Kelly + Dave | Lyon Friends

Introducing Kelly + Dave. The pair that hosted me while I went through Lyon this April. My time there included drinking the best home-made ginger beer I've ever had (okay, maybe the only). Dave was in his pursuit of making ginger beer during my visit and it is definitely pictured below.

Upon arrival from Germany, Kelly greeted me at the train station, all hugs. We jumped on a few metros, and walked a cobble street up to their apartment's front door. I felt so welcomed, and can't remember a city I've visited since leaving my childhood home of Izmir that brought me such life and joy. Lyon is an incredible city, however this post is about Kelly and Dave. Back in 2015 I photographed their wedding in Memphis. They were my second couple to ever book, and I owe my career to these first people. Growing a relationship with clients always looks different, but I definitely didn't expect to be sitting in their kitchen two years later talking about French politics. Don't worry, we also discussed other things. I'm so honored to know Dave and Kelly, to have gotten a tiny taste of their lives in Lyon. The grocery store, the walk to church, their favorite sculpture by the river, the local metro system (terrifying...).

It was so fun to see them interact with their friends and goof around with each other. I got to attend their church and worship in French as Dave played base and Kelly sang with the team. How far the Lord has brought them from a little Rhodes graduate meeting a newly imported Minnesota graduated engineer. During their engagement session on Rhodes campus, Dave brought his guitar and played music on a bench with Kelly humming and listening. It was a heart melting scene. When Dave first mentioned leaving memphis for a job, Kelly was open, but she wasn't aware that could mean around the world. Once the word from Lyon came, they warmed up to the idea and started backing mere months after their wedding. The biggest adventure yet. I love them so much. I love their strength and trust in each other. I'm so proud of them in their French lifestyles that they had to accustom to.

Everyone needs to know Kelly and Dave. I spent so much time trying to soak up every ounce of wisdom Kelly has and is learning through her life. She is so compassionate, aware, and I was convicted by her lifestyle she circles around Christ and serving others. She is a prayer warrior.

Here are my favorites from an evening we ran around the block from their apartment to the river. Love you, Kelly + Dave! I want to come back! You guys are rich in life and love.