Being entrusted with a couple's story is a precious thing. They give you pieces of their history, and their words are wrapped up with I love you's and their first dates and traditions they've kept up and inside jokes they tell again and again. The way she looked adorable in art class. How he played cards with her and they had fun, lots of fun, fun that spoke of more to come. These small bits and pieces that make up a bigger story, a deeper story. And it's a blessing and a joy to be able to come alongside couples to be there to document a little of their story and to celebrate them.
Tyler and Shara grew up in the same small town. Shara's best friend was coincidentally, Tyler's younger sister. He was a grade older than her, had a girlfriend in high school, and come on, was her best friend in elementary school's older brother. She never thought of him romantically. They had an art class together and Shara laughed at how funny he was.
They first started to get to know each other through a mission trip to Iowa. They both went and both saw each other as acquaintances -- maybe friends. Then, one night, she was wide awake, wanting to do something and asking anyone if they wanted to play card games. And who but the sweet, older-brother-of-her-best-friend in elementary school, Tyler said he would? It was just the two of them up, playing card games and laughing and talking. A few friends winning and losing at Slap Jack and Baloney or whatnot.
Shara's senior year in high school, Tyler was going to the local community college, when she heard that he and his girlfriend had broken up. Later that year, they started texting, and then hanging out as friends. Just friends, of course. Then.....fast forward to a couple months later, and Tyler asked Shara out. They were giddy and sweet and goofy around each other. The transition from "just friends" into something more happened in a blink of an eye and they started dating that September.
A few years passed and they both knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Tyler was ready to propose but was adamant that it would be a surprise. September rolled around and Shara opened up her laptop to see a photo of her and Tyler on a newsfeed and under that, the question. She turned around to find Tyler on his knee and answered with a happy yes (a thousand times, yes)! After clicking "yes!" on the computer, it led to a video which played a song of theirs.
The first movie they ever watched together was Sweeny Todd and now they watch it once a year as tradition. Tyler used to make Shara watch his card tricks, and now she has to beg him to show them to him. They love taking walks by the lake together, going to drive-in movies, and spending time with their families. And they always have an inside joke -- in fact, every time they're together, they end up with another one. I loved watching how sweet they were with each other, and seeing how much fun they have together. They truly enjoy each other and go from being goofy to tender to serious to silly in a split second. These two exude joy -- they are smiley, happy, and oh-so-in love.
"We have so much fun doing nothing with each other and he understands me better than anyone."
They love the Lord, they love each other, they love their families, and they love people -- extravagantly, fully, and intentionally. They're very wonderful and I'm so excited for their wedding next year. Dear Tyler and Shara, please enjoy these photos! I can't wait to see you in June!
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