Over the course of the last six months, Kimmie has grown to be so much more than an assistant or intern to me. We have built a friendship that I cherish so much. I had heard so many wonderful things about her boyfriend, Andrew. On New Year’s Eve, they came to countdown and celebrate 2014 with us and I was able to really experience their relationship firsthand for the first time. As they walked through the threshold of our front door, Andrew carried Kimmie’s bags for her, came in bearing a gift for my husband and I, and immediately asked if he could help me in the kitchen as we prepared for the arrival of our guests. He was thoughtful, genuine, and completely captivated by Kimmie. That first interaction was a testament to Andrew & Kimmie’s entire relationship. They are both such thoughtful souls, ever striving to serve and love other people.
As I hid from site behind curtains of ivy Sunday, my heart was racing in anticipation for their footsteps. After a few false alarms, I finally heard the familiar sound of Kimmie’s nervous giggles. Andrew was leading her, arm in arm, down the gravel path. Kim was blindfolded, and I could hear her whisper, ” I’m ready, can I look now?” Andrew would reply, “Not yet, just a few more steps.”
Finally, when they reached the picnic scene we created, Andrew removed the cover from Kimmie’s eyes. I heard her gasp and repeat, “ohhh my gosh!” over and over again. He led her to the blanket where they shared peanut butter and jelly sandwiched, green apples, and Reece’s Peanut Butter Eggs, just as they had on a similar picnic years ago when Andrew asked Kim to be his girlfriend.
What happened next was amazing. Andrew led Kimmie over to a bench where he gently washed her feet as she read a letter he wrote to her. He promised to love her as Christ loved the church, and vowed to spend the rest of his life loving her and serving her. The emotion in this image is so real…my favorite moment from the day. He asked, and she of course said yes! “Okay, Nikki! You can come out now!” Her ring is BEAUTIFUL! It was precious to see them revel in the joyous news as they called to tell their parents! Andrew MADE Kim’s ring box! They were elated (and I was grateful) to have some time for portraits! You’re so stunning, Kim! I can’t wait to see you as a bride! The dapper groom-to-be! Love. Congratulations, Kimmie & Andrew! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me to be a part of this priceless moment!
Love the photos- amazing job! Congrats Kimmie!
LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!! Congrats to these two beautiful people!!!!