Photograph | Beach Destination Wedding | Part II

  There is so much going on in our lives right now [moving to a new state!], so I've been completely neglecting my blogging duties. Today's post is the second part of a destination wedding I shot with Lynn Harris of Lynn Harris Photography [Eastern NC].
  I got married almost 8 years ago. I was traditional and adamant about my sweet groom not seeing me before I took those first steps toward him down the aisle. But if I had it to do all over again, I would definitely do a "First Look".

   What is a First Look?


  A first look is a hot, new trend in weddings that I *really* hope sticks around. This is a good trend. Hotter than the feathered bang. Trust me. A first look is where the bride and groom see each other, with NO ONE else but the photographers around. It's a private moment. It's a sweet and tender moment. And 100% of the time I do one, the couple is SO glad they did and express it being the most amazing part of their day when asked after the festivities close.

  Why is a First Look so important?
The importance of the First Look is to help relieve some of the pre-wedding jitters. I think [and this is coming from a seriously traditional lady], this should be the new tradition. The wedding day goes by in such a blur and there's SO much commotion from sun up to sun down [and then some] that this is the time that you can reconnect, and relax a little with the person you are vowing to spend the rest of your life with. When the day, decorations, food, and festivities fade....your marriage is the real treasure [well, and your wedding photos *wink]. Your relationship is the real celebration!

They always make me tear up...they teared up, and he danced with her on the beach...cue the chorus of "awwwww..."

What do you think about doing a First Look? Did you do one? Are you for it? Against? Why or Why Not? 

[that totally felt like a essay test question....feel free to leave your essay...it's won't be graded *wink] 

Travel | Cape Hatteras Island | Vacation

  We live in a small town. Well...Beloved Mister D is from here, so to him it's a city. To me it's a tiny backwards town. We almost never get out of town and go somewhere requiring a speed limit over 50mph. I often feel like I've been taken hostage by this town and no one's paid the ransom....


  Getting out of town was just what we needed to recharge [or burn, if you're my Beloved Mister]. We could have just headed to our regular spot at Emerald Isle...or Indian Beach like we usually do. But we wanted to do something extra special for our last baby's first time at the beach. So we set our sights on seeing a lighthouse. One of the most famous ones to be sure!

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

  Mini Mister, wasn't loving the long ride. Or really the beach until he got used to it. He loves it. A LOT. So much so that he had to taste it. Twice. Ya know, to make sure that it really was disgusting the first time. Theory seems legit.

  We also just traded our seriously busted ride for a mini van. It's not new. The best part is that we're not all piled on top of each other now. And of course it lacks the charm of the junker. I mean wouldn't you totally miss having to fill up some do-hickey with water before you can get to the grocery store and take some water with you in case it gives you some serious attitude on the way home from aforementioned grocery store? no? no takers? yeah. us either. So we thought we would go far, for the cheapest amount of money. Bring your own food, etc.