There are people you meet who just stick out to you. With Kelly, I remember it was feeling charmed the first time I saw her cute profile icon on the OSP forum. That was oohh…almost 3 years ago? On a whim, I sent her a message. She sent one back. And before long, we found ourselves sending the kinds of notes to one another that define our friendship—e-mails about songs we’ve found or art we love or “I saw this site and it just reminded me of you!” Along the way, we’ve cheered one another along in our businesses and discovered just how much we have in common. Now I consider her one of my closest friends in this community of wonderful photographers that has been such a part of my life these past few years.
A few weeks back, she and her husband, Garth, came to Muncie from their home outside Columbus, Ohio, so we could make this session happen. Like Nick and I, Kelly and Garth got married in 2006. And (also like us—told you we have tons in common 
), these two lovebirds hadn’t had their photos taken together since their wedding day. It was a big (I mean BIG) deal to me that Kelly chose me to photograph their love. Namely because, with Kelly, I knew she was hiring me because she respected my work, not just because I was her friend. And I think this is why this session is more than special to me. It is perfect. It is what I want every couple to be in front of the camera. And whereas I hope all my clients love and value my work, with Kelly, I don’t have to hope. I know. And this is why my heart swells when I look at these images.
(Kelly helped me out with the music and picked THE most beautiful song—you have to watch it!)
Kelly was so great about finding poses that felt authentic and true to she and Garth as a couple. As we were setting up this shot, she said, “Wait!” and then curled up into this pose before adding, “We sit like this all the time.” And it’s attention to details like this that is Reason #546 I adore her. 
These two aren’t afraid to bust a move. And have it documented! 
From into the woods we headed out into a little meadow where, I’m not going to lie, a bit of magic happened. The frames that follow are hands down (I think) my best work this year. They are what comes when you work with a couple who trusts you, who brings creativity to the shoot, and who joins you in feeling blessed by a Mother Nature cooperative enough to allow for this goodness to go down.
Yes, Garth really does play banjo. Kelly can blow a tune on that harmonica. No props here folks. This is the real deal. And I adore it.
FAVORITE
Another one of Kelly’s ideas that went from this ….
To this…love, love, love
Kelly and Garth, your love for each other is palpable. May that same pull you feel for one another bless you in the years to come. I just adore you two! 
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
by Gail Werner
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