Dave and I met in 2013 at my first job working for a photo/video studio. It was in March and I’ve been working for the studio for 4 months now. One of my coworkers likes to use the studio after hours to photograph models. Dave happened to be one of the photogs Joe (my coworker) invited to the shoot. I was working on a few senior portrait edits when he walked in and reader, I thought he was a douchebag because he wore his shades indoors (it was only for a few seconds but it was too long for me).

Dave and I got introduced to each other as I peeked my head to see what they were doing. I was a budding photographer, Joe had taken me under his tutelage to teach me the basics of studio lighting and how to work with people, I was curious about what they were doing. Dave and I wouldn’t get close til late August of that same year. I had broken up with my boyfriend of 8 months (it wasn’t serious but it was pretty long I guess for it to be a ““fling””) so I had more time to focus on my work and hanging out with other people within my circle. My ex was in the military so he was constantly doing one month deployments so I had time to myself but when he’s back, I pour a lot of my free time with him (shrug).

I started developing a crush on Dave by late September because he was constantly around and we would talk. I felt comfortable around him, it was fun talking to him. I always looked forward to seeing him on the weekends at DFS just to hang out, it made the long hours of coverage go by faster when he was around. We have 10 year age gap (11 if you’re that specific) and so Dave found it a little weird if he was to pursue me. Because why would someone of his age go for someone in their early 20s? I was barely legal to drink alcohol (by USA’s standards) but I felt that I was mature enough to date someone in their 30s. I wasn’t going to let an age gap get between us. I really liked this dude and I wanted to date him. Reader, I like to assume I made the first move but Dave swears it was him.

In our early stages of coming in terms with our feelings, we would go to the beach during sunset to swim and watch the sun set. We would go down south to take photos and we would do errands together. We hung out together a lot but we kept it secret for months. It was our little secret from the photography group because we didn’t want to be the target of talk, we were still figuring out our feelings and what the next step was. I’m not gonna lie, I had strong feelings for this man. I fell hard. It was so easy to talk to him, it was easy to laugh and it was easy to be myself around him (as cliche as that sounds, it’s true).

The first few years of our relationship can be considered a roller coaster. We didn’t fight all the time but when we did fight, it was because of my jealously and insecurity. I was constantly questioning why a man of intelligence and such kindness would want to be with me; a young girl still trying to find my footing in this world. I was constantly wondering if it was okay for him to be with me because I was so young - I didn’t want anyone thinking I was being coerced by him. I wanted to be with him, I wanted to be his girl. I knew it was getting tiring with him and our fights of the same thing so when we finally had that last straw, we talked and we figured out the right momentum, the right path for us both.

Now in our 6th year, I’m comforted of the fact that we are meant to be. To hell with the age gap I worried about, I wanted this and he wanted this. We both made the conscious choice to be together, grow together, love each others’ flaws, celebrate our wins and dream together of the future together. Dave has seen me at my worst and at my best, I’ve seen him at his darkest and his brightest - he was with me when I almost lost my sanity to depression, I was with him when he lost his dad, he was with me when I was winning at life and with me when life defeated me, I was with him when he felt like he was constantly losing and celebrated his biggest moments of success. Our relationship has surpassed the honeymoon stage and has entered a stage of pure love for each other and for our relationship.

Our love story started in 2013 and it’s still going strong and constantly adding more chapters to our book of love. 21 Pixels started in 2014 and has been our baby since then. Just like our relationship, 21 Pixels has gone through a lot of growth. 21 Pixels is constantly evolving and learning from mistakes and failures. 21 Pixels was born from our love and will continue to grow through the love we share.

ABOUT US

We both love to travel. Dave is a natural navigator and I’m a follower. We love to take photos but Dave is more about the landscapes and scenery while I enjoy taking photos of us in front of monuments. Dave and I share a love for this one Korean restaurant on Guam named CHOWON. It’s our go-to place for Korean BBQ. We co-parent a bratty cat who without a doubt favors Dave over me (she only loves to beg for pets from me when Dave is traveling and I’m left to house-sit). Her name is Uni (ask us for her full name because it cracks us up).

We have been to several concerts together: Kawehi, AJ Rafael, Magic!, Air Supply, Bruno Mars, Paramore, Panic! at the Disco, The 1975.

The countries we have been to together: Philippines (Manila), Japan (Tokyo, Hakone, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe), South Korea (Seoul)

DAVE

I love photographing landscapes, nightscapes and sunsets. I’m a nightowl and a light sleeper (sometimes I’m jealous of how easy Sarah can sleep just about anywhere and at any moment). I’m not as impulsive as Sarah because I like to plan and review all outcomes before making a decision. I appreciate and love rainy and stormy days. I’m also not into social media, I have Instagram and Facebook but between Sarah and I, she’s more social media savvy. I prefer lurking around Reddit. My favorite anime, which Sarah has yet to finish half of the season is Cowboy Bebop. My favorite movie is The Fifth Element. I’ve seen The Cure live. For four and a half years, I’ve been craving for Mosas; Sarah has yet to crave for it.

SARAH

I love photographing people; I love a good landscape shot every now and then but people portraits are my specialty. I’m an introvert who only becomes an extrovert when I’m doing weddings. After 12-14 hour weddings, I am drained and like to veg out the next day to recharge. While I’m editing, I’m either listening to a podcast or playing a movie/tv show/youtube in the background. My favorite podcasts revolve around serial killers, history, general knowledge and audio fiction. My favorite movies are Disney’s Tangled, Legally Blond and Constantine. My Chemical Romance is the one band I really want to see live and know all the lyrics to their songs. I’m friendly but I’m very selective of my circle.

All photos are by Myrna Loy Photography, 2019