it takes a long time to grow young

                                                  Pablo Picasso

You've now hit a milestone, my love. And though you may dread it, I promise to make it a great fun! You know my heart well enough already to know how much joy you've brought in to my life.

You've changed it for the better when you've ignited my love for peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I never knew I could love PB&J as much as I do now when I never appreciated it before! Who knew it just had to be the right kind of jam - blackberry jam, and plain white Asian bread for me to be hooked on this delicious combo! Thank you for introducing me to this or I would've gone through life without knowing what delicacy I'm missing.

of the changing colors of fall and the things couples could do

Hoodies, crackling wood, raincoats, crisp air, puddles, and cuddles.
Fall is here.

I used to have an extreme dislike of Fall. It most likely stemmed from the fact that when we arrived in Canada a little over seven years ago, it was almost Fall. That meant that when I started working and commuting, it was both cold and raining - a very vast and uncomfortable difference from the tropical weather I was used to.

Being acclimated now and realizing it will always come knocking every year, I've learned to slowly embrace fall. I've slowly learned to appreciate the gloom, scarves, hot drinks (hello, PSL), crunchy leaves, orange, red, brown hues, fashion, and especially the cuddles that come with this weather.

of smiles and laughs captured at the laguna beach

we are ready to take on the world. together, hand in hand, always and forever.

of the summer that has gone past

Ain't nothing like them summer nights.

It is quite regrettable that Netflix and Chill had been our summer theme. The wild ride that we had because of our wedding had us craving for a chill time together. And chill we did! And anyway, we were on a wedding high and bliss for quite some time after and so we were content with just staying put in our cozy abode. Snuggles, are after all, never overrated. 

That be the case, we weren't cooped up all summer long. Although outdoor activities like hiking didn't happen, we still had the kind of fun we do enjoy now - married couple things, as Nick would call it.

of lifetime kisses, hugs, and feels

Marriage, a blessing that lasts a lifetime. 

I remembered being excited about the realization of my dream wedding. And on June 18, 2016, a wonderfully hot California Saturday, my dreams have come true.

This post could actually have a million other different titles but at the moment, nothing rings truer but the fact Nicholas and I will be sharing a lifetime filled with kisses, hugs and all the feels in between. He actually inspired that title (as he should) when I remembered him saying this to me last week when I said I was missing him a great deal. "I'll be waiting for you at home with feels and hugs." He's quite the affectionate and sometimes cheesy guy and I am forever grateful to God that he is who he is - no trouble showing and expressing his admiration and love.

of happy stress that is the wedding planning

I have found the one whom my soul loves.

Song of Solomon 3:4                                            

If this was at the start of the year, this post's title would sing an entirely different tune. It won't definitely not be happy stress, just plain old stressful stress. If that even makes sense. It's only a little over a month away, mind you, so I think I'd be forgiven if I turn into bridezilla, but really, I am starting to see my vision materialize before my very eyes that it doesn't matter that much that there's a GAZILLION things to do. 

Centerpieces, flowers, backdrops, groomsmen vests, my maids of honor's dresses - you name it, and it's probably still on the list! Heck, even my dress is on that list! When I told my friends stuff that still need to get done, they're the ones who started panicking and said, "Oh my God, I can't breathe for you!" But I just shrugged. Things have a way of turning out okay anyway. Or I should say, God has a way of turning everything out okay.

of that friday smile

Look back, and smile on perils past.

Walter Scott                                                    

Nicholas has a new toy to add to his ever-growing collection of studio lighting equipment. He is such a strobist (aka one who likes to use strobes to light his subjects). And because he is still an amateur and don't know a lot of subjects, there I am again, happily posing in the cold.

Well, I was until an hour into it and we still couldn't get the shot that he wanted. I'm a terrible model, but maybe only to him cause I can whine and complain, the basic dynamics of our relationship. I'm kidding. I vow to support Nick in whatever he sets his mind to so I will stand in the cold, despite my complaining, so he could practice his skills. This shot makes it all worth it, though! I really want him to find his style and I think he's slowly starting to see a vision of it.