Love in the Valley: Camellia and Renee’s Journey of Love

Today of is the day of Cupid and arrows, and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a Love Letter. On October 14th, we spotted this message on Instagram:

14 years, 4 months and 15 days since we said “I love you”.

8 years since we’ve been married!!

And I am so happy to call you my life partner and wife.

No relationship is perfect, but ours is pretty great. Over the years we’ve seen each other through thick and thin, we navigated tough times, started and lost businesses together, moved 8 times, lifted each other up, and held space for our individual growth.

Through it all I’ve learned patience, perspective, compassion, empathy and what commitment means. And most of all I’ve learned how to love and laugh again and again and again.

Happy Anniversary my love, here’s to many more years of loving and growing together.

Knowing these lovely ladies, the team at INSIDE+OUT is happy to introduce Renee Rotkopf and Camellia Lee as part of our Love in the Valley series. With that said, let’s get an intimate peek into their lives: how they met, the favorite things about being in love and their secret to a successful relationship.

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INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Camellia Lee: I was born and raised in Queens, NY and have always lived in NYC. Renee and I have been a couple since 2010, when we lived there. The story of how we ended up in the Hudson Valley began with a Bed + Breakfast gift card we received as a Christmas gift from my brother. We decided to redeem our gift certificate at a place where we were able to bring our dog, Jasper and ended up at a pet-friendly B&B in Marlboro, NY. During that weekend, we dined at a restaurant in Woodstock and over pasta and salad, realized we wanted a foothold in the Hudson Valley. In 2017, we found our beloved home in Woodstock after touring close to 40 houses. Our weekend warrior lifestyle ended in 2020 when the global pandemic hit, and like many, our isolation and refuge became a full-time decision. And it was the best decision I made!

Renee Rotkopf: My journey began in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NY. I spent most of my adult years pulsing with the heartbeat of NYC advertising as a Digital Creative Director. 2018 marked a significant turning point, as I finally said goodbye to the corporate world and embarked on a new path with Camellia, my life partner and another dear friend. Together, the three of us opened SoulBeing Wellness—a boutique healing collective for the body, mind, and spirit.

However, the universe had other plans in store, and when COVID-19 swept across the globe, we were forced to close our doors. Confused and uncertain about life, we sought solace from the chaos in our peaceful home in Woodstock, NY. We thought it would be just a few weeks…and we would return to our lives in The City. The truth is, I’d wanted to move upstate for years, but Cam wasn’t ready. It took a pandemic. As our lives turned upside down, the rhythm of nature embraced us both, and we haven’t looked back.

How and where did you meet?

Camellia: I met Renee while she was getting married to another woman at their wedding, which took place at the Boathouse in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY. I was hired as an assistant to the photographer on the day of the wedding, and I distinctly remember Renee handing me a check for my time on that beautiful, sunny, picturesque afternoon. It was purely transactional and NOT a runaway bride situation!

Renee: Our story began with a twist of fate at my wedding when I was marrying another woman. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and unexpected connections. As it so happened, our mutual friend, who I hired as my wedding photographer, had injured her back. Thankfully, Camellia, her massage therapist and dear friend, was there to assist her. It was in this moment, amid the flurry of the celebration, that our paths first crossed. It was nothing like the classic “runaway bride” trope but rather a serendipitous encounter that would later bloom into a beautiful friendship.

Two years later, when my marriage took a heartbreaking turn, it was our mutual friend who brought us together once again. Over time, a connection grew, as did our love.

When did you realize that the other was “the one?”

Camellia: I realized Renee was “my one” from feeling how easy and light it was to be with her, the fun we would have, like waking up in the middle of the night and laughing for no real reason. She felt like a kindred soulmate.

Renee: After my marriage ended, our mutual friend persistently urged me to gather my courage and ask Camellia on a date. I finally mustered the bravery to ask her out, and our first date arrived with an incessant downpour. I still recall the moment she stepped into my white Subaru Baja; it was as if a refreshing light swept through me. And at that moment, I knew that something special was happening.

But I was still healing and learning to trust my heart again – so I proceeded with caution, as I learned to trust my heart again. As our courtship progressed, I discovered in Camellia a kindred spirit—someone who inspired me, motivated me, and brought a sense of security, comfort, and laughter.

You both have distinct careers. Tell us about that. Do you ever collaborate?

Camellia: I have spent the last two decades practicing as a licensed massage therapist but refer to myself as a wellness ambassador because of my expansive repertoire that includes certifications in Yoga, Craniosacral Therapy, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Perinatal Massage.
Our partnership in life lends to our creative collaborations through the women’s wellness retreats and gatherings we have led together, creating powerful, deep, soulful containers of connection and community. We theme our retreats at the turning point of each season, the equinoxes and the solstices, and bring together women who desire and seek resourcing and creative outlets to connect to themselves. I also hold space with Renee when she leads Breathwork Journey group classes regularly in Woodstock.

