Today at Shutter Sisters, they’ve asked readers to share either photos that remind them of their childhood, or photos from their childhood. This assignment reminded me of a coincidence that a friend of mine pointed out recently.

Here’s me, five years old, already displaying an entrepreneurial and somewhat idealistic spirit (not to mention a love of purple):

Here’s me and Gil, in one of my favorite photos from our lovely engagement session this February:

(Photo copyright Brandon Schmidt of Foto Vitae.)

Sixteen years apart—same girl, same table. What a visible reminder of the change that happens in such a short period of time.

(For the record: thanks in large part, I assume, to that giant purple hat, my “picture” business was actually quite successful. Most people who stopped paid me more than ten cents, and I’m pretty sure the mailman left me with a dollar and the picture he had paid for. I distinctly remember the satisfaction with which I subsequently purchased those roller blades I wanted so badly. Ten points for five-year-old Erin!)

After an embarrassing number of purchase-and-returns, I believe I’ve settled on these shoes for the wedding. (Purchased at DSW, a choice made even sweeter by free shipping and a significant coupon I had just received in the mail from them.)

Here’s a sneak peek of my wedding dress; it’s a vintage gown I found at a local second-hand shop, which I am going to have slightly remade. Be excited to see more pictures of it later. (Though probably not until after July 23rd. )

On Tuesday, we visited the site where we’re going to have the wedding. I’m super stoked about it–it’s a beautiful location, with all the amenities, and at a reasonable price. Thank you, Lord, that we were able to still book it for the date we wanted.

Once again, I reached the end of today without taking a photo. I only remembered as I was falling asleep without meaning to and without having gotten ready for bed… the idea for this photo was the only thing that got me up.

That ring has been on my finger for a week now—and what a week it’s been. It’s amazing what a bang a decision that has been quietly making itself for months can produce when it’s externalized. Suddenly, I’m allowed and expected to plan a wedding. Suddenly, everyone can see that I’m entering a new chapter. Suddenly, I can’t pretend my life is not changing.

This week has been a rollercoaster ride from joy and excitement down into fear and anxiety up into giddy planning… and so on, and so on. Gil, meanwhile, has walked beside me steady as he ever is—constantly patient, constantly a grounding force. (Although he has been sick this week—in sympathy with my sudden spike in stress, he hypothesized. ) My calmest moments are when I remember that the entire reason we’re doing this is to spend the rest of our lives together.

And meanwhile, there’s school. Lots of it. And there’s my thesis. And there’s taking pictures every day. You see why I’ve almost forgotten so many days now.

But as crazy as the last week has been, I do feel like it is balancing out. The rollercoaster is slowing down, mercifully, at least for a day or two. The wedding details which most needed to be hammered out are being hammered out. My brain is shifting focus back to schoolwork. A few impromptu talks with friends and family have helped remind me of how much I have to be thankful for—and it’s a lot.

And with that thought, now I really will go to bed. Sweet dreams.

My grandmother bought this ring in Israel, and left it to me. It’s now being put to a very special use.

We’re setting off on an adventure, he and I. We’ve decided to live this life together, whatever it may bring.

I think I speak for both of us when I say that we are terribly excited, and I know I speak at least for myself when I say that I am also a little terrified. But I believe that everything in our lives happens for a reason, and I pray that God will give me the wisdom and courage to deal with each part of this adventure as it comes. I can’t wait.