The story began when I was 14 and met my friend Kendra online, bonding over our shared love for boybands. Our friendship blossomed instantly, and I eagerly persuaded my mom to let me meet Kendra and our other friends in Sacramento. It was my first solo adventure, and from that moment on, my love for adventure and traveling took flight.
Fast forward to 2021, and Kendra messaged me with the exciting news of her engagement! She asked me to do her engagement photos, and it felt like a full circle moment, filling my heart with joy. I decided to drive down to Sacramento, using it as the perfect opportunity for my new car's first adventure.
Despite the abundant smoke and intense heat in the region, we planned the photoshoot and ventured to Folsom Lake in California. Witnessing the severe drought's impact on the lake was eye-opening; I knew it was bad, but seeing it firsthand was a shock. The lake had receded so far that it took us a mile to reach the water from where we parked, which initially made us chuckle.
Undeterred, we found a charming spot amidst the rocks and trees to capture beautiful moments. Kendra's fiancé, Jake, was incredibly sweet, and I could see how genuinely happy he makes her. Observing their interactions filled me with joy and made the trip so worthwhile, as I witnessed this new phase of Kendra's life.
It's truly remarkable to witness how our lives have changed and blossomed since meeting each other as young teenagers. I am thrilled for Kendra and Jake and grateful that they chose me to be a part of their California adventure. It was a heartwarming experience filled with genuine love and joy.