Renee: As a transformative coach and astrologer, I integrate my training in Hypnotherapy, NLP, Havening, and Transformative Breathwork to empower people on their path. And bring a wealth of experience in branding and marketing to my coaching practice, helping people both personally and professionally.

Camellia and I share a deep passion for the healing arts, and our collaboration has proven to be both fruitful and seamless. Together, we create sacred spaces for women’s retreats and wellness workshops, blending the wisdom of astrology, intention setting, scent crafting, resilience rituals, transformative techniques, creative practices, yoga, and breathwork. Our unique experiences guide participants on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and profound transformation.

Of the five love languages (physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, and receiving gifts), which “language” do you each most relish?

Camellia: Physical touch is at the top of my list, alongside quality time and thoughtful acts of service.

Renee: I have a few! For me, it’s quality time, physical touch, and words of affirmation.

Most romantic or creative date?

Camellia: When Renee made a great breakfast of “chunky monkey pancakes” that consists of banana, chocolate chips and walnuts. A delicious start to the day.

Renee: Among the many delightful moments we’ve shared, one memory that shines brightest is a magical day when Camellia planned a mysterious and enchanting adventure for one of my birthdays. She took me on a whirlwind journey of culinary and sensual surprises that included breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as an indulgent spa experience. Each step of the way was a surprise, as she created a super creative and memorable experience for us both.

What are three adjectives you’d use to describe your partnership?

Camellia: Giving, kind and loving.

Renee: Creative, loving and supportive.

We met when you first moved to the Hudson Valley. Since then, you have built quite a network of friends. What would you say to someone thinking about moving to the area in terms of our local community?

Camellia: When you come to the Hudson Valley and particularly into the land and community we are in, you can feel that you have truly come home. You are coming home to the kindness, generosity, support, love, and genuine care of others because you will meet many like-minded people who are willing to show up and even go the extra mile or way to support you.

I have felt a greater sense of belonging here than I have anywhere else in my life, and my communities extend throughout many different circles, from healers and colleagues to yogis and the gay/lesbian/queer community. I am quite fortunate!

Renee: The Hudson Valley is a place that captivates the heart, not only for its majestic beauty but also for the incredible community that lives here. So, for me, it’s the people who truly make this place special—filled with like-minded souls and a strong sense of belonging.

We loved your recent social media post: “14 years, 4 months, and 15 days since we said ‘I love you.’ Eight years since we’ve been married!!” Congratulations! What is your secret to a successful relationship?

Camellia: We are two individual and very different women who share very similar ethos and outlook, which is respecting one another and coming back to love. Honesty, kindness, and integrity are also at the heart of every successful partnership.

Renee: Our secret to a successful relationship is giving each other the space to grow and evolve as individuals. As we’ve both come to understand astrology, we recognize that emotional fluctuations are natural and part of transits or “weather systems.” And when they occur, we navigate them.

We are both very committed people. Our relationship has taught us to have mutual respect for each other’s needs and to become better communicators. Every year we are together, we understand each other’s unique process a little better, learn to appreciate our differences, and come back to a place of love and gratitude.

A favorite trait you hope your mate will never lose?

Camellia: Renee’s wonderful giggling laughter!

Renee: I love so many of Camellia’s traits. But if I had to choose, I hope she never loses her silliness and sense of humor.

When do you feel the most connected to the other person?

Camellia: Laughter, physical closeness and cooking amazing food!

Renee: I feel most connected to Cam when we are laughing, cooking, and cuddling.

Anything you’re most proud of as a couple?

Camellia: I am proud of our ability to work well together, to exist as autonomous people in our couplehood, and to navigate adversities in life.

Renee: I’m so proud of the way we handle change. We’ve gone through many lives together, including moving homes eight times, the loss of a business in NYC, COVID-19, and we have changed so much as individuals over the years. And we seem to have a way of rising to the occasion each time with support, respect, and grace.

What do you love about living in the Hudson Valley?

Camellia: I absolutely love the beautiful nature, the connection to creative spaces and the healing arts, the food culture, and the open-minded, progressive, and kind people.

Renee: This place has so much to love, and I’m constantly discovering new treasures! As an abstract landscape painter – I can’t get enough of the majestic beauty everywhere I turn and through the seasons.

The food scene is top-notch! The music and art are fantastic. Plus, the Woodstock Film Festival is such a wonderful event that comes to town each year. The weekly drum circles are a delight, and of course, the hiking opportunities are endless.

Living here has been a gift. It has kept me grounded as each day I feel held by this beautiful earth. A true refuge from a challenging world.

What are some of your favorite upstate activities, events, or places to go together?

Camellia: Beautiful trail hikes nearby with our dog, exploring local towns, music shows, and restaurants.

Renee: Exploring the outdoors with our furry baby Jasper is one of our favorite pastimes! And when it comes to dining, we’re total foodies—and trying new restaurants in the area is a shared passion.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Camellia: To transmute and transform hatred, greed, and limited mindset beliefs

Renee: If I had one superpower, it would be to help people love themselves and each other more. And rise above fear, hatred, disease, and war.

Photos by courtey of Renee and Camellia

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