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…

Stay tuned for part TWO coming tomorrow!