Relationships are work. Being with someone is definitely easier when you’re in love with them, but life itself can be hard, and that makes relationships take work to maintain. It’s rewarding, and it strengthens the bond you share with your partner. After all, when you work hard for something, that makes success all the sweeter, right?
Long-distance relationships are work, too. They’re a good kind of work, one that lets you find love cross-country, one that unites two people that are miles and miles apart. Jamie moved to Arizona for Marinda, making sure that the work they both put into loving each other from a distance would make their relationship stronger. When they finally got to stay together in person, it felt like home, like their adventure together was truly beginning.
Every good adventure takes a little bit of work.
Marinda was glad she worked to get to the top of the mountain Jamie asked her to hike.
That’s not a metaphor, by the way. Jamie literally asked her to hike a mountain for him. This outdoorsy couple enjoy their excursions (just look at Marinda’s boots! Fashionable and useful: the best combination!), so Marinda didn’t really bat an eyelash when Jamie suggested a hike. Exercise hadn’t been on her radar that October day in 2018, but Marinda figured she’d get some fresh air. It helped that Jamie encouraged her to the top.
They reached the peak together. There’s that work thing again: two people working for something alongside one another. It’s a lot more fun when you’re doing it with someone you love… and that was exactly what Jamie was banking on. The view was gorgeous, the hike had been enjoyable, and then he saw Marinda get just a little confused.
Why was there a bouquet of sunflowers?
And champagne?
If she knew it was a date-hike, Marinda would have brought something for Jamie, too!
Sunlight gently streamed down on them while they enjoyed the view, while Jamie turned to Marinda and smiled the grin that he saves just for her, while his hands shook just a little as he went down on one knee and Marinda’s jaw dropped and he said those magic words: “Will you marry me?”
We’re pretty sure we don’t have to tell you her answer.
Marinda and Jamie are one of those couples whose photos speak louder than any words truly can. The love they share, the work they put in to be together, all of it is so, so obvious in every shot we took. Whether they’re adventuring to the top of a mountain to take photos among the evergreens or just spending a romantic night in, Marinda and Jamie were made for each other.
We’re so, so glad to have been able to work with them, and we can’t wait to see their December wedding.
Thanks, Jamie and Marinda! We wish you all the best!
Check out our website for more couples and their amazing stories!
