There comes a point in everyone’s life when they long for connection and love. In our culture we often seek out love as if it is this fleeting thing that we stumble across every now and then. It is something that can come with sparks of joy and slowly fade. Our desire for connection makes us think we have to go out and find love, find that special someone whom we can be compatible with. We can try to seek purpose and meaning in another person, yet if they are solely relied upon for own our satisfaction, the relationship will fail. I think for me, through my faith and meeting and growing in love with Kayla, I have learned a whole new definition of what it means to love.
Love is not simply a feeling, or a desire to satisfy. It is an intentional and direct action to lay down your own needs and desires, in order to lift up someone else. A total selfless motivation. These actions support, protect, cherish, and encourage each other.
1 Cor 13 tells us that love is patient and kind, it does not envy and it does not boast and it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Getting to know Erika and Fraser last weekend was awesome. I could see clearly their love for each other, and the joy on their faces towards one another. We drove north together to Hardy Lake Provincial Park in Muskoka. It was a beautiful sunny day, and very cold. We got out of the truck and walked along the marked trails to the opening of the lake. The light was perfect and I knew we would get some stunning images.
We walked out onto the frozen lake and I directed them as necessary. The light just kept getting better and better, and the two of them were loving it despite the cold. The sun fell and we captured beautiful golden hour with the trees lit up in the background. On the drive home we saw the full moon rising, and thought we had to capture a few more. So we did. I love these sessions when the couple and I just click, and what I hope from every session with every couple is for there to be that connection and more importantly, trust.
Love is not self-seeking nor is it only a feeling. Love is an act of trust and a choice to lay down one’s life for another. To love your partner with your whole mind and heart, and to choose to love them even when you don’t feel like it. Marriage is all about self-sacrifice. And to me, that is the beauty of it.
I can’t wait to document these two on their wedding day in a few months! See below for the visuals from the day.
