Fish Creek Engagement | Derek & Danielle

It was like a scene out of dirty dancing on the pier in Fish Creek. The early rays of sunlight just reaching over the tree line. Oranges and yellows licking the night sky away. A calmness settled around us. Water lapped against the breakwater. The sway of the water playing us a melody. Seagulls flew overhead. Danielle stood on one side of the pier, eyes set on Derek who waited out the other. Arms outstretched and ready. She asked him if he was ready. A simple nod of the head indicated he was. Danielle took off at a sprint and leaped straight into Derek’s waiting arms. He would always catch her every time she decided to jump.

“He would always catch her every time she decided to jump”

Although I did show you what I meant by lift after that, it was fun to watch both of you try to do the lift from Dirty Dancing. To be able to spend the morning with both Danielle and Derek gave me a little look into their relationship. I first met them both last summer at a wedding for their friends and I knew then that they have a strong relationship. It is strong because they aren’t afraid to poke at each other. It is strong because when I told Derek to whisper cute things in Danielle’s ear is said orange juice and bacon. Mind you that he was extremely hungry and working under “harsh” conditions:) It is strong because of the way they look at each other. With so much love in their eyes. It is strong because of the way they walk hand in hand down a pier dock in Door County as no one watches. You see, relationships aren’t about what it happening when people are looking but rather what happens when no one is around. It is the secret glances and the shared jokes. Its the licking of the hands instead of a simple kiss and the crinkle of the eyes as they turn up with a smile. All of these things represent strong relationships. Lasting relationships. Relationships like Danielle and Derek’s, built strong to withstand the storms of life.

“It is the secret glances and the shared jokes”

Danielle and Derek, it has been an absolute pleasure to me able to work with you and even more of a pleasure to become your friend. The love between you two is something that is indescribable. It is something that can felt but not seen and I hope I could capture some of your love in these photos. Enjoy some of my favorites from your session!