Growing In Love - Engagement Session - Fort Laramie, Wyoming Photography

Why do television and movie producers hate happy couples?

My husband and I just finished watching both seasons of Ted Lasso, and after the finale of Season 2, I’m left with a sinking feeling the producers are going to break up Roy and Keely.

Why, producers, why?  Why can’t you just give me one happy couple that goes the distance?

I say this mostly in jest.  But really, the entertainment world could use a few more good role models when it comes to healthy, functioning couples.  Couples who didn’t have to screw up, hurt, stomp on, or mess it up before they finally figured out they love each other.  Couples who demonstrate mutual respect.

Honesty.

Problem-solving.

Being a team AND being an individual.

I loved the Roy and Keeley storyline because it demonstrated two adults who were obviously crazy about each other and who were working really hard to be good partners and friends.  I loved that they listened to each other, talked through their problems, and helped the other be the best version of themselves.

I love seeing couples learn and grow together and actually enjoy being with one another, on the screen and in real life.

When I left Mackenzie and Landon’s Fort Laramie, Wyoming, engagement session, I felt a lot like I do after watching a great episode of Ted Lasso…all smiley and positive and feeling great about the world.

It would be hard not to adore this young couple.  They’re fun, kind, friendly, and incredibly personable.  They braved the awful Wyoming wind and endured my goofy games and questions.

But the best part?  They weren’t just two cute kids in love.  They genuinely love one another.

No, it’s not the same thing.

Being in love is easy.  It’s fun.  It’s giggling over inside jokes and breathless kisses and gooey text messages.  It makes your heart flutter and your life a blissful blob of happy jelly.  Being in love happens to you.

Loving someone on the other hand is something you do.  Love is messy.  It’s not whirlwind emotions, but a mature decision that comes out of seeing someone for who they are and who you are when you are with them.

Love is a choice you make each and every day to see and accept the real person standing in front of you, and love all of them strengths, foibles, shortcomings, quirks, and all.

And while it’s fun photographing couples in love, it’s so much more rewarding and gratifying seeing and celebrating two people who love each other deeply and joyfully, like MacKenzie and Landon.