Jake + Abby just celebrated their one year anniversary! Though I’m just ridiculously behind on my blogging these days, there’s something I love about looking back at weddings after some time has gone by. Since Jake is my brother, I get the unique experience of witnessing his and Abby’s marriage quite often since shooting their wedding. And while their day was easily one of my favorites I’ve ever worked, I can say that their marriage is even more beautiful to see. They are kind, driven, silly, adventurous, brave, and loyal; I so admire them for these things among many many more!
Thanks for participating in our Travel Wedding Giveaway!
If you are getting married in 2016 or 2017 in a coastal region or in the South-west of the U.S., or internationally, let me come take your wedding photos! Enter below– tell me about you as a couple and IÂ will be in touch soon.
We have to recall the warmth of the summer and how kind vacations in July are to us when it’s March and snowy and dark and cold. This trip with my sisters was such a privilege, and I still love savoring it. If only I could be transported in time and space to do it all again! [See my previous post for Part I]
Some of our favorite adventures, featured below: Â The Marginal Way, Ogunquit Beach;Â Newburyport Whalewatch;Â The Kancamagus Highway, White Mountains. If you are ever in the area, do these things!!
I always love looking back on a year that’s gone by. It reminds me how long a year is. It’s easy to think a year flies by and is gone as soon as it came, but really so much happens within the time of 12 months. It’s slowing down to think about it that makes the difference for me. History is important, and I want to make sure I work on remembering my own history.
2015 was the year of adventure. In the past year, I went a desert for the first time and saw one desert hare and zero snakes. I learned how to apply for 12 Indian visas (Very complicated. Very.) and rode a rickshaw and pet an elephant. I dipped my toes in 3 different oceans and swam in my favorite great lake. I got to meet new people and grow closer to old friends.
One of the few wonders that can rival that of our country’s National Parks is the wonder of sisterhood. This summer, I got to experience a long week full of both nature and family- what a treat! We drove from Michigan to New Hampshire in a straight shot full of gut laughter, atlas reading, and stops at Dunkin Donuts. I could go on for quite some time, but for now I’ll leave it to this: My family is one of my dearest treasures in the world. I wouldn’t have traded the time I got to spend with my sisters for anything; it was truly a slice of heaven. Here are some of the highlights in word and image of the portion of our trip in Acadia National Park:
Blackwoods Campground: Our campsite in Acadia was surrounded by tall trees and the fresh misty air. The Blackwoods Campground was so serene and felt very secluded because of the thick and beautifully grown foliage and trees. This is one of those campgrounds I could have spend all week at with my feet up by a fire and a book in my lap and a french press brewing on our camp stove.
Otter Cove:Â After spending about an hour figuring out how to maneuver the roads of the park and the island, we made it to Otter Cove (our favorite spot in the park). The dried out crab shells and stones crunched under our feet and the sea creatures swirled in the pulsing tide pools; in and out, in and out. We watched the slow show of the tide rolling in and the fog with it. Growing up and living in Michigan, we are used to the sight of enormous masses of water. The magic of the ocean to me comes in the life that it not only contains, but the life that it is! The water’s massive swells and tides, the creatures that call it home, the flavor and texture of those splashes that reach my mouth and skin- those are the characteristics that make it miraculous to me. Otter Cove was the perfect place to experience all these things up close.
Northeast Harbor: While Bar Harbor is the main town on the island (and very sweet and fun!), we loved our brief visit to Northeast Harbor. Though we almost missed it and had to turn around to find the little nook it’s contained in, it was one of our favorite stops. We got coffee and the yummiest pastries at Milk and Honey  to fuel up for our day of exploring. The day was dreary and drizzly and a little bit chilly, so the warmth of our drink and food as well as that of the servers and locals were just what we needed!
Cadillac Mountain: Because Acadia is on the far far east coast, Cadillac Mountain is the first point in the US that the sun touches every morning. We planned on experience this sweet first kiss of sunlight early in the morning, but our plans were dashed by rain and clouds. We did, though, visit the peek during the blustery, rainy day. It was exhilarating and a bit unnerving to be atop a mountain with such strong winds and fog! When the mist did clear, though, the view was breathtaking. I have high hopes to return someday for the sunrise when the weather is a bit more cooperative.
Thanks for participating in our Travel Wedding Giveaway!
elyn marie 