Our One Year Anniversary

My dear Chad,
A year ago, I was frantic. My laptop that contained my clients’ images was dead. Totally dead. We had already scheduled a date for that evening – our first legit one after having the talk about where our relationship was going. You showed up early with all kinds of crazy things I’d never seen before as well as your beloved laptop, and you got to work on trying to repair the issue. After spending a few hours working on it, you informed me that I’d need a new computer, but you were able to take out my hard drive, and you told me you’d leave me your computer with the hard drive plugged in so I could still do my work. You were my knight in shining armor, and you showed so much to me by that simple gesture – that you are kind, you trusted me, you are selfless, and you will do whatever it takes when I’m in need. You joke that I exaggerate how wonderful you are, but I still disagree and say that you are the best.

Over the past year, we’ve traveled together to four different states. We’ve almost killed over hiked to see cute baby ponies, we’ve sat cuddled in the hot tub under the stars in the mountains, we’ve been to insanely hot rock concerts, eaten at some delicious places, had our photos taken professionally (you know you enjoyed it), spent nights just binge-watching Netflix and Hulu, wrestled with Molly, got lost while trying to find PF Chang’s (how many u-turns are allowed?), argued over whether Molly will eventually have a lab sibling or goldendoodle sibling, received matching Frozen pajamas, had fun little contests to see who Siri will listen to during our shouting of “HEY SIRI!” (sorry for setting like 15 alarms starting at 4am), set up our two Christmas trees – a beautiful nature inspired one for moi, and a total nerd one for you, and we’ve just really enjoyed our time together.

But also in the past year, we haven’t had a single fight, we have had very serious talks about our future, you’ve held me and taken care of me as I dealt with illness for months on end, you’ve helped me through tough situations, you’ve given me pep talks before going into hard times such as friends moving away or me trying to do something scary and new in regards to business, and you’ve done nothing but encourage me while staying positive in any situation. Things like that are what matters – that feeling of being cared for, to know that someone truly has your best interest at heart, someone that keeps you stable and strong, and to be with someone that openly shows they care with acts of kindness.

The first time we ever met, I was not ready for anything. I had no idea what I wanted in someone because of all the confusion and hectic situations I was in with having really just started my business, debating on what to do about college, and having just started an eHarmony account (glad I’m not dead and lying in a ditch somewhere…). I had so many failed dates, and started looking for negative things in everyone right off the bat because a single red flag would be a boot right then and there. I had not been treated well in a way I should have in the past, and didn’t want to jump into anything without knowing 100% that it was the real deal. All of those issues are what made me curl up and block the world out, declaring that I’d stay single and try to figure out exactly what it was that I wanted. I remembered a friend had told me that she sat down and wrote out her wish list for her future husband with musts and wants. I decided to do the same thing, and I became extremely picky (me? Picky? No way!).

Written two years ago:
I want to have a husband that supports and appreciates me and my work. I want a guy that respects me, and treats me as a priority in their life, as I would do the same. I want a gentleman that opens doors for me, and offers to drive and pay half the time. I love my dog, and want someone that will love any dog just as much as I do. When it comes to religion, I just want someone that has similar beliefs as myself, but also someone that respects my views on certain subjects. I don’t want to be settling for just ‘okay’. I want to go out, and LIVE the life I dream of. I want someone who can set their mind to something, and go out to do that. I want someone that enjoys traveling, and would like to have me by their side when we go places. I want someone that wants a family one day. I want someone that can think of me in random moments, smile about it, and care. I want someone that appreciates their own appearance, and dresses with a nice sense of fashion. Obviously I want someone who smells amazing. It makes me drool a bit to think of that. I do want a guy taller than myself because in the past I’ve not had good experiences with men that are the same height or shorter. They can get a complex, and in heated moments it gets brought up. I can’t change my height, and I know I’m on the taller side. Deal with it. My ideal guy would know the perfect gift for me, and would like to surprise me with it. Do I even need to mention why this is important? Pineapple. That’s all I’m saying. I know that these things are being a bit picky, but it’s what I know I’d be comfortable with. My exes didn’t treat me the way I’d want to be treated. They were okay with only giving gifts under $15 for holidays or anniversaries. I’m not that person. If I care for someone, I will try to give them an amazing gift that I know they will love, and I may spend more money than I should in the process. That’s who I am. I love seeing people light up, and I suppose that is why I enjoy my business so much. Seeing people laugh and shed a tear over MY work is just… words can’t describe it. I feel so ‘whole’ with my career as a photographer, but I want that same feeling in someone I’m with.

When I got to a point of knowing what I wanted, and told myself not to settle until I found the right person, I was crushed with terrible dates. But remembering how kind you were, I suddenly just knew. We started talking again,and everything I’ve wanted was becoming clear with you, and I remember that night when I called my mom up just to tell her you had a pea coat in your closet. Omg. She laughed and said my priorities were a little crazy, but you really have no idea how happy that made me. Plus your closet? Amazing. As our relationship evolved into something stronger, I began realizing you are everything I could have ever hoped for, and you are everything I need. I know this post is filled with ooshie gooshie lovey dovey stuff, but it’s coming from my heart. You are such an incredible guy, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for such a great year together, and I look forward to many more with you.
With love,
Casey

Professional photos by Connection Photography
Hair by Mirror bomb Studio
Makeup by Erin Ashley Makeup