Today I want to share a glimpse into the new people in my life. When I started dating Joe, I merged into his friend group, and they are seriously wonderful. It was very easy for me to fall in love with these lovelies. Example A why they’re so lovely and wonderful? One of them decided to rent out “Red Studio” in Frederick, Maryland for an entire day. It’s a wonderful photography studio. We headed over and took some photos. These are all from that day.

Models: Brooke, Mike, Jason, Maura, Joe, Mary
Photographer: Jason of Miracle Mead Photography

We’ll start with Maura. I actually interviewed her on my blog once, she took the famous balloon photos of me! She made me feel welcome to the group immediately. She owns herself and empowers other people. She looks gorgeous always, especially without make-up, and you wouldn’t guess by looking at her, but she knows more about metal music than anyone you’ve ever met. She’s dainty and strong at the same time; she’s kind, awkward, creative, and really gets this whole life thing.

Model: Maura
Photographer: Jason Smith

Next up is Jason, Maura’s other half. He’s actually kind of the glue that holds the group together, whether he knows it or not. He’s extremely smart and equally silly, and always himself without fail. He doesn’t alter his personality for anyone who enters the room, you always just get Jason, and that’s not a bad deal by any means. He’s really good at appreciating the little things and making that appreciation known. He’s welcoming and generous, and he has his whole bedroom and life set up to these remote thingies that just do everything at once. Ready to go to bed? Hit button “9” and the mood lights and sleep music come on. Genius? Yep.

Model: Jason
Photographer: Maura Housley Photography

On to Leigh! Leigh gives my boyfriend a run for his money when we’re talking about awesome geeky nerd stuff. I love watching her talk about stuff I barely know anything about in full detail. She’s passionate about a lot of things including the world of comics and cooking, and she’s good at everything she sets her mind to. She’s got a really youthful spirit and is incredibly compassionate. She’s risen above every obstacle life has sent her way and then punches said obstacle in the face for good measure. She’s innocent and organic in the best ways, and really great to talk to. And if you want to have the best cupcake icing of your life or see a severe collection of something, head on over to her place.

Model: Leigh
Photographer: Michael Bobrow

I know her as Brooke, the internet world knows her as Phoenix Rose. For such a young person, she’s already accomplished so much. She’s amazing at singing, make-up, and modeling (obviously). She’s extremely empathetic to her environment and others’ situations. She’s someone I know I can share obnoxiously cute animal videos and articles about changing society with. I’m impressed by how much she’s already crammed into her life so far, and dare you to challenge her at a Rent lyric contest.

Model: Brooke (AKA Phoenix Rose)
Photographer: Maura Housley Photography

Mike is Brooke’s partner. He’s also a doctor. I just want to put that out there in the beginning. Scroll down for a second if the full photo isn’t in your field of vision right now. Okay, you good? That man is a doctor. Of medicine. He’s just a general bad ass, as you can tell pretty clearly. He’s extremely interesting, has a wealth of knowledge, and kind of gives me a run for my money in terms of who can wear more bling in an evening. I always find out something new about him when I talk to him, and he’s the king of bad jokes and puns, which is the key to my heart.

Model: Mike
Photographer: Jason of Miracle Mead Photography

Dan (or Hunter) is kind of amazing. He’s super unique and fun, when I met him the first time he was wearing a tool belt that he then took off to trade outfits so he could wear a colorful spandex dress that was about two sizes too small for him. He’s intense and weird in a beautiful way, which I think this photo captures perfectly. He’s always nice, great to talk to, and he’s always up to party.

(Shout out to Dan’s girlfriend, Zoe, who couldn’t make it to the photoshoot. She’s extremely supportive, enthusiastic, and kind. She’s cheerful, inclusive, and super talented. The night I met her she told me she was moving to New Zealand to sing opera! Unfortunately that didn’t work out because Visas are dumb or something, but I’m selfishly glad because that means I got more of Zoe!)

Model: Dan
Photographer: Michael Bobrow

Steve. How do I not have any photos of just Steve from that day? That’s ridiculous guys, let’s do better, haha. Steve is awesome. He’s smart and really relaxed. He’s always interested in you in a genuine way and knows a lot about a lot of things! So smart. He’s never flustered, and always ready to try the next thing. I’m bummed it took me longer to meet him out of everyone in the group, but there’s more fun to come!

Model: Joe, Jason, Mike, Steve, Jason
Photographer: Maura Housley Photography

Lastly (bestly), we have Joe. He changed my life, and I couldn’t be happier. He’s supportive, loving, and simple. He’s silly, passionate, and talented. I love him like I’ve never loved another human being on this earth, a love I didn’t know I could have; equal parts friendship and romance. There’s such a beautiful balance to him and to us, and sometimes it’s harder to put the best things into words. I love him, though.

Model: Joe
Photographer: Michael Bobrow

Okay, now the rest is for your viewing pleasure! There’s a bunch, and I’m not really sorry about it. I hope you enjoy how weird we are!

Model: Leigh, Maura, Brooke, Mary
Photographer: Jason Smith

Model: Leigh, Joe
Photographer: Jason Smith

Model: Maura
Photographer: Michael Bobrow

Model: Mary, Joe
Photographer: Michael Bobrow

Model: Jason
Photographer: Maura Housley Photography

Model: Brooke, Mike
Photographer: Jason of Miracle Mead Photography

Model: Joe, Jason
Photographer: Maura Housley Photography

Model: Joe, Mary
Photographer: Michael Bobrow

I love you guys.