Due to my full time job, I had to shy away from taking pictures – but after this weekend I have been rejuvenated, and have decided that pictures, memories, friends - are always going to be a part of my life – and when I can I will take them - because I get to capture the moments in other peoples lives.
Enter Paige.
Paige grew up literally 30 minutes away from my home town and I didn’t get to meet her until a mutual friend introduced us Freshman year of college. We have been close friends ever since. I called her “My Toree away from home”. We had ups and downs just like any friendship does – but remained friends even TEN years after we met in college.
Enter Ryan.
I remember meeting Ryan during Halloween weekend. He cared about her. I could immediately tell he cared about her. Now, they had just started dating and were still in the blissful stages, but I could tell every time we were with them – he genuinely cared. A few Halloweens later they were here celebrating with Gabe and I – and Ryan had told us that he had a ring and would be proposing in the next couple weeks. He didn’t know when or how yet but he knew he wanted to marry her. Funny – because Paige is very much like me – and later that night she and I had a conversation where she was sick of waiting, and didn’t understand why he hasn’t proposed – and my heart smiled deep down for the information I was told earlier in the evening. I simple replied – he loves you, this is going to happen for you, he IS the right one and it just has to be the right time.
Ryan proposed around the holidays – which again screamed Paige. Paige LOVES Christmas. So this was perfect for them. We went back to Penn State this weekend to take their pictures. Although Ryan didn’t go to PSU – Paige was thrilled to do the shots on campus, just making it extra special.
I love you Paige. I’m so incredibly happy for you.