Together

I first heard about Lauren Ashley last year when I randomly came across an advertisement for her photography. I really needed professional images for a press packet at the time, because I was in the midst of closing a television syndication deal, and there were few if any trendy photographers in my area.  I have to say that from the very beginning I thought that her work was absolutely amazing, but I would also be lying to you if I said that her photography was the first thing about her that I took interest in.  She had the mot amazing eyes I'd ever seen.  There was a glow about her, and it was painfully obvious that she was more than unique.  She was extraordinary, and I knew that before the very first time I even saw her in person.  I was so drawn to her, and as many times as I've told her that since then, it never seems to get old to me.  I love reminding her of how she seemed to change my life, before we ever even met.  I sent her a random message, asking if I could book a shoot with her, because time was running out on my syndication deal and I desperately needed professional images for my marketing packages, and as I say that now, I can truly understand why it must have appeared to her that I was anything but sincere.  A guy, nine years her elder, messaging her to ask about doing a photo shoot?  Yeah.  It must have seemed a little shady, and I realize that now.  That must explain why she refused to book me.  Ha, the ever-universal excuses seemed to abound.  "I can't do shoots in Alabama."  "I don't have transportation."  "I can't fit in in."  The list could go on and on.  I began to realize that I was seriously being rejected when once, only moments after reading, "I can't shoot you because my camera is broken," I find a Facebook status that advertises, "Photo shoots in Tupelo this weekend!"  Okay, okay, I can take a hint.  I can take rejection okay.  If that was what came from asking for a legitimate photo shoot for business, I can't even begin to imagine the rejection I would have gotten if only I had told her that she had the most amazing eyes I'd ever seen.  Or the most beautiful lips, for that matter.  It's funny how things have a way of working out, isn't it?  I mean one day you're minding your own business, spending the day in your usual way, when suddenly, and rather unexpectedly, everything changes.  Everything.  Changes.  That's what she did to me, and she didn't even seem to know it.

I'll never forget months later, getting that message from her that caught me off guard.  She had just ended a very painful relationship, and she messaged me.  I don't know why really.  To this day, I'm still unsure, but I'm so glad that she did.  Something had changed.  Something seemed to be pushing us toward one another.  I for one was so glad.  I say this to simply say that everything has a way of working out.  The things that we want and desire exist for a very real reason, and God knows that, I think.  There are so many things that we will never understand about this life, about relationships, and most of all about love, but our hearts understand it all.  It sees clearly.  It leads us forward and without fear, letting us know the right path to take.  The right road to travel.  Most of all, the right hand to hold.  Never be afraid to follow your heart.

Love, Lauren Ashley and Drake

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