We joke about my staff meetings.  Whether they’re by myself or just me and Jesie over a cup of Starbucks.  We joke about asking my boss if I can leave early.  (She usually lets me.)  We joke about having an RTP board of directors.  Officially, we don’t, but in reality, we kind of do.

… and there’s pretty much just one person on it. (At least so far.)

You see, he’s there for me.  In every way a board member should be and then some.

Because not only does he give outstanding business advice, he supports me in whatever scheme I may have and he truly believes in me.  He trusts me.  He values me.  He sees the bigger picture and he believes in the mission of René Tate Photography.

He gets his hands dirty and helps in anyway he can to keep this dream of mine alive: he books my travel, he comes along to shoots and reflects.  He carries bouquets.  He drags my camera bag across airports.  He makes special runs to Starbucks to get a venti lightly iced vanilla latté cause that’s what my bride likes.

But he’s so much more than an assistant or a board member.

He’s there for me… in every squeeze of my hand, every kiss of my forehead. Every time I catch his eye as I glance up from behind my viewfinder.  He inspires me, and gives me yet another reason to believe…

To my dear boyfriend: while you’re living and chasing dreams of your own, I thank you for being on our board of directors.  And also, for reminding me to grab my lipgloss before a shoot. ;-)

In Maui after Lauren and Justin’s wedding: