*Beep, beep*
Reaching over for the phone for the umpteenth text message in the past hour, the butterflies still tickle my tummy in anticipation.
“Think this guy’s the real deal,” I quietly but cautiously whisper to myself. The smile that the brief, yet flirty message brings stays fixed on my face
He’s not going anywhere. And neither is this elated feeling of happiness.
Ah, those early days of courtship; the excitement of a brand new love; the thrill in meeting your soul mate and dying to know every single detail about them.
But like with many married couples with a young family, the romance gets parked aside in the indefinite zone.
The predictability of domestic life takes over and while communication between you and your partner still exists, it’s all about how to function as a team.
The once seductive, spontaneous messages somehow transition themselves to this:
Affection and love is still there. It’s just sitting in the reserve tank for the moment. Once in a blue moon evening you find the energy to stake a claim for it.
Last year, I met the lovely Mish. Leaving the crazy pace of the corporate world, this bubbly and vivacious lady followed her love and passion for photography.
Serendipity nudged us to meet for coffee one sunny morning. Somehere out there, the Universe knew that I needed a little emotional and spiritual lift in my life.
So, when Mish asked if Mr Surfer and I would be willing to take part in her Beloved Photography, specifically set to capture couples in their most natural settings, I quickly agreed.
I knew straight away that this photo session was going to be different. Mish sent both of us a questionnaire to fill out in preparation.
It asked intimate, thought provoking questions like:
“When does your partner make you feel most loved?”
“What do you love most about your partner?”
“What are the 5 adjectives you would describe your beloved?”
And while these answers are embedded in the deepest parts of our hearts and our souls, they need to be resurfaced.
To be reminded of those feelings of devotion and adoration; to have them articulated back to us. The chance to return to base; floating back to that first day you fell in love.
While I knew it would be a special afternoon capturing some photos with Mr Surfer, I didn’t expect the outpour of emotion (and tears) in that beautiful, serene park.
The photo session was only an hour. But because we had entrusted Mish with confidential information prior, the captured moments were as real and raw as they could ever be.
Mr Surfer and I agreed it felt like we were renewing our wedding vows.
Not only do I have Mish to thank for producing some beautiful, timeless photos but for also giving us the opportunity to re-ignite all that love. Assuring us that while the romance isn’t currently in commonplace, it hasn’t gone far.
In fact, it’s still very much there. Stronger than ever.
***This isn’t a sponsored post. Mish is a personal friend and Mr Surfer and I agreed to do a complimentary photo shoot as part of her “Beloved Photography” series. Photos from the session were also kindly provided.
You can find out more about Mish’s stunning work and all about Beloved Photography over at her website and blog. You can also follow her on Facebook, and Twitter.
Joining the fantabulous Essentially Jess for IBOT
