Without even meaning to, this post is timed perfectly because it’s about renewed thankfulness! When Sam and I got in the car after this sunrise session, we had a few realization moments.

Fall is our crazy busy season meaning that between Weddings, Engagement sessions and consultation calls/meetings with our amazing 2017 brides and grooms, we are thinly stretched!  We have been LOVING every session and every wedding we’ve been invited to share, but we were also beginning to drag our feet midway through. Naturally, it also makes it challenging to find time to eat, sleep, workout and scoop the cat litter at an acceptable rate. (I’m really a slacker wife from Sept-Nov, sorry Sam!) 

We weren’t going to say yes to this session because we thought we needed a break, but I am so glad we said yes because what we actually needed a thankfulness checkup.

It was this session with Chris and Madeleine that gave us a renewed energy and the reassuring umpf that we needed to feel. It was a very special reminder of time. Time is a gift. 

Chris and Madeleine are in the beginning stages of serving this great country’s military, they’re engaged, they’re new puppy parents….and they’re long distance. Madeleine flew in from Missouri to see Chris (and their seriously adorable puppy Kobe) for the weekend, and to get their Engagement pictures taken with us!

Their jobs are all-succumbing; It’s physically, mentally and emotionally stressful AND THEN top that off with being states away from your loved one. Chris + Madeleine made this transitional season of their lives seem easy because of the way they candidly care for each other. When we were teaching them how to pose, Chris swept Madeleine into his arms and decided to make his own pose with his bride to be! (They’re going to have such a fun-loving marriage – I’m so excited for them!) 

The whole session had Sam and I swooning because they were so genuinely HAPPY to be together. They were completely relaxed in each other’s company. Even Kobe was happy to have both of his parents with him! They understand how precious time together is after long sprints of being apart. 

Chris makes Madeleine laugh until her sides hurt and he loves making her happy. We asked Madeleine what she was most excited for about being married to Chris. The question caught her off guard and when she looked at Chris who was smiling at her, she almost cried! She was literally so happy just thinking about what her answer would be, that she almost cried. So much happiness that you can’t even put into sentences. That was the best answer we’ve ever heard!  

x

We are so thankful to have met these two because 1.) They are without a doubt, head over heels in love with each other, which was such a joy to witness!! They spoke to each other warmly and kissed and cuddled even when we weren’t photographing them! Which leads me to our second reason 2.) They made us remember how special time was with each other after being long distance. They were so happy to be back together in person; They never took our their phones to scroll through newsfeeds because the only distraction they were interested in was each other. 3.) They had the most well-trained puppy which inspired us to admit we were ready for our own 3 weeks later. 4.) Because it reminded us of how thankful we are for the men and women serving this country. We are thankful for their servant hearts and their living example of selflessness.  

Chris + Madeleine, 

We adore you both! It was truly an honor and a joy to spend this morning with you both! Thank you for your service, thank you for making us laugh, and thank you for giving us a humbling thankfulness checkup! We are so excited for the fun and joyful marriage you two are going to build together! Please give little Kobe a big ol’ fluffy puppy hug from us! 

 

Love, 

The Tuckers