I heard someone say when I was young, the days are long but the years are short. At the time I thought, goodness it all feels long to me. Then..around 22 I felt like everything goes into warp speed.

I remember the first time Dakota kissed me, it was my 14th birthday party. A backyard bash with volleyball, snacks and a handpicked playlist of music burned on CD’s, very 2002. I was wearing a black halter top and feeling pretty good about myself, braces aside.

As the night ended Dakota and I were swinging in the multicolored hammock that hung on the edge of my parent's property line, my favorite place. I got up to walk him to the car (his dad was picking him up) and he put his arm around me as we walked and leaned in and kissed my cheek. Blushing like crazy and feeling like the luckiest birthday girl around, I missed all the signs the night was getting ready to turn out even more exciting. I think he leaned in twice or so before full on stopping in front of me to lay one on me. After, I hid on the side of the house and happy danced. He still makes me that giddy.

I will infinitely be wishing I could freeze time, because I know each season will slip away just as quickly as the last 14 years. For me, photography is the closest thing to a frozen moment I can get, so I try and capture it all.

Happy one year engagement to us, he still makes me blush and gives the best spin around hugs. Life with him is one long happy dance! Big thanks to Jessica Claire for making time stand still for us that day. Forever thankful that my first love will also be my last.

Photographer: Jessica Claire

Alisha and Dakota | malibu Engagement Session