is scheduled to soon be demolished, therefore, it was vital that we get these pictures done muy rapido! I’m sure if the building were to still be there next summer, and it had any resemblance to a southern plantation, Charlotte would no doubt plan their nuptials there.

What started as puppy love bloomed into a strongly founded romance that will surely last a lifetime. I couldn’t be happier for my beautiful friend, and her very sweet fiance.

At the end of one of my best sessions to date, “Sidekick Jennie” (as Charlotte calls her) and I did our victory dance. By the way, our version of the victory dance involves a breathtaking sunset, an impromptu ice cream adventure, and lots of music by Calvin Harris.

“..And there’s no stopping us, right now!”

To lasting love, and summer sunsets, and dandelion wishes. Cheers!