Grateful – Traci & Jimmy

‘Grateful’.

That’s what she said. Jimmy nodded in agreement.

As we walked through the park during their engagement session, Traci and Jimmy told me how their venue was devastated by Sandy. It was December and they were still living with relatives and out of boxes. December!!

I remember going out of my mind on day ten without power from Sandy…but they were going on week six without a home, without cars, and without all of the comforts we sometimes take for granted.

Long Beach is their home town. A lifetime of their memories were made there. It’s where they both grew up. It’s where they dated and where they plan on marrying. Not only are they a part of that town, that town is a big part of them.

***

It always surprises me when people have optimism in the face of adversity. I wish that was more the rule, rather then the exception. I think having optimism is one of the most underestimated virtues.

I am certain it is one of the most powerful things we can share with one another. It’s contagious. It’s inspiring. It gives us options to endless possibilities.

Some of the pessimists out there would call it ‘false hope’. But what use is it though being anything else but optimistic?

I read somewhere that it’s not that optimism solves all of life’s problems; it is just that it can sometimes make the difference between coping and collapsing.

All marriages have there ups and downs – good times and bad, sickness and health, for richer or for poorer, but how we cope determines everything.

The success of our lives depend on how optimistic our outlook is. Tomorrow will come…whether we worry or not.

Here is hoping we can all be a bit optimistic by being content with the past, happy with the present, and having hope for the future.

***

Traci and Jimmy told me that they considered themselves ‘ fortunate’  in the aftermath of Sandy.

I love their outlook, and I love that I have the opportunity to document the next chapter in their lives this May at their recently renovated Long Beach venue, Bridgeview.

 I have a thing for shoe shots…

It was probably the most blustery and  bitter cold weather I have ever shot in. They were such awesome troopers…

The Northport Pier…

Did I mention it was freeeezing?!

All the more better for a quick cuddle…

and a black and white image for good measure…

 Thanks  Traci and Jimmy for sharing your stories with me…but most of all your outlook.

Thrilled to bits for the BIG day!!

p.s.

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