The relationship began by Instagram stalking each other (by “relationship”, I mean mine and Asher’s). I’m not sure how I originally stumbled on her Instagram feed, but I was drawn to her missions photos, and how much they reminded me of my own missions experiences. Her commentary left me nostalgic for those crazy international moments and left me wanting more. Then, we found out that she had worked at Forest Home at the same time Christopher had, but didn’t realize it. SMALL WORLD. This is how we first became friends. Sort of unconventional, but really kind of awesome.
Asher and David participated in the World Race…. not to be confused with the Amazing Race. The World Race is a mission organization that sends people out into the world’s areas of need to give aid and minister to the hurting, broken, and poor. Participants go out for 11 months and do ministry in 11 different countries… everything from service projects, to construction, to VBS programming for orphans. And it was on this amazing World Race that David met Asher. Now, I would say it was love at first sight, but as with most mission organizations, there’s a strict “no dating” policy in order to promote team unity. SO…. as responsible team mates, they chose to respect the rules, respect their teams, and wait until after the trip was over. (Proud of you two! That’s so hard!) But that isn’t really the important part of their love story. I absolutely LOVE that they fell in love in a time of trial. Mission work is HARD. Yes, it’s fulfilling, but missions is HARD WORK. There’s rarely a decent toilet, rarely a shower, and you’re constantly giving of yourself…. even to the point when it hurts to keep giving. And for these two to fall in love in such circumstances, to me, is SOOOOO ROMANTIC.
Fast forward to earlier this year when Asher contacted me about wedding photography….. I almost peed my pants, I was so excited. We met in real life, hit it off ( to say the least), and have had SUCH a great time getting to know each other more and taking some SWEET photos. David and Ash are “my people”…. the kind who dig deep, talk candidly, love with their whole lives, and dream big. They fell in love in Malawi, they’re getting married this weekend in Berkeley, and then they’re moving to New York in pursuit of their dream job! I’m so honored they chose me to document their love story, and blessed by their friendship…. ahh….. seriously blessed.
