The sun beamed through a soft veil of clouds at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, casting the kind of golden glow that feels like it was made for moments like this. Hailey stood off to my left, Alex off to my right—facing one another, the distance between them humming with joy. I couldn’t see their expressions from where I stood, but I didn’t need to. I could feel their smiles, their energy, their love because it was radiating as effortlessly as the setting sun behind them.
“Ready?! 1, 2, 3, GO!” I called out, prompting them to run toward one another like it had been months since they’d seen each other. Hailey launched forward in an excited, joyful stride. Alex matched her energy, until he didn’t. He stopped in his tracks, stuck out his hand with the most mischievous grin and casually said, “Hey, I’m Alex, it’s nice to see you.” Cue all the laughter. Hailey burst into giggles, I doubled over in surprise, and Alex just stood there, grinning, clearly very pleased with himself. Turns out, he’d been planning that little twist the whole time. And as funny as it was, the twinkle in Hailey’s eye after that moment said it all. As if she loved him even more in that moment than ever before. Their playfulness, their laughter, their way of just being together? It was pure magic.
Of course, they re-did the prompt “properly,” twirling and hugging and laughing through it all. But that first take? That unexpected, hilarious handshake? That’s the one I’ll always remember. Because it wasn’t just funny, it was them.
Hailey and Alex are playful in the most refreshing, genuine way. Their relationship feels like inside jokes and spontaneous twirls, the kind of laughter that bubbles up from the heart. But beyond the humor is a deep, unwavering kindness. They’re the kind of people who remember the little things, who show up with thoughtfulness and love in every interaction. (I may or may not have shed a happy tear when they showed up with a gift for me based on something we'd chatted about when we first met.) They’re the type of people who make you feel like family. Who love each other with a quiet, beautiful certainty. And who love others just the same. Their energy fills a room with warmth and joy, and you can’t help but feel lucky just to be around them.
That moment in the field, when Alex cracked a joke instead of sweeping Hailey off her feet, was more than just a laugh. It was a reminder: not to take ourselves too seriously. To lean into joy. To find humor and happiness in the smallest things. Because life moves quickly, and sometimes, the best memories come from simply being your authentic, silly, wholehearted self.
Hailey and Alex, thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the laughter, the light, and the love you bring to every room you enter. I cannot wait to celebrate your wedding day and capture even more moments that are just so beautifully and unapologetically you.
