Going back to the beginning…

This was the first picture ever taken of George and me. There we were, still “just friends” but the spark was there. We bonded over Death Cab for Cutie and living life as college students turned Starbucks baristas. I left things out of the conversation (for his sake) only to be prodded for more (much to my surprise). At work, I danced and shimmied behind him while he worked his magic on the espresso bar, just hoping to make him laugh. When he laughs, I’m sky high… Yet, as I acted a fool, George’s feelings increased by the day. He like-liked me. And he didn’t hide it for long…

But I was damaged goods. My confidence gone. I was merely a faded version of my previous self. And he deserved more than what I had left to give. Still, he pressed on… Checking the schedule at work, writing down both his schedule and mine, anticipating the days when we’d work together. But he wasn’t alone—I was doing the same. In spite of my hesitation, I looked forward to the moments we shared together, even if they were “strictly professional.” Or as professional as baristas can be…

And then we just… were.

And I won’t say we were made for each other. But we are made. George made me who I am today as I have made him. He is the sentimental soul that heals my bitter, ill-romanced heart. And I am freedom and the stroke of color his life had lost.

Going back to the beginning is the first step we must take when planning our wedding…again. We want to tell our story in it’s most raw and honest form so that others can tell theirs, just as deeply and full of passion.

Our beginning was shy, hesitant, curious, damaged, and yet, it was hopeful…

And hope is a really great place to start.