There are few things in the whole wide world more exceptional than a love story, especially one with a happy ending.
Anthony and I crossed paths one recalescent night at a busy restaurant in Palm Springs, California. We sort of just bumped into each other and the fact that we should “hang out” was instantly apparent to us both. He spoke of secret hiking trails, sky diving and star gazing. I gave him my number. That was that. He took me out to sushi. We became an item a few months later.
The two of us dating did not get off without a hitch, however, as I was on the move at the moment. My gypsy life had me touring Puerto Rico, New York and even trying to live in Vegas for a stint (God save me it didn’t work out); so fostering a new relationship definitely took some TLC. Time (which I didn’t have a lot of), Love (which I do/did have a lot of), and Communication (patience is a virtue!).
Backtrack to our first date. Anthony told me about this photographer he loved who traveled the world with his girlfriend and created these stunning photos. Of course I had heard of the viral #FollowMeTo series, and adored the work of Murad and Nataly Osmann just as much as he did.
Oh Anthony. A hot guy with an adventurous spirit, and mutual interests. Was this a sign of true love? Perhaps.
This was the first photo Anthony and I ever took together.
Followed by many more…
Eventually, I ended up with a part time gig back in Palm Springs and we moved in together. We went hiking, rock climbing, star gazing; and each adventure seemed better than the last. I drew this picture based one of the moments we captured while out hiking together in the Painted Canyons.
The whole experience sounds wonderful, right? Almost too good to be true? A magical resort town, the heat of summer and your true love happening all at the same time? Somebody pinch me.
Turns out, it was too good to be true. All of of the romance lasted a few months and I was ready to get back to the city. Vacation. Was. Over.
Anthony had never really experienced LA, but we were willing to try our luck with the move, together. We ended up finding a great place in an amazing neighborhood and after a few trips back and forth, we signed a lease. That’s when things started to fall apart. We were worried about money. We were arguing. After a few months I asked him to move out, and he did.
We spent a month or so apart before we started seeing each other again, fairly recently. Then, as if by fate, we discovered this contest.
Not only would going to Morocco be an amazing way to celebrate our journey and our love, the fact that the trip is inspired by the photographer and his girlfriend (now wife) who influenced our very first photo together, only makes it seem all the more meant for us. Irony is a beautiful thing, and so is a happy ending.
For Anthony and me, Morocco would be both a happy ending, and a spectacular beginning.
We thank you for considering us, and hope that this post will serve as an earnest and loving proclamation that we want to win!
We would be honored to share our experience of Morocco with #FollowINC and @INCInternationalConcepts! Thank you for reading and please feel free to share if this post inspires you, because that will inspire us as well!
Shalom aleichem, and all our love,
Jackie & Anthony
Written by Jacqueline Chambers
Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.
