O.K. Sigh, let me just begin by saying that every wedding, engagement and proposal shoot I do is special.  This one however, this one had all the feels that were colored by a distant sense of nostalgia.  I haven’t seen Albert in a very long time, maybe over ten years?  Back in collage I decided to shake things up and ship myself off to Madrid for a semester abroad.  I knew the word “hola.”  My little brother gave me some solid advice about that.  He said, “Val, all you need to know is como se dice.”  The little brother was right!  That question took me pretty far when communicating in Spanish!  I also did not know a single person going on this trip and for whatever reason I was not very intimidated by that notion.  I dove into the whole experience wanting to be changed for the better.  I was changed for the better.  But not only was I changed, every one that went on this trip emerged a more complete version of themselves.  Our group was amazing.  Each person was open and available and there was a very real sense of community among us.  It was this sense of community that allowed us to get to know each other really well, really fast.  We all had fun together.  We all studied for tests together but mostly, we adventured together and created memories we knew would last a life time.  We were all so close and even though our lives have gone in many different directions, there is a connectedness that I know we all still feel.  So, when Albert got a hold of me to be a surprise photographer for his and his now fiance’s big moment I was so elated for them.  When the day came I think I got almost as misty as these two, watching through my lens, hoping Eloise wouldn’t notice what I was trying so hard to be super spy like about as to not ruin the surprise.  She didn’t suspect a thing!  Yay!  These two.  I don’t think there were happier people on the planet that afternoon.  Albert and Eloise were both so radiant and brimming with excitement.  Life is about connectedness and love and you can really feel that in these two.  You guys! I’m so happy for the both of you!

(Also, how cute are they as a couple?!  The coordinating outfits?  Not planned.  They are just on the wavelength like that!)