He wrapped his arms around her waist, and with an intake of breath, picked her up and lifted her over the snow. She let out a fit of giggles. I had asked them if they’d be willing to forge into an unplowed area to take a few shots, shots I promised would be worth it. Sam was worried about Ablavi’s shoes getting filled with snow — so in an unintentional bid for fiancé of the year, he carried her over to the spot I had motioned to, not seeming inconvenienced in the slightest, even as his own dress shoes were buried deeply in snow.

This moment stuck out to me because it embodied so much of what I had observed over and over during our time together. More than a couple, they seem like best friends, truly enjoying each other’s company and laughing frequently. Capturing them reminded me of everything I love about my job. And don’t even get me started on how much my camera loved them!

Ablavi and Sam, thank you for allowing me to capture what is just the beginning of your love story together. I hope these images will serve as a reminder, years from now, of where you started and how far you’ve come. I’m wishing you years of happiness, fun, and adventures, even better than the ones you’ve already lived together.

Xo,

Celisia