Downtown Tacoma Storytelling Session // Katie & Raf

Katie likes to joke that she got Raf at the zoo.  In fact, their first date was at the Lincoln Park Zoo on a hot summer day in Chicago in 2011.  They both agree the best part of the zoo was meeting each other and then the monkeys.  Not long from then, Katie invited Raf to see The Head & The Heart and Iron & Wine at Millenium Park downtown.  And there, next to the iconic Chicago bean, their love for good music, great food, outdoors, culture and ultimately each other began.

It's been a whirlwind three and a half years that includes two kids, two big moves and two pets!  

They chose to mark this moment with me, not because of any one specific moment but because marriage is worth celebrating every day.  It's hard work, good work and forever work.  Raf loves the outdoors and Katie is right there with him, provided it's warm outside.  But on this cold and rainy December day it was clear they were willing not only to stand in the rain for each other but walk through fire as well.  

One of my very favorite things to do at the end of storytelling sessions is walk away and have the couple look at each other and tell the other person what they love about them.  I can't hear it but the photos make sure they always remember what the other one said.  In the day in and day out effort of cherishing our marriages, reminders like this not only help, they are necessary.

 Thanks for sharing your love story with me, you two.  Cheers to the next 70 years.