It was – as the saying goes – the best of times and the worst of times.  But in less poetic terms…it was actually 2004!

I got engaged that summer…I started building a new home with my soon-to-be-husband…and we had a handful of amazing adventures awaiting us in the not too distant future.  It was an exciting time.

But I was also sinking.  Suffering.  Losing myself in a sea of desperate misdirection.  I was going on my fourth year in politics and I came home from work crying almost every day.  The pace was too much…the people were too much…the knowledge that I was doing a job that was far too small for my spirit was all too much.  Then, one day, it all came crashing down on top of me when I showed up at my doctor’s office in uncontrollable tears.  I couldn’t breathe.  I couldn’t talk.  I couldn’t leave without something being different.  And that’s when this kind man – prescription pad in hand – gave me note to take two weeks off work and explained that it just might be time to consider a few changes.

And change is exactly what happened…

After two weeks spent resting and reflecting…I decided to accept a job in a whole new field…surrounded by whole new people…in an entirely new environment.  I traded in a giant paycheck for balance…electronic devices for more time with my friends…and – for the first time – I traded in someone else’s expectations for my own well-being.  And to this day, July 6th, 2004 marks the day that I made one of the best decisions of my life.

In the six years that I spent in this beautiful place, I learned…I laughed…I witnessed immensely remarkable moments…and most of all, I met some of the best people I’ve ever known.  People who – to this day – have remained some of my closest friends.

Dina is one of those people…one of those shining lights that came along in the midst of my darkness.  She took her radiantly beautiful soul and made each of my days better…without even trying…without even knowing.  She helped us celebrate our new home once the building was finally complete…she showered me with love when Hudson was about to make his arrival…and she supported my transition into photography every step of the way.  She loved me…she stood by me…she believed in me.

And best of all…she married Alain!  A man that is so perfectly suited for my beautiful friend that I’m incapable of envisioning one without the other.  Just when you think that one of them can’t get any better…they come together…and create something so special…the universe just beams with pride at its match made in heaven!

To have been a part of such a special occasion…during such a special wedding…for such a special couple…leaves me overwhelmed with gratitude.  Not just for the moments shared throughout the day…but for all the days leading up to it.  For all of the emails…for all of the lunch dates…for all of the heartfelt words shared over time…

Dina and Alain, thank you for your friendship…thank you for your support…thank you for inviting me to share in your life!  And without further ado – your wedding – through the eyes of someone who adores you to pieces… xoxo