Aug
03
Crystal is my vivacious, bubbly, gorgeous, passionate, blonde ;) best friend. I can’t say that we “hit it off” right away, but through a few mutual friends, one AP Literature class, 5:30am swimming, a bible study and a few summer hangouts at the breakwall awkward 16 year old me and the outgoing country girl from the UP became fast friends. So far our friendship has survived her moving to Indiana, my living in Mexico, our crazy full-time school + full-time work schedules and weeks without talking only to come out all the stronger.
Senior year of high school Crystal met a boy. A rather special boy at the time. They dated for a while, and Crystal headed off to school. Down at school, she met a steady, calm man named Jordan. He was just a good friend. Nothing more, nothing less. All the while Crystal was dating this other fellow (who turned out to be a lemon) she was oblivious to the fact the Jordan was falling, fell, fallen for her beautiful self. So just a few short months after Crystal broke it off with Mr. Wrong, Jordan, in no short time, made it clear to Crystal how he felt about her.
On my way down to Florida for spring break, I got a call. The call. A well planned hike filled with chocolate covered strawberries, monopoly money, and a shiny diamond led to what I had seen coming for a couple months ;)
Spring came with a flurry of wedding planning that is going to continue until their wedding next June. After a hilarious Skype session Crystal asked me to be a bridesmaid and photographer. Summer is now here, and brought a proposal of its own.
Sitting in the grass at the bay front park we were talking wedding, family and life. Then Crystal scurried off to her car mumbling about forgetting something, then came back with a little slip of paper. “I don’t know why I didn’t ask you to begin with!” She told me.
Crystal– I love you chika–yes chika with a “k” ;) I’m so happy for you and Jordan. He’s the perfect man for you, and it’s so clear the love and concern you share for each other. I can’t wait for your wedding next summer!
* * *
We did their engagement session last minute when Jordan was up north early this summer in Bay View, Michigan. It would have been wonderful to do their pictures at the university they met at, but it’s in another state so it wasn’t an option. I thought John Hall Auditorium in Bay View and the surrounding campus would have a similar university-feel and I loved shooting there. We even went inside and took some beautiful shots against the dark wood and glass windows.
