It was so special to me to end the Valentine's Day weekend with a couples photo shoot. Out of pure curiosity, I did some digging into why we celebrate Valentine’s Day together. I figured that it must be a good story since it’s become such an accepted tradition throughout our nation. I found that Saint Valentine, in A.D. 270, promoted marriages, performed miracles, and stood for truth even at the cost of his life. His passing was commemorated with a festival of love and romance.
You can learn more for yourself about his account in changing human history and come to your own conclusion. From what I gathered, I understand that Saint Valentine was arrested and imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. He then cured his jailer's daughter of blindness, inspiring the jailer and his household to convert to Christianity. This wasn’t at all the story I expected. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how pure the holiday is.
After learning the motivation behind Saint Valentine’s life ministry, I decided I wanted to participate with the original intent in mind which was celebrating Christian marriages. I didn’t exactly plan this photoshoot to fit so perfectly but I definitely don’t believe it was just a coincidence either. Originally Courtney requested this couples photoshoot for her and her husband to have on record as they prepare to adopt their fifth child. I had a blast with them and was deeply inspired at the park as they exuded their love unashamedly. All while their four children were off to the side giggling with each romantic pose. I am so grateful and honored to have played a very small role in such a wonderful and important milestone.
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