“To dare - is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare - is to lose oneself”

— Soren Kierkegaard

Love sometimes has a funny way of presenting itself in our lives. Sometimes it hits us like like a freight train and we cannot help succumbing to its force. Sometimes it enters our lives subtly and without notice at first. It enters with small gestures and inside jokes, commonality and late night discussions. It can come when we’re desperate to find it and also when we’re not looking for it all. However it comes, when it does, it is good. Everyone deserves it and everyone is capable of giving it. Regardless of what it looks like.

I simply could not be more honored to be a part of this announcement.

Justin and Bryan decided to announce both their engagement AND their coming out at the same time and of course wanted a fun photoshoot to go with it! I *may have held a small dance party by my laptop when they told me.

They met at work several years ago and hit it off pretty quickly, but their common love of To-Shin Do ninjutsu really seemed to seal the bond. Throw in their best Shiba Inu pup, Ketsu and you’ve got the sweetest little family.

They’ve been waiting for just the right time to take this big step and feel that they cannot wait any longer. They both wanted to propose to each other to show they were both choosing and both saying, “Yes.” They have such a fun journey ahead and I cannot wait to watch their story unfold.

LGBTQ engagement at Linville Falls Winery

They said it best themselves in their announcement, “There is no perfect time or way to open yourselves up to the whole world, but we have decided that right now is the time because we have great news to share. We just got engaged! Our relationship is one that has evolved over time. Together we have been around the world, we have helped each other through tragedy, celebrated each other’s victories, and we have made each other laugh so hard that we have cried. Together we can endure anything that life throws at us and we are ready to learn and grow even more together in this next stage of our lives.”

I’ve had so much fun getting to know them over the past few days as we made all the plans and ensured it would be the perfect photoshoot! Their rings are inscribed with their martial art warrior names and it’s such a big part of their lives so we had to include a special photo with their swords as well.

LGBTQ engagement with martial art swords

Ketsu was definitely one of the best puppers I’ve ever worked with. He was so very regal and calm. I can definitely see him being the very best little ring-bearer in the future!