Laura first discovered us on Instagram + enthusiastically reached out about scheduling an Anniversary Session to celebrate her + her husband, Luke’s, upcoming third anniversary!! Honestly, I’m going to let them do most of the talking in today’s post because they have shared some beautiful stories + wisdom with us that you will see below! I mean, who better to tell it than them?! We had such a WONDERFUL morning with them at The Cherokee Marsh Conservancy here in Madison + I only hope that their love for one another + kindness towards others radiates from these photos!! ENJOY : )

1. Where do you two live + what is one of your favorite things about your city?

Currently, we live in McFarland. It’s a small town feel with close proximity to anything in Madison. We love that Madison offers the best of both worlds; restaurants of great quality that you would find in a big city, as well as being a doorway to great outdoor activities. In fact, we competed in our first Paddle + Portage this summer! There always seems to be something going on! Madison has its own fun quirks, + we love it!

2. How did you two meet + how long have you been married?

This September 1st marked three years married! We were introduced by an aunt of Laura’s who also happens to be a very good college friend of Luke’s mom. When Laura was living in San Francisco, she got to know her aunt really well (as she lives in Napa) + she suggested Laura send Luke a care package to him while he was deployed. Skeptical to her aunt’s role as cupid, she finally sent Luke a care package six months after the initial suggestion. With no other intent than to thank a Soldier + wish him Happy Holidays, Laura sent a package filled with beef jerky, bouncy balls, a rubber piece of bacon, a coconut bra + lei, among other random items. She included a card to describe who she was + how she got his information. Thus began a courtship of emails + more goodie boxes.

We finally got in touch via telephone about 4 months later, when Luke was state side, only briefly, for a wedding. Laura was living in Seattle at this point but he passed her his telephone digits + then weekly phone calls from Iraq began. When Luke returned from his deployment, he flew to Seattle to meet Laura, 8 months after the first care package was sent. We met each other at a miniature Statue of Liberty on Alki Beach in Seattle. Without a doubt, love at first site. We returned to Seattle a year later + Luke proposed in the spot where we met!

3. Luke, what is one of your favorite things about Laura? Laura, what is what of your favorite things about Luke?

Laura: Luke has this incredible ability to make anyone feel important + cared for. He shows so much compassion not just for me, but to everyone he interacts with. He is an excellent conversationalist, + enjoys sitting with folks + hearing their story. He is a very selfless individual, putting other’s needs always before his own. He is determined, he puts his mind to something + he gets it done, + always done well. Also, he gives the best hugs to everyone.

Luke: Laura is a very caring, passionate person. Her profession is evidence of that. Being an oncology nurse + treating cancer day in + day out is something that requires a lot of selfless service which Laura gladly gives to make her patient’s lives better. She has an amazing sense of humor which brightens everyone’s day + her cheery, sunny attitude always makes people smile.

4. What has been a challenge of marriage that you weren’t necessarily expecting? How do you battle that challenge?

Laura: One of the challenges we face often is being apart. Luke travels a fair amount. We leave little love notes for each other to find when we’re separated (words are definitely my love language!). When we are home together, we make sure to spend quality time with each other, whether it be early morning Crossfit workouts, biking, playing scrabble, cooking together, or simply taking a walk + enjoying each other’s company.

Luke: I agree that traveling + being apart is difficult. We spend time together before I leave + after I get back, + we prepare ourselves mentally + emotionally for either one of us to be gone for a period of time. We try to take some of that time for things we like doing but the other person might not want to do.

5. What is one of your favorite things about marriage? What do you love about it?!

Laura: Marriage is awesome; it’s hard to narrow down to one or two favorite attributes! I love the companionship; having someone to enjoy life with; exploring new places + making new memories with. Marriage enriches life, it’s a beautiful blessing to find someone who loves to make you happy, + in return making them just as happy.

Luke: Laura has asked me if I miss being single + I always tell her, “No way.” I love having someone there to share good news with. Someone who can help me celebrate all the big (+ little) things in life + who I can celebrate their good things with, too. It’s also comforting to have that person there to help through all the bad times. Someone who knows all about you. Someone who you don’t have to explain yourself to, who understands. It’s exciting to think about the future + all that it holds in store for us as a family.

Yesssss : )

I love their love : )

So beautiful, Laura!!!! I LOVE your smile!!