Five years ago, we were elementary school teachers, hustling hard on nights and weekends toward our dream of becoming full-time professional photographers. On most Wednesday evenings, probably in the middle of Amy editing a session and Jordan washing the dirty dinner dishes, we paused our workaholism for one hour to attend a neighborhood small group through our church. That’s where we met Paul. We liked him from the start. He was kind and thoughtful, someone driven by bettering himself and being there for others. He was so sincere and insightful, in fact, that within a few weeks, Jordan nicknamed him The Apostle Paul.

Not long thereafter, Jordan was up early before work for coffee dates with his new buddy. A few Starbucks dates in, Paul told Jordan that someone special had walked into his life. Nikki. But if you know anything about Nikki, you know she didn’t walk in. She dazzled. Because few women have a smile or spirit or way of being that lights up a room like her. She’s so remarkable that even Paul, the careful planner and thoughtful thinker that he is, didn’t have to think about much. Because when you’re walking down the street and your hopes and dreams appear mid-step, you don’t question if it’s real. Or if you’re ready. Or if you deserve it. You grab hold, thank God and never let go.

That’s exactly what he did.

From one of the most romantic proposal stories you’ll ever read (and see), to the destination wedding of their dreams, Nikki and Paul have become one of our most recognized  couples.

Quite simply, we believe, because their joyfulness is something that can’t be missed.

Nikki and Paul, as you read this, you’re on a beach somewhere in the middle of the Mediterranean. Soaking in the sights. Basking in the warmth of the sun. Reminiscing about the past and dreaming about what the future holds, always mindful, like you are, of who holds it. In the midst of all that, we hope you get a chance to look back to your anniversary session a few weeks ago in the sweltering 100-degree desert temperatures. That will serve two purposes: 1. You’ll be even more grateful for where you are right now. The rest of us are dying of heat exhaustion. 2. It’ll serve as a beautiful reminder that your hopes and dreams aren’t something you’re searching for any more.

Because, if you turn your head, it’s sitting right next to you.

Happy three years, friends. Here’s to many, many more.

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