From what I remember, our first Valentines together Matt was working afternoon shift. He started not long before I finished my working day, and ended well after I’d gone to bed. So we didn’t actually get to spend the day together after all. But as I arrived home from work and peeled myself from my car, and moped towards our front door (face it, who really wants to be alone on Valentine’s Day – no matter how much you say Never mind, it’s ok… ) one lone rose, propped against the door, caught my eye. It was tiny. delicate. hand-picked especially for me, by the man who loved me. It was perfect. Never mind that it was from his neighbour’s yard. He knew he didn’t have to go all out and buy the proverbial dozen, which I’d probably have killed in a day or two anyway. He knew he simply had to let me know he was thinking of me. loving me. And I did know. And I loved him all the more for that.
This coming Valentine’s will be our tenth together, I think we’ve maybe ‘celebrated’ two or three of those. Hate me for sounding cheesy but we’ve never really felt the need to. That’s what happens when you catch a good man, who fills your life with subtle yet unmissable signs that he’s thinking of you. And loving you. Why is one day different to the next?
Everybody say Awwwwwwww.
But I still love Valentine’s Day – I just love love. I adore that there are people out there that go all out, and take huge big risks, to let their special someone know just how much they mean to them. Just how much they love them. I mean, it’s all about the love, isn’t it? Soooooooo, I wanna do something here to share in the love – to spread it round a little. I’m going to give all you loved up couples out there the opportunity to share what it is you love about your partner, or your relationship with them, or both. Given that there’s 10 days left until the big day, and me and my gorgeous Valentine (Awwwwwwww) have been together for 10 years now, I’m thinking there’s something special about the number 10. So I want a list of the top 10 things that you love about the love in your life. Email them to me at njoythemoment@live.com.au, with a photo of the two of you if possible, by Feb the 13th. From this list of emails I’ll choose one beautiful couple and offer them a complimentary photographic session, along with a 16×24 enlargement, and 10 high resolution files of their favourite images. Of course, this offer would ideally suit a couple from Melbourne, or surrounding areas. However, for the cost of airfares I’m happy to travel anywhere. So all you folk from Hawaii, or The Maldives, get your entries in!! I can’t wait to read everyone’s lists. How much love is going to be floating around in my head this Valentine’s. Lucky for Matt. 
I will, naturally, announce the winners on the 14th of February.
And, as an example of the sort of images you can expect, if you’re not yet a regular follower of my blog, here’s a couple from a recent Engagement session I shot. These two beautiful people – seriously, inside and out - are getting married in a couple of months time. I get so full of joy thinking about how beautiful and fun their special day is going to be, if how much I enjoyed this session is any indication of what it will be like.
I’d say this one below is my favourite image from their shoot, but I have so many favourites – like just about all of them. Lets just say all of them. These guys couldn’t take a bad picture if they tried.
I just LOVE this one too. It was totally unexpected, just walking to the car between locations, and I was like WOAH – stop right there. Look at that light – awesome! I think they’re still a little concerned for my wellbeing. (And check out those GORGEOUS shoes.)
Yes, another favourite coming up. These two were just so natural and relaxed. A photographers dream, really.
Get those entries in. I wanna feel the love, people.
Narrelle x
(Edited to add: While reading through my RSS feeds this morning I came across this background tile (the hearts you now see), and I thought how cool is that – perfect for the lead up to Valentines day. I may leave it, or not. What do you think?)
