Strong winds, hair flying in every direction, the dress moving like Marilyn Monroe over the subway vent. “I don’t think this dress is going to work,” mentioned Natalie. Dan and I both looked at each other, then back at Natalie, “you look beautiful,” Dan stated. The rosy cheeks and smile that Natalie gave while looking at Dan was all she needed to feel confident in that dress. Twenty mile per hour winds be damned! Dan reached his right arm over Natalie’s shoulders and began walking into the desert landscape together. The evening light beginning to set, that golden desert warmth revealing itself, and the palm trees swaying but standing firm. He was standing firm for her in that dress moment, and she was standing firm for him when she kissed him. A little tear came down my face as I took that photo of Natalie kissing Dan. 

Watching Natalie and Dan walk together was like watching a Disney movie where everything turns out right in the end. The idea that just being together is enough. Enough for love to grow, to feel adventurous, and to feel that all is good in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic sure made a dent in all of our 2020 plans. That didn’t stop Natalie and Dan from being spontaneous and roaming the desert together. 

The conversations exchanged in the brief time we had together was nothing short of amazing. Debating on who was watching the better show on Netflix. Who was able to get more work done by being at home. Tips and tricks we learned from working remotely. What we wouldn’t do for being able to have dinner afterwards. Cheering over an engagement session well done with some apps and cocktails. 

Natalie and Dan, your easy-going personalities made it feel like we have been friends for years! Dan and I describing shows we should watch and Natalie reminding us of the time. Only to continue the conversation on speaker phone while driving to our next location. Triple digit heat, strong winds, and a pandemic couldn’t keep us from having a good time. When the world opens back up again, you better believe we are going out for that dinner and cocktails!