Images: The Oberports
This weekend was far from relaxing, but BOY was it awesome. Friday we went to the Nationals game – Evie’s first! And by a total random turn of events, we got to sit ON the dugout at the stadium. Like literally, my hands were ON the Nats dugout – it was SO COOL. Then we got up early to head to Philly for the day on Saturday to visit my sister, brother in law, and our niece Stella – we had some serious hang time, and ate some REALLY good pizza. Then yesterday we recooped slightly, but not without a trip to the burbs to have brunch with Andy’s cousins & Aunt. Serious family time you guys.
So I am a bit sleepy today catching up from all of that – but I’ll manage because on Saturday we start our journey to Vermont for ALL OF NEXT WEEK (!!!!). Lake house vacations in Vermont are my absolute favorite. I can’t wait for some serious R&R. But for today I have a SUPER RAD DC engagement session thanks to the oh-so-talented photography duo, The Oberports. Though they are based in WV, they make the journey to DC from time to time and I am ALWAYS pumped when they do, because that means I get a shot at featuring their awesome work. Today is no exception, as I share Julie & Emery’s rad Union Market engagement pictures in my home neighborhood of H Street/NE DC. Happy Monday all.
From Julie:
I actually don’t remember much from our first date. I remember that Emery was carrying sheets with him. Now, a couple years later I realize they were from free-cycle, a free listserv where other people’s unwanted things can become your new, free possessions. Although now as I write this, I am almost certain he told me he picked them up from a friend… as if somehow that was a better source of free sheets. Either way, it wasn’t very impressive at the time, especially not for a first date. But Freecycle would later give birth to a futon and our amazing record collection so he definitely moved up from those sheets. (Thanks for your diligence on that one, babe. A few bad record finds was definitely worth getting that one great one).
But free sheets and all, we ended up having an amazing date. What I do remember is talking about everything. I remember him actually being interested in where I was from and the road that led me to that day. He asked questions of which he was genuinely interested in the answer, a refreshing experience when so often in DC I found myself downplaying my roots in an effort to somehow highlight my credentials and fabricate a pedigree.
Emery is able to bridge my worlds in a way that helps me make sense of my own journey. With him I can be all sides of myself without fear of judgment. It is not that he makes me complete, but reinforces the fact that I am complete on my own. He compliments my attributes and minimizes my flaws in a way I cannot express. I have never felt as special and content as I do by his side. As we take on this new adventure, I only hope that we continue to grow together, creating a shared life experience full of big ideas, open arms and compassionate spirits.
—> CLICK INSIDE FOR THE REST OF JULIE & EMERY’S RAD DC ENGAGEMENT PICTURES <—
From Emery:
The question I’m getting asked the most is when I knew I wanted to marry Julie. It would be very romantic and convenient to say that I knew I was going to marry Julie the day I met her. We met after Julie first messaged me on OKCupid! with just a simple smiley face. We eventually set up a date and I found myself getting off the metro and headed towards the National Zoo. On hand, I had Freecycle sheets that I had finally gotten around to picking up for the bed in my apartment. I’m not sure what my first words were. I’m sure some of them included an apology for bringing a bag of sheets on our first meeting, but I do remember what I first thought when I saw her, how beautiful she was.
Our first conversation at Cleveland Park Bar & Grill treaded on regular first date territory, music, travel, past relationships, jobs, places lived. It wasn’t anything specific that she said but a glimpse into the path she had taken to get to that bar stool. A loving daughter and sister who grew up with a strong sense of family. A curious traveler who dared to make it a lifelong pursuit. A girl never living in extremes in the midst of becoming a woman living for every moment. Hell, it would be easy to say I knew I was going to marry Julie the weeks, months and year that followed. I didn’t; I just knew moving forward I wanted to live life just a little bit more for everyday.
