You know those love stories that are difficult to put into words? This is one of them.  I’m sitting here writing, trying to find the words to explain how something so beautiful can be born out of heartbreak, but that’s what Krissy and Dave’s love story is.  Their Lake Mohawk Engagement Session was so special for me, and I’m going to do my best to give justice to their love story.

 

I’ve known Krissy and Dave for years, and have been friends with Dave since we were teenagers.  I’ve known Krissy for just as long, and I watched as she had to grow up faster than anyone ever wants to as she became a single mother to Hayden, when her husband Alex passed away while Hayden was still in the womb.  Through the tragedy, Krissy made a choice that Buch’s life would continue to be celebrated and not mourned, and to this day, Alex remains a huge part of their family, even though he’s in heaven.

 

A few years into Krissy’s new world as a single mother, she ran into Dave at the gym.  They had known each other for years but they were never really friends until years after high school.  Eight years post high school to be exact, Krissy and Dave exchanged numbers at the gym. Dave texted Krissy that night and they made plans to meet up in Warwick for drinks.

 

Needless to say, the date went great, and from then on, I remember new pictures popping up on my Facebook of the two of them.  Not too long ago, I remember seeing a picture they posted of them buying their first home together in Lake Mohawk and I knew it was for the long haul.

 

A few months after that I got an email from Krissy about being their wedding photographer, although they weren’t yet engaged, she figured it was coming soon! She was spot on, and just weeks later, I saw their proposal pictures on my news feed while they were in Vermont.  Dave planned the whole proposal, coordinating a hidden photographer to capture the moment perfectly! I LOVED seeing this, and it was not long after that I was getting another phone call from both of them to be their wedding photographer.

 

We waited and planned and dreamed up the perfect session.  An engagement and family session, capturing their tight knit trio that Dave has so lovingly become a part of.  Dave entered Hayden’s life when he was a toddler, and was quick to become best buds with him. Since Hayden never got to meet his dad, (that they refer to as Daddy Alex) Krissy never heard Hayden say the word Daddy until one day Hayden started yelling it out from the bathroom!

 

Krissy and Dave looked at each other, confused, and emotional, and Krissy told Dave it was up to him how he handled the situation and if he wanted to be called dad, as long as he stayed consistent for Hayden’s sake.  Krissy respected if he wasn’t ready, but assured him it was a decision that had to be made between Dave and Hayden. Later that day, Krissy got a phone call from Dave saying he talked to Hayden and had Hayden choose what he wanted to call him.  Dave told Hayden he was okay with whatever he decided, and Hayden said he wanted him to be his daddy. Dave told Krissy, in tears, that he would happily be “Daddy” and on that day, hayden adopted Dave, and they became a family of three.

 

Needless to say, it was so important for us to incorporate Hayden into their session, while still making time for the two of them (besides, a 4.5 year olds attention span only last so long, especially when I don’t have ANY Spiderman jokes.)

 

We started their session on the Lake Mohawk boardwalk, where they bought their first home as a family.  After strolling the boardwalk, enjoying a Moscow Mule at Kroghs, and walking hand in hand with Hayden, we took a drive up to Vernon to end their session at Minerals, where Krissy and Dave first noticed each other.  (They exchanged numbers at the gym, but we opted for golden hour pictures instead of a smelly gym) 😉

 

As a family of three, they love the outdoors, especially the beach. They are happiest when they can go hiking, travel, and just hang out with each other. Their relationship is so special. They have so much in common and are always getting out there to do something fun and adventurous. Krissy says that Dave balances her out and makes her a better person. Dave describes Krissy as a strong, spontaneous, fun, and motivated. And most of all as an amazing mother. Capturing the moment when Krissy walks down the aisle with Hayden is going to be simple magical.

 

This session was so sweet for my to capture, and I can’t wait for their Bear Brook Valley Wedding in February!

 

Krissy and Dave, thank you for letting me document a small slice of your love story, and capture your beautiful little family.  It’s an honor, and I can’t wait for the wedding to continue the adventure!