We’re driving into the middle of nowhere….bouncing around in Clayton’s SUV…somewhere by the Susquehanna River as far as I can tell. Clayton is adamant. Marti & I, (and Cooper most likely) are a bit more reserved and uncertain.

“Is this it?” - Marti

“This is it!” - Clayton

We pop out of the 4Runner and take in the scene that’s been given to us. There’s an inlet from the Susquehanna, a stream, plenty of forest, and a slightly intimidating hiking trail with about a 45° pitch heading up to a rock face. We head down the initial path, Clayton confidently leading, Marti & Cooper confidently following.

We shoot by the water, we shoot by the stream, we explore the opportunities given to us by nature.

As we’re shooting and exploring, I remember something Clayton said to me about when he & Marti were dating. “She reminded me of my Grandmother”, which was an odd thing to hear at first take, but as we dug deeper I understood what he meant. He was speaking of Marti’s ability to love, to care, to give him the security to be himself, vulnerabilities and all. That familiar feeling was important.

We head up the pitch to the rock face. Somewhere along the trail is a fallen tree. Clayton sits down and Marti joins him on his lap. For a sweet moment they’ve forgotten about the shoot and are just enjoying each other. There’s a sense of connection that everyone can feel, myself included. They’re in a moment of gratitude. Appreciation for finding each other, appreciation for where they’re going, and appreciation for being together….and just being.

“Let’s keep that going” - me (the only direction I wanted to give)