SOULMATE
noun: soulmate
a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner.
When I was younger I used to think that there was only one person who was meant for me - just one “perfect match.” Now that I’m older I view things a little differently. I feel like I could have multiple soulmates, and depending on what life choices I make will alter my path and who I end up with. There’s no way of proving or disproving this, of course, but perhaps that’s part of the magic. I’m an old soul (so old, so tired) and I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced quite a few soul connections already. It’s really hard to put into words, but upon meeting someone in my “soul group,” I’m able to pick up on a comforting, familiar, and kind energy. All of these connections are intensely deep and emotional; these are also the people I’m able to achieve a certain level of telepathy with, because our bond is so strong. It isn’t something that’s forced, it just happens naturally. Most of these connections haven’t been easy, though, but one in particular has been really wonderful (we live on different continents but still stay in-touch). Whether it’s a lifetime connection or not, I always learn something from the other person and the purpose of our meeting. My belief is that we’ll reconnect in another life and under different circumstances - possibly more favorable ones. There is so much information about soulmates, karmic connections, and twin flames (all three of which I’ve experienced, but IMO karmic connections are the most tumultuous). I’m thankful for the lessons every person and connection has provided me with, because my soul is here to learn and grow.
I met Hannah at this all-women’s creative meetup in April, so when she reached out to me to do a bridal shoot I was over-the-moon (!!!) but also unsure if I was even able to “pull off” looking like a bride…? I mean, when I see other people’s engagement and wedding photos I’m, like, “yep, that makes sense!” Envisioning myself in a wedding dress, adorned with a Cubic Zirconia ring? Well, it seemed a little odd. To be honest, I can’t even remember thinking about marriage as a kid, and I didn’t have a wedding book filled with magical ideas. I LOVE love and am a bit of a hopeless romantic (#PiscesMoon), but the thought of “settling down” still feels so far away to me - PROBABLY because I haven’t met the right person (yet), but I hope to one day.
We started off shooting portraits at Hannah’s apartment, with a beautiful velvet backdrop. The most magical thing about this shoot is that I was able to wear my mom’s handmade wedding dress! It’s pretty conservative, but I absolutely LOVE the Victorian-style and she looked stunning in it. Even though this was a bridal shoot it’s also giving me 1700s Salem, Massachusetts “White Witch” vibes. Who knows, maybe that was one of my past lives? I had so much fun dressing up as a bride and twirling around in a flower field as the sun set.
Since we’re on the topic of soulmates and weddings, let’s talk about love! In my last post (“Free”) I mentioned going through a breakup. I’ve been thinking about what’s important to me in a relationship and ultimately I want to be loved, appreciated, and respected. Often times we search for love, happiness, and acceptance from other people, but how can I expect a partner to “give” me those things if I don’t nurture myself? Over the past month I’ve been focusing energy back onto MYSELF, which is where the healing begins. Self-love/self-improvement is a lifelong journey regardless of who is or isn’t in your life. So, in the meantime, before I’m ready to be serious with someone new, I’m working on being my own soulmate ♥
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
Photographed by Hannah Snyder | @hannahxsnyder
