THE JOURNAL

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THE JOURNAL

Nia & Minbok New York City Engagement | Part 1

I almost made a HUGE mistake that would have cost me one of my dearest friendships. It was 2003 and we met via internet, which was so taboo back then. When she first messaged me after seeing my post on a scrapbooking website we both frequented, I almost ignored it. I thought, I don’t know this chick…why is she emailing me?!? But our stories were similar…NC girls moved to NYC with small boys around the same age. At the time we finally connected, I had already moved back to NC with my little family and she was still in NYC. But we chatted still. I was flying back up to NYC for a few weekend intensive courses at NYU and we decided to finally meet in person. I remember so clearly standing inside that scrapbook store waiting for her to arrive. I was nervous but I still felt like I already knew her. When she arrived we shopped, then headed for a nice dinner and chatted for HOURS. About life, our moves to NYC, our boys, scrapbooking. We couldn’t be more opposite in some ways and more alike in others. It was the beginning of an amazing friendship. For years, we would meet up for a day or two when she traveled to NC to visit her mom. Many days we would spend HOURS on the phone in conversation. We met up many times as we traveled to scrapbooking conferences. We talked about life as each passing year it changed for both of us. As a friend, I have watched this woman totally transform. She has overcame so many obstacles and finally found a happiness and love that is all her own. When she told me she had met the ONE, I couldn’t have been more excited for a bride. I even teared up thinking about it as I drove to Charlotte to meet Minbok the first time.
After meeting him, I can tell you they are meant to be. He matches her perfectly in their kindness and graciousness to others. After spending a weekend with them together, getting a peek into their NYC life, I know they will share many years of happiness together.  And speaking of my weekend with them. They spoiled me! Completely. Minbok was such a gentleman, carrying our bags, opening doors, etc. He also made us reservations at a stunning waterfront restaurant with a view of the city. They took me to so many sweet spots (donuts and cupcakes!) that I had to pack it all away and bring it home with me. They introduced me to my first Korean meal where I also got to meet a few of Minbok’s family members that were as kind as he is. We walked about 12 miles in those 3 days and captured over a 1,000 photos. We kept shooting despite the rain and overcast skies. And it was so worth it. These photos will forever be some of my favorites because they are of one of my dearest friends and the love of her life. I had so many to share, I will be breaking it into two posts! Here is part one…

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Stay tuned for part TWO coming tomorrow!

comments +

  1. Erika says:

    Love these photos! Looks like so much fun.

  2. Kelly says:

    So wonderful to see Nia looking so happy and in love. ❤️❤️❤️

  3. Michele Achan says:

    Candi these are beautiful I can’t wait to see the rest. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and can’t wait to see you again.

  4. Tena Sprenger says:

    Ok i shed a couple tears reading about you and nia’s friendship and a few more looking at Nia and Minbock who I can tell are crazy in love!

  5. Nicole Bongiorno says:

    Absolutely Beautiful !!!

  6. Clara Griffith says:

    I loooooooooove this! Love the story of you and Nia. Love that you shot their session all over Brooklyn. GREAT session!

  7. Judy Stachow says:

    Lovely! Such a wonderful couple. I adore the bright pink lipstick on Nia!

  8. Christa Gebo says:

    So love these photos!! Truly shows the great people and couple that Nia and Minbok are 🙂

  9. […] I shared the first part of this fun NYC engagement session, but I have a confession to make. I was holding out on you guys. Because as awesome as part one […]

  10. Aisha Wilson says:

    I am in love with you two as a couple. So beautiful. Congratulations and Amen!

  11. Jennifer Herrera says:

    Love love love!

  12. […] I attended NYU for grad school so my love for the city runs deep.  We have visited a few times (Nia & Minbok’s engagement session and Nia & Minbok’s wedding And NYC Halloween) and I always quickly remember why I love […]

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