Valentine's Winner!!!

You know, I was so nervous to click the "generate" button on Random.org!! There were so many good stories and so many people I wanted to win!!! That's why when I set this up, I knew it had to be a random winner, I would have way too hard of a time trying to pick a winner!

Let me share some of the beautful stories with you:

"I don't have any pictures of JUST {Husband}. Yes, I have pictures with me or other people in the background, but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have some pictures of just my hot hubby" (When I do couples sessions, I do take single shots of each person)

"I have been wishing and hoping {Husband} would let me have you take pictures of us but he keeps telling me no!"

"Eleven years ago I fell in love with my husband & was lucky enough to marry him, start a family with him & even become sealed to him. Last year we went through some very difficult trials & I am happy to say that we are now as happy & as in love as ever."

"In the course of our preparation and wedding day I learned that my matron of honor doesn't have any pictures of her wedding. She is my best friend and has always been there for me. I would love to be able to give her and her hubby this portrait session."

"We eloped and never have had any photos taken of us except a candid one. In May we will have been married for 36 years. It is about time to have "that" photo done."

"It's been ten years since we first met. He means more to me than words can really describe. He has made my life worth living and helped me to find purpose within myself. He is a wonderful father and has always been my best friend. Recently I was trying to create a family album and after going through nearly 400 pictures of my children, my husband's racing, and family trips I found ONE picture of just the two of us."

"My husband and I have been 1200 miles apart and not been able to live together for the past 7 months and counting! Nor will we even be able to see each other for Valentine's Day or even be able to talk to each other since he will be incommunicado for the next couple weeks. I can't even remember what he looks like!"

You know what is really darling about this contest is that three people were trying to win this contest for someone else. Thank you, ladies, for your kind-heartedness! And thanks to all of you for sharing your love of your husbands with me (no, I did not have any entries submitted by husbands...) There were many of you who totally maximized your options and had 5 entries for yourselves. Our winner is one these hard workers!

And now, without further adieu....

I hope she doesn't mind that I am posting her email here - it just wouldn't do it justice to paraphrase.

Hi Jessica!
I am writing in regards to your contest.
First of all, I am not the best writer. But I am going to give it a go...
As I read the ideas you gave your bloggers of why they should have a couples' portrait, I could check off every reason you listed.
Rey and I have been married for 32 years. The last time we had a professional picture taken of us, just as a couple was at least 17 yrs ago. Of course we have had a few taken here and there at weddings or baby blessings. But, one that we planned and prepared for-17 yrs. ago.
Yes, my husband, Rey has gone back to school within the last year. So, I am a school widow. It is a wonderful time in our lives. We are excited for the changes and what lies in store for us.
Rey works full time, goes to school full time, and is a High School Football, and Basketball Referee in the evenings and weekends. We make our limited time together as full as we can.
We look forward to spending time with eachother.
We worked together to raise our 7 children. We could recognize when Rey needed to take control of certain children rearing situations, and then he knew when he needed to hand another situation to me. We would counsel and work together. And, then support the decision the other had made. It was a happy time in our lives to raise our family. We loved being parents. And now to still be together and still in love, is a dream for me.
About 22 yrs ago, I got really sick. For years. Rey has faithfully and tenderly taken care of me and our family. Whether it was making dinner, or taking care of the laundry after a long day a work. He would make sure the children had breakfast and prayer before school, and dinner when he got home from work. He taught them to have compassion for others. Along with the lesson not to judge others.
We are empty nesters for the first time in our lives. And, we make sure that we date like we did starting 33 yrs ago. We go on simple dates, and catch up with life and time with each other.
He still makes me laugh at all his silly jokes. That is one thing that I was first attracted to. We still hold hands and sit next to each other while watching TV.
Our first date was Feb 18th. So, for us that is the REAL Valentine's Day. We always plan a special date for that day.
Rey can see the good in anyone or anything.
I am amazed at his commitment and love to God and our Family. He will do anything to serve them. I literally fall in love with him more all the time. I love picturing him laughing, studying, and playing a random, made-up game with our kids and grandchildren.
I am a blessed woman. I am in love with Rey more than I could have ever imagined.
So, there you go. That's us and why I think we would be great candidates to win your contest....
Meegan F.

Congratulations Meegan!!!