How Edward and I Started Dating | Our Story & Encouragement | Christa Rene Photography

I know you all have seen bits and pieces of Edward, but I’ve never actually blogged our story! Here’s a little about Edward and I, and our relationship! I can’t help but look back and see God’s hand over everything. We both talk about how the timing of everything was so perfect that it definitely wasn’t our doing.

Edward and I were in school together since pre-school (all the way through college), and neither of us showed any interest in the other the whole way through school until the last year! To be honest, we weren’t even that great of friends! SO crazy since we’re getting married soon!!

Our sisters are best friends, and we were at the same private Christian school so we of course knew of each other! Edward was student body president in high school, on the soccer team, and I thought he was pretty cool! To be honest, I always viewed him as leagues above me haha! He was always really nice, but we both had our own groups we hung out with.

Fast forward to our last year of college. We were both single, and our sisters jumped at the opportunity to become related ;)) They tried to set something up, but it didn’t really spark anything between us. And to be honest, I really needed that time! I heard comments like, “That must be hard being a wedding photographer being single.” But seeing my couples on the happiest day of their life just gave me hope instead of making me feel down. Or my favorite question, “Do you want to marry a wedding photographer?” I honestly didn’t care what they did, I just wanted someone who’d love me and support my dreams and work! And don’t be fooled, I liked being single but I still really wanted to find someone, just the right person!

We went through senior year, and second semester started hanging out in the same group together- a lot! When I was around him more, I saw how incredibly kind he was to everyone. He wasn’t arrogant and proud, but would ask others how they were doing, put others first, and always had a smile. I’d talk to him more but was super awkward since I liked him and am horrible at flirting, but whenever we talked he was so sweet to me and always gave good advice for whatever was going on.

I became more and more interested the more I got to know him, and then he asked me to go to the beach with his family for spring break! I’m not really sure at what point it could count as a first date, but I’d say going on a family vacation counts as a few first dates! We spent a bit of time together, but it was the very end that was best! I had left my car halfway on the way there since I had to leave early to shoot a wedding. So the plan was for him to drive me to my car, which was halfway, then return to the beach while I drove home. Except he missed the exit and the 2-hour car ride turned into 4 hours! But that time together was so valuable, and we talked about a lot of things. Not just light conversations, but deeper conversations that I think are really necessary and helpful before going into a relationship (which is partly why we missed the exit!)! I think it was at that time we both knew we’d want to date!

He let me know a week later he was really interested in me, and we started going out! Our first date after the beach was going to see Zootopia, dinner at a Chinese drive-thru, bowling, and McDonald’s ice cream after! And it was absolutely perfect!

But the not so glamorous side: I’ll be honest, I was REALLY nervous about dating Edward. Not because he did anything wrong, but I had been really hurt the year before. I’m not trying to get pity or anything, but share that I was putting WAY too much pressure on myself, on the situation, and on Edward. I really didn’t want to go through a breakup again, so I wanted to be 100% sure about this before we got too close or became official. But the reason you date is to figure out if you’re sure, so I worried way too much about it. I move fast through general things in life- not relationships, but work, things that need to be done, etc. Like too fast. I like things to get done asap, I didn’t really like waiting on something or someone, and felt like I could do so much with my business being single! I can be pretty type A which while that’s helpful for staying on top of things in high-pressured situations like weddings; it is also to the point of it being a fault. I also was a full-time college student, so time was pretty limited and I got used to just rushing around everywhere!

Edward takes his time. He enjoys each day and remembers it’s a gift. He stops to enjoy the small moments instead of blowing past them like I was. He drives around with nowhere to go, just to enjoy the ride. While that sounds calm and peaceful, there’s me next to him frantically pulling up my maps on my phone figuring out the quickest way to get from point A to B, feeling anxious stopping in a drive thru to get food since we might not be somewhere non-important in time. I was really nervous about this balance and selfishly didn’t want to be held back (super selfish & controlling, I know!)! But it has been a balance that has actually HELPED me so much!

Because of his patience and encouragement, my life looks a lot different than it did before Edward. This balance was something we both worked on, and it has allowed me to grow SO much. Instead of pressuring me when I tell him I have SO much to do, he reminds me there’s tomorrow. That it will be ok. To be patient with others and himself if they move slower than me. To keep in perspective what’s really important. To not be anxious about things I can’t control. To enjoy each little moment instead of trying to get to what’s next. And that I don’t need to panic and go apply at Publix whenever I hit a booking slow (I can be a little overdramatic ;))!

Whenever I needed more time trying to figure out this relationship I so didn’t want to begin just to end, he always gave it. Whenever I freaked out about what could happen if we started an official relationship, he calmly assured me we’d be ok and he wasn’t going anywhere. And whenever I needed to talk to him about what was going through my head, he’d listen. He never made me feel like a burden. Only really, really loved. Like going to get medicine for me at 11pm when I was really sick, or not letting me go to the gas station by myself when I was on my way home late but insisted on coming, and telling me I was beautiful when I looked horrific. We weren’t even official then, so that assured me this would be something to give a chance.

And it has been the best decision. A few months after telling each other we were interested, we were on top of Bald Rock at sunrise (or close to sunrise since we sometimes both struggle with mornings!). He asked me to be his girlfriend then we prayed for God’s hand on our relationship. A year and half later, he asked me to marry him, and it was the easiest “yes” I’ve ever said! And you better believe I’ll be sharing our proposal story soon!

I wanted to share more about this amazing man with you, but also encourage those who maybe were like me. Afraid a relationship would just lead to hurt, slow you down, or that you can’t change for the better being with someone else. Or maybe you had a plan and feel like it just was shattered, I understand. Not what you’re going through, but what a struggle it is to open your arms and remember God has something bigger going on.

Thinking of our story reminds me that God’s plan is so much better than mine. I had a set plan before Edward, and it fell apart. I remember during that time clinging to Psalm 61:1-2 “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” God didn’t take the pieces and build a new plan, he lead me to the higher plan He had for me all along, but I just couldn’t see it then! And it’s more joy, peace, and love than I could have EVER imagined was possible!!

I’m so thankful for our journey, how God had our paths come together at just the right time! Getting to love the person most that loves me the most is the best, and can’t wait to marry this amazing man come September!