We have such a heart for anniversary sessions! They highlight not only the time two souls take to celebrate their relationship, but the creatives who help them mark these milestones and foster their love beyond the Day 1 of “I do!” It’s a time for great joy and certainly a time for reflection, when the many blessed pieces of a marriage well fought culminate into a single moment. These are the blessed pieces of Eric & Haley—soulmates honoring one year of marriage with a sweet little Charleston anniversary session with Alex Thornton Photography!
From photographer Alex Thornton:
“For this session, my aim was to capture Haley and Eric as they truly are — joyful, intimate, and genuine. They make each other laugh constantly and are truly intentional with the way they interact with one another. To convey that, I wanted the images to show a closeness and to also include movement.”
From Eric & Haley:
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Haley: “Eric and I had known each other through friends for about 6 years before getting together. Our mutual friend, Tracey, had always talked to me about Eric, and to Eric about me. NYE 2012 we were out with a group of friends and Eric had enough liquid courage to share how he felt about me. He asked me to dance and the rest was history.”
Eric: “My first impression of Haley was based on stories told by friends. I had always heard how sweet and fun she was. She was always someone I wanted to get to know more, but our paths rarely crossed.”
Haley: “It’s funny to hear Eric’s side because I thought he didn’t like me! When we were around one another in a group setting, he was shy and didn’t really talk to me. I remember thinking how cute he was and how he kept making everyone laugh around him. I was happy when he actually started talking to me!”
Tell us a funny story relating to your relationship!
Haley: “I think every road trip we’ve ever taken has ended up in tears of laughter. One trip in particular, we were driving from Philadelphia to Alexandria, not a long drive but long enough. We were listening to the radio and ‘Story of My Life’ by One Direction came on and out of the blue Eric started singing along in the most ridiculous voice and knew ALL the words. I was so surprised I started laughing, he started laughing, we both got to the point where we couldn’t talk and tears were streaming down my face. To this day, every time that song comes on I hear Eric’s voice in my head singing along to it and can’t help but giggle.”
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Haley: “My favorite thing about Eric is how much he makes me laugh. We have been together for almost 6 years and there is not a day that goes by where he doesn’t get a giggle out of me. His zest for life and the ability to enjoy every moment is ridiculously contagious.”
Eric: “My favorite this about Haley is her strength. She has the ability to handle a lot at once while still managing to be a rock for me, her friends, and her family. She could be having the worst day and will still be there for anyone that needs it.”
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship.
Haley: “The biggest hurdle in our relationship was the move from Philadelphia to Charleston. Eric lived there all his life and I had been there for about 8 years. We were both ready to move somewhere warm and close to the beach. Though we were excited, the decision came with a lot of moving pains and we didn’t know anyone in Charleston so we knew we would be relying on each other more than usual. At that time, we had only been together for a little over 2 years and it still felt so new. Thankfully we had enough trust between the two of us and knew this was going to be an exciting adventure in the end. We have now lived in Charleston for over 3 years and it ended up being the best decision we made!”
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Eric: “Haley taught me that you can turn anyone into a friend if you take the time to get to know them. I was comfortable in my bubble of friends and she pushed me out of my comfort zone. She taught me it was okay to open up and trust people.”
Haley: “The best thing I learned from Eric was to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and live in the present. I have always been someone that runs fast and towards the future. He reminded me to try and live in the moment a little more. Best advice ever.”
What is the most important thing in your marriage?
Haley: “We are each others best friends. Eric and I can be super awkward and weird around one another with no judgement. We confide in one another and ask for/give advice when it is needed. We laugh at the most ridiculous things and have silly inside jokes. We are each others go-to person in every situation and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
“Remember the small acts of love. Hold hands while walking down the street. Kiss each other before bed every night and wish each other a good morning every day. Snuggle up on the couch instead of playing on your phone. Have fun—life is serious enough and adulting is hard so remember to be silly and goofy with one another.”
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
“Love comes in all shapes and sizes. It is not perfect but that’s what makes it perfect. It could show up at your doorstep unexpectedly or secretly be brewing between two people for awhile. Embrace love when it shows up, hug it tight and do not let it go because it makes life just oh-so wonderful.”
photographer: Alex Thornton Photography / venue: Hampton Park in Charleston, SC / film lab: The FIND Lab
Kerry
12 October
You guys are the cutest ever!!!