A year ago, Theresa and Chassitty contacted me about booking an engagement session. They openly shared their story with me right away. The couple wanted me to know that they were doing things "out of order" and had privately eloped six months earlier, but never had photos taken. "Since we're a queer couple," they said, "we decided to get married before [the most recent] inauguration." Doing things non-traditionally is my favorite and while I was very happy for them and the start of their new life together, my heart also broke a little for all the queer couples who feel as though their love is less than.

As a queer photographer with an offbeat vibe I was able to make "out of order" work perfectly for these two. Our session took place in Astoria Park in Queens, New York, where the couple often jogs and watches the sun set together.

Theresa and Chassitty met in 2015 at a BBQ hosted by a mutual friend around the time they both started their PhD programs. The party guests were enjoying a bonfire and playing Psychopoly (psychology-themed Monopoly) when it turned in to a drinking game involving fireball. During the game, several friends ventured off to the snack table and eventually these two were the only players left. Theresa realized she was interested in Chassitty, who was oblivious to the flirtation. Their friendship grew deeper and they bonded over shared interests in psychology, volleyball, hiking. It took a couple of years of Theresa dropping subtle and not-so-subtle hints before she finally sat Chassitty down directly to share her feelings. Everything immediately clicked. The couple just so happened to be planning a week-long hiking and meditation trip together and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. It was like they were in love from the very start and felt right in a way that no other relationship ever had for either one.

Wishing you both the happiest year and a half anniversary!