Have you ever have a friend who you’ve known your whole life, been extremely close to, and then as you grew up you barely ever saw each other, but EVERY time you got together it was as if nothing every happened and you were still the best of friends?

That pretty much describes my friendship with Abby. We’ve known each since we were probably 4 or 5 years old, and have been very close since the beginning. Life has taken us all over the place, though, and sometimes we have barely been able to see each other once a year. However, our friendship holds a depth that no other friendship of mine has. Together we’ve grown in faith, through relationships, struggles, tears, and joy. I’m convinced that ours is truly one of those that will never die!

Abby stood up as my maid of honor in my wedding one year ago. Now, my heart is extremely happy that it is HER turn to marry the man of her dreams!

BACKGROUND:

Roman and Abby met in high school and dated for 3 and a half years. To everyone, they were perfect for each other and it was “obvious” that they were going to get married. God had different plans though, and they broke up as they went off to college and realized there were some areas of their lives that weren’t exactly on the same page.

For 3 years, they continued their lives without seeing or talking to each other, went on random dates, and yet all the while still had a hard time getting over each other.

Who would have thought that during that time God was just preparing them to finally be ready to unite in marriage?!

To make a very long, beautiful story short: they saw each other again in 2013 for the first time, and decided to grab coffee together. It became apparent after not too long that they were ready to be together again. This time for good.

Roman contacted me a couple weeks ago and asked if I would be willing to photograph the proposal. “Um, is this a question?!” I thought. Not only had I been dreaming of photographing a proposal for the longest time, but to have it be my best friend? Amazing.

THE PROPOSAL:

Roman chose a spot that they frequently visit on dates, and we found a bench that was secluded and perfect. I hid in some poky, bare bushes hoping that Abby wouldn’t look my way.

As they sat on the bench talking for a few minutes, Roman reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to show Abby a video. It was a homemade recording of himself answering some key questions about Abby, his love for her, and their future together. As she sat watching the 8-minute video, Roman excused himself to “the bathroom,” but secretly hid behind the tree nearby. The video finished with instructions for Abby to stand up and walk a few steps behind her, and that’s when Roman came out from the tree and got down on his knee.

I’m not gonna lie… it was a precious, real moment that I was so blessed to witness. I fought back the tears as I tried to focus the camera and capture the moment. I think what made it even more special was just knowing their story and how God had orchestrated everything perfectly, even when it had been confusing for them.

FIRST KISS:

Oh, yes. And one tiny little detail to add. The photo of them kissing under the trees is their FIRST KISS! I’m in awe that even after over 3 years of dating, they had saved such a sacred moment for so long. It will forever be one of the sweetest photos I’ve ever taken.

Love you both, Abs and Ro. I pray God’s tremendous blessing over your marriage and life to come.

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