Brent + Andrea
At the start of 2016, while sitting around the braai, a group of us discussed our plans for the year ahead. "We should go on a group holiday," seemed to be the consensus. Let's go on a cruise!! We checked out our options and then a few of us booked tickets. Easy. Then life happened and it seemed not everyone could make it - The Bester's were still in and so were Brent & Andrea. Fast forward months from the booking, and a little over a week ago, Ashton and I met up with them at Cape Town Harbour and we climbed aboard the MSC Sinfonia heading to Namibia for a few days of relaxation. It really was great fun. I would highly recommend it, provided you're a fan of laying poolside and enjoy relaxing. +++ Cocktails.
Naturally, while on board, I insisted that Brent and Andrea allow me to take some pics of them - They're celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year and they still look at each other as though they've just met - In my opinion, in this day and age, these two are a great example of what marriage should look & feel like.
I was interested to hear their thoughts on marriage and what they've learnt and it came as no surprise that their beliefs are firmly rooted in faith - "As we stand right now, for us personally, the one constant that we both believe has caused our marriage to not just survive but instead to thrive over these past few years, has been that of the grace of God."
As a wedding photographer, it's a huge honour to spend time with a couple at the very start of their marriage. To witness and document their "I do's". It's very easy to get caught up in the décor, the guests, the excitement of the day, but in the back of my mind, I remind myself about the things that are really going to matter many years down the line. The emotion of that moment. The love. The promise to work, to make it work.
With that concept in mind, because I have so much respect for them and know that they are in fact undercover legends, I asked them to reflect on their experiences and to share their thoughts on what it takes to build a solid relationship. I'm glad I did - How powerful is this: "Pray for one another, pray for your marriage and never stop praying. Get onto the same page and stay on the same page (around your beliefs, your values and your marriage goals). Talk about the legacy you want to leave behind one day for your children or for other younger couples who are looking to embark on this exciting union called Marriage! Communicate at all times (be real, be authentic, speak truth in love, challenge, encourage and inspire one another to be the best version of yourselves that you can be). That famous word…R.E.S.P.E.C.T! Show one another respect in how you talk to one another, in how you talk about one another, in what you THINK of one another, in how you interact with one another on a daily basis. Accept one another’s differences (from a simple matter like interpreting the “same” shopping list differently to more serious matters like raising your children or managing your finances). Be deliberate about keeping your passion, focus and energy on one another. Remain passionate about your marriage and about having the very best marriage that you both can have. Choose to become quick to forgive, from the small daily offenses to even the larger hurts. Life and marriage challenges will come, choose to overcome these TOGETHER and allow them to in fact make your marriage only stronger. Remain THANKFUL for the Life Partner God has blessed you with."
Undercover legends, I'm telling you....