I've known Kelly pretty much all her life, but it was only about six years ago that we really became friends. I've seen her change and grow before my very eyes, and there are few things I find more inspiring than watching people become who God created them to be. This girl has navigated some rough waters, and she would be the first to tell you that she's not always done it perfectly. You know what I love about her though? She's so teachable. I've seen her mess up plenty of times. Honestly, it wasn't so much that I actually saw her mess up - she would TELL me that she messed up about this or that in conversations we'd have over coffee. I love that about her. She is so okay with saying she's been wrong, and she is authentic and vulnerable and courageous enough to say it out loud. In a world of full of people working to project perfection, Kelly doesn't. It's incredibly refreshing. I've wondered if maybe that's one of the things that made Tim fall in love with her. Speaking of Tim, I don't know that it's possible for there to be someone who is a better balance for Kelly. I've only just met Tim, but from what Kelly has relayed and from what I saw of the two of them together, God did good. Tim is quieter than Kelly, but not shy. During the time I spent with them, I'd hear him pipe into conversations with concise, well-thought-out points. Kelly is a girl with lots of big feelings and big heart, and Tim handles it all with so much calm. They are both strong people and I think that makes for the best kind of marriage.
Tim and Kelly met last summer at a friend's wedding. I remember the day that she stopped by my house and told me about her weekend and this guy she'd met. She was doing her very best to be even keel about the whole thing, but the bottom line? ...She really liked this Tim guy, and there was no suppressing the twinkle in her eyes.
Many a Facebook message and phone call later (Tim lived a few hours away so meeting up was a bit difficult), they decided to give the connection they'd formed a fighting chance to become what it really wanted to become - a real relationship.
Three short weeks before Kelly was scheduled to move to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute, they went on their first date.
Kelly has said that they've had such a unique and non-traditional dating experience, but it's been so right for them. Kelly moved back to Ohio around Christmas, and it wasn't long before Tim proposed.
If you've known Kelly for five minutes you've probably seen the expression she's wearing above. Fact: in real life and at the e-session she has a plethora of delightful and hilarious facial expressions that she'll pull out at will. I couldn't resist sharing just one.
I love for engagement sessions to feel like I just peeked in on what a real date night is like for a couple. Tim and Kelly love books so we wandered into the local library.
As a general rule, life is better adventured together, and when you find someone whose brand of funny matches yours - good times are bound to ensue.
Down the street from the library was a little coffee shop, complete with a wide variety of delicious chocolates.
So we'll end on this note because it's one of my favorites. I honestly have no idea what was cracking them up because I was across the room with my long lens, but they completely lost it and I wonder if it wasn't a little therapeutic. The back story is that their weekend hadn't been without stress. Sometimes the best thing to do is just escape for an hour or two. Laugh together. Remember what's really important. Have a little fun and you might just come out with new perspective and a heart that's been lightened.
Tim & Kelly, I'm beyond excited for your big day! You two are meant for one another, and it was so fun to have you in front of my lens!