The Sweetest Devotion

I’ve been looking for you, baby
In every face that I’ve ever known
And there is something ’bout the way you love me
That finally feels like home

– Adele “Sweetest Devotion”

realized I never shared these images taken by the talented Brandy Jackson earlier this summer. She’s a film photographer and so talented! I posted some shots from the series on Instagram but never took to the blog since I was busy with blog collaboration work, I forgot to share more. I have a few more portrait sessions I need to share as I’ve collaborated with some incredible talent in the Valley.

So I’ve been home all week and during that time Benjamin’s cough worsened.  One morning I noticed he was coughing up a lung and had a hoarse voice. Meanwhile he proceeded to pick my tissues off the floor of the living room and refill my humidifier to make sure I was comfortable post deviated septum surgery. He also froze a cold cloth for my forehead as I sat on the couch feeling sorry for myself and start crying – the silent kind where tears roll down your face because I was incredibly frustrated and was feeling so much discomfort since the surgery.

I tried to make him breakfast to make sure he’s comfortable from his cough and tiredness – I couldn’t eat it myself with my lack of appetite and sore throat. Honestly entire body felt like death. I realized though we both felt so crummy and would have rather laid in bed, there we were trying to take care of each other. Marriage truly is the best!

While feeling icky, I forced to pull myself together for a photoshoot for a brand. I decided to do it immediately then and there (though makeup and hair is quite a challenge when you are feeling like you’re about to pass out) because I had a tight deadline. I also wasn’t sure if I’d feel better or worse over the next few days. I felt like I was going to pass out from nausea and feeling a mixture of fever and weakness as Benjamin tried his best, and God bless him for his help and positiveness. He is the reason why my brand is where it is today, he has put in the time and dedication to help me with photos, input, encouragement, and business ideas. I remember one day being frustrated with blogging and how difficult it was to do things on my own and he said, “Well how are these other bloggers doing it?” and I said, “Their husbands take their photos,” and he said, “Ok, then teach me.”

Benjamin has the most teachable spirit, one of my most favorite qualities about him. For instance, he’ll notice I’m folding towels different (thanks to Marie Kondo) and he’ll ask, “So I noticed we’re folding towels differently, you want to show me how to do this so I don’t have to refold them?” He might say also add, “So I don’t get yelled at later,” lol. But if there’s something I want to change or need help with, he’s always ready to jump in to help, or learn what my preferences are and adapt. I desperately need to be better at teachability but I’m much better because of his personality I am less resistant because he rarely wants to change me and anything he says is truly with kindness – not control like I’ve experienced in past relationships.

Thank you Brandy for these images, they should be our Christmas card photos – maybe I’ll use them (we took one recently over latest vacation). I love the last photo of us looking at each other laughing because that’s so us. Easy, having fun together even when we’re both under the weather.

Photography: Brandy Jackson / Hair and makeup: Lizzy Marsh

Diana Elizabeth had a good feeling about Benjamin immediately after meeting him for the first time. When they were talking and getting along she thought, “He’d probably be so easy and fun to date,” and she was right – he’s even more fun being married to!