A picture like this one is worth a thousand words, but a picture this special also deserves a little bit of background. I met Suki my first week of college--they were that cool, unattainable friend of a friend who I'd occasionally hear about being generally badass. We existed in each other's periphery for our first two years at school together. When we finally started talking, it began as a silly summer flirtation over Snapchat, something I would not have dared to dream could turn into what it is now. When we returned from summer vacation just before junior year, Suki and I set a time to meet up on a warm August day. Even though I didn't know whether it was a real date or not (a common pitfall with non-heterosexual relationships) I was so nervous beforehand I'm fairly sure I was visibly shaking. But as soon as we sat down on a park bench together, my anxiety abated. Suki had brought half a bottle of white wine and a container of strawberries, which we shared with a very curious squirrel who literally came up to eat strawberries out of Suki's hand like they were Snow White, and I immediately relaxed in Suki's strong, bright presence. Even though it took me three dates to even kiss them (very uncharacteristic of me) I was already head over heels on that park bench.
Almost a year later, @joelaphoto took this picture of Suki and I at the Oregon coast. Even though Suki had never modeled before, this set was easily the most comfortable, fun, and I think best I've ever been a part of. The silly, adoring look on our faces says it all. I've been in love before and will be again (non-monogamy suits us both wonderfully) but the simple, steadfast warmth I feel towards Suki is so precious to me that to see it captured never fails to turn me into a gooey, romantic mess.
Thank you @joelaphoto for capturing this moment, and to @missy and @rambo for giving me a chance to share something so close to my heart.
