We just got home from a nice relaxing vacation! We almost made it through the week with no drama... almost.

We like to take the boys on vacation right when they are finished with school each year when we can, the school year is long and hectic and it’s a great way to end the year. They got out of school Friday, June 1st and we left for the beach that afternoon.

Our first stop was Carolina Beach, NC. My parents actually live there but this time we rented a condo and went with Steve’s long time friend Jay, his wife Danielle and their 18 month old baby, Jonah.

A week prior to leaving for vacation it showed rain almost the entire time we were there, but it ended up being absolutely beautiful every single day!

Hubby likes to wake up early and catch the sunrise. I’m more of a sunset girl... because well... mornings. Here’s one of the sunrises he captured, almost looks like a sunset.

The boys had a great time jumping the waves, bogey boarding, and getting way too much sun! I didn’t take nearly enough pictures on the beach because phones/cameras and water and sand scare me and don’t really mix well. One night we went out to dinner and were able to spend time with my mom and long time family friend Pat, who also resides down there.

Our last day in Carolina Beach we stopped at the Aquarium before heading to our last leg of the trip. The last time we had been to the aquarium was when we got engaged almost 9 years ago. If you've never been to the aquarium in Fort Fisher, I recommend it! They've even added a dinosaur exhibit and it's pretty cool and very realistic.

Our last part of our trip we headed to Emerald Isle, which is about 1.5 hours down the coast. We went and met up with Steve's sister and her kids. The water in Emerald Isle is so blue and clear it's almost like being in the Caribbean. A few hours into our trip, Cohen and his cousin Arabella were jumping waves and having the time of their life. Next thing we know cohen is screaming bloody murder from the water! I run to him and he's hysterical. Come to find out he got stung by a sting ray! Poor guy.. his foot was gushing blood and he was in extreme pain. The EMT's came and checked him out but unfortunately there isn't much that can be done. They had us soak his foot in warm water and said eventually that would help draw the venom out. Within 2 hours he was better, but it did take a few days before he was back to normal.

Overall, it was a great, relaxing vacation that was over wayyyy to quickly! We'll be back in Emerald Isle in July for a family vacation with Hubby's side of the family! This time with some heavy duty water shoes! Stay tuned~

My baby brother is getting married y'all!! I am so excited he has finally found his "person" and equally thrilled to be gaining another sister! As you may know, newborn photography is my jam, but I love the opportunity to capture all things beautiful... so when they asked me to do their engagement photos I was thrilled! My parents live in Wilmington, NC, not far from Carolina Beach, so we decided to take their pictures at Fort Fisher. If you've never been to Fort Fisher, NC... you must go! This place has always been one of my favorites, because it's simply magical. There are large rocks lining the shoreline, white sandy beaches, and the most beautifully unique trees and landscape! It also happens to be the place I got engaged like 9 years ago, so it holds a special place in my heart! We always take the kids there when we are in town. They love to climb on the rocks (dangerous,I know), and I love just sitting on the rocks, staring out into the ocean in awe of God's creation.

It was Easter weekend and we were all down at my moms for the weekend. One evening around sunset we decided it was the perfect night for pictures, it was warm, sunny and not too breezy. The funniest part about it is... apparently, like a dozen other people had the same idea as us. As soon as we showed up there were photographers everywhere! It looked as if most of the other photographers were shooting couples as well, we even saw some pregnant mama's.

It was so easy capturing these two, Their love and connection for each other shines through their interactions with each other so naturally and it made my heart swell to capture their love story.

Do you see what I'm talking about with these trees? Like something from a fairytale! I also love how they are leaning into each other in the same way the trees are leaning.

Aren't these two just precious?! It was such a joy for me to be able to spend this time with them and take pictures capturing such an exciting time in their lives! The wedding is planned for next spring and it's going to be epic!

Vacation

Engagement Photos