On February 14th, 1997, I met my wife, Ann, in Atlanta Georgia. She asked if I wanted to go out with her and some of her friends on that evening and I shamefully declined. I wouldn't see her again until the following week on the 19th.
On that magical Wednesday evening, I found her sitting with the same groups of friends, but this time I grabbed all the courage I could muster and knelt down in front of her. On my knees, I looked up at Ann and said the following, "If you don't mind, I have a few things to say… One, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Two, all I could ever hope for is to fall asleep next to you and clothes never have to come off. You see, I can't imagine anything greater than opening up my eyes in the morning and seeing you there, lying next to me. Three, mark my words… I will marry you." She looked at me with a Cheshire grin and said, "Is that all?" I quickly replied, "Yeah, but can I get you something to drink?!" She said yes and made a point to remind me to "hurry it up".
That evening lasted forever and I spent the next two days with her. On Friday, the 21st, I had to return back home to Ohio. Ann wasn't having any of that. Without hesitation, she asked me to move in with her and the rest is history.
To date, Ann and I have been married since the very first day we met. We have four beautiful daughters, ages ranging from seven to fifteen. I can't imagine a world without her and I pray I'll never have to.
This project is dedicated to Ann. Beginning on 1/15/2015; each watercolor painting that's released is a testament to our growing old together. Although she deserves the world and then some, I'm hoping these efforts will suffice for the short-term. The last day of this project will mark eighteen years since I first crossed Ann's path… a day that changed my life forever.
Along with the posting of the last painting in this project, on 2/14/2015, I will release a very special picture of Ann. Even though she is camera shy, I got her to agree to such terms and I will say it wasn't easy. For anyone to truly understand all of this, I believe it's important for everyone to see that's she's not just my wife and not just an incredible mother, but my best friend... a position that can only be determined through the look in her eyes.
All 31 watercolor pieces, as they are shown here in this website, will be on display, for a one-night only viewing at Park View Gallery on March 7th, 2015 From 6:00PM to 8:00PM EST. If you would like more information pertaining to the exhibit, please feel free to contact Park View Gallery by clicking here.
I'd like to send Amanda Covault a special "Thank You" for offering to provide all our photography services for this project. All the pictures you see of Ann were taken by her. I couldn't be more honored than to have worked with her and to call her a friend.
Photography By: Amanda Covault of Captured By Mandi Photography
Powell, Ohio
(614) 535-5975 office
FB: Captured By Mandi Photography