Happy Birthday, Tommy

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Yesterday was Tommy's birthday. For most of the day I couldn't gather the words for a cutesy Facebook status or a sweet Instagram post. I didn't know where to start, honestly. 

The past 5 and a half years of my life have been spent married to Tommy. My sweet, sensitive, sparkley-eyed guy. But, he's been alive 32 years and was important to so many other people in this world long before we ever met. His charming personality, hard work ethic, and sarcastic sense of humor have brought him love and adoration from a lot of people. But mostly from me. (His mom might argue with me here, but that's okay. :))

Tommy has grown and changed so much over the past five years. So much so, I truly admire the way he learns and changes so quickly. They say people don't change... you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Not Tommy. He amazes me. He's learned how to load the dishwasher correctly after just one lesson. He eats more veggies and less bread than ever. He is beginning to appreciate my investment into home improvement and decor. :) All these small changes add up to a happy, happy wife (of course!)... but there's been big changes, too. What can I say? He's just awesome.

Most importantly though, Tommy has taught me so much. Through him I have been challenged, loved, inspired, and encouraged. To say our marriage has been easy would be a lie. But an easy life doesn't teach you much. It doesn't force you to find joy in the midst of trials. And it doesn't show you how to love through the hard times. For these lessons, I am oh so grateful. Life is so much better with a good husband. :)

Tommy, I am so glad I picked you. You are the most patient person in my world and your unconditional love is felt daily. I have truly never felt so treasured or adored before I met you. Thank you for how hard you work for our family, our marriage, and our life. Thank you for being the best you you can be. I love being a part of your life and I am looking forward to celebrating 75 more birthdays with you! Xoxo. P.S. Thanks for loving me through all of my different hair colors and style changes. (Sheesh.)

Liz Cook

Liz Cook is a wedding, birth, and motherhood photographer based in Central Virginia. Her intuition and creative perspective allow her to connect both professionally and personally with her subjects, and thus, her portfolio is saturated with authentic emotion. Whether she's sharing her story with fellow entrepreneurs or enjoying quality time with her husband and two daughters, Liz is both present and passionate about capturing and celebrating life. Her work has been featured by O "Oprah" Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Glitter Guide, Essence Magazine, domino, Rue Magazine, among others.