We had been looking forward to our trip to Maine all year. Brett and I had never been and always wanted to go, and Brett’s brother Jason was the same; never been, always wanting. We all went to celebrate an AMAZING wedding in which, Jason was the DJ and a groomsman, and we photographed- of course.

We rented an adorable little rustic place in the small fishing town of Stonington, ME and spent the days wandering around the harbor, exploring back country roads, and eating fantastically fresh seafood.

Stepping off the plane, the first thing we had to do was find the best place for Lobster. Of course. I had been dreaming of lobster for weeks now. We were led to “Red’s Eats” for what was the “World’s Best Lobster Roll.” Verdict: It did not disappoint.

Afterwards we headed on our journey up from Portland, ME to our tiny island. We passed a couple beautiful bridges along the way.

We arrived after dark, so the next morning we were eager to head out to take our first peek at the quaint little harbor town. I read before the trip that Stonington was a very small town, seemingly untouched since the 1950’s. I would say that statement is just about right on. The town was very quiet, and on the days when the fog would roll in and cover everything, it felt near silent at times….almost eery, like a movie scene. There was no cell phone coverage there, so it really felt very “off the grid,” which was mainly awesome…..just not when we wanted to check on the kids!

Our sweet lil’ house, built on top of a granite quarry, with enough blueberries and blackberries in it’s surroundings to eat for days.

We rented bikes and traveled to Bar Harbor where we rode around a gorgeous (and big) lake. It was incredibly beautiful, but man was I a major wimp. I’ve never despised the great outdoors more than when I was dying trying to ride up those hills. BLAH.

My precious man shot some major filmage. Those coming soon, and they flipping ROCK. I just shot him shooting filmage, instead. ;)

A meal to remember one evening after we had been lost, cold, hungry, and Jason schmoozed our way into getting us into this restaurant where they were booked solid for the night. Win for us, thanks Jason!

Wonderful parting dinner and sunset the evening before we left….hosted by our newly-married friends. :)

And that’s it for part one. I plan to share Brett’s film he shot, along with the rehearsal dinner, and one of our favorite weddings we’ve ever photographed. Seriously, it was gorgeous and filled with so much love.

Coming soon…

It’s hard for me to put into words how refreshing it is to be out in nature and set the world aside. I find it’s like a cleansing. I make the choice to release my day-to-day stress, and really get in touch with who I am, and the Lord who made me.

I find it awakens my soul every time.

Last year my Dad and I began a tradition. The two of us went down to Stearns, Kentucky where my 94 years-young grandmother lives. My Dad ran through those woods and hills to his heart’s content as a young boy. Since as long as I can remember, I run around in the same woods, each time trying to envision what things looked like, felt like….trying to view it through his eyes. Appreciation of nature is like breathing to most my family. Perhaps it’s the bit of Native American blood running in our veins….I like to think so.

We call our Spring trip, “Trout and Trillium.” Our goal is to hunt for rare wildflowers and perhaps fish in some of the Midwest’s most beautiful streams. This year my Dad’s brother, and my baby sister came with us. We found the water too murky and high due to massive rains, and after a day or so of wildflower hunting we realized (to our dismay) that we were about a week off. They had returned to the ground to rest for another year.

I didn’t mind. There was still so much beauty to see. As is the case in any given situation, you just have to make the choice to open your eyes.

I told Ashley this is where I would like to renew my vows with Brett.  It’s the PERFECT wedding isle, don’t you think? ;)

Below is a stream-side graveyard covered in wildflowers, where some of my ancestors are buried.

The entrance to Yahoo Falls was shut down due to damage from falling trees during the storms. We politely ignored the warning.

Since fishing was out due to high water we decided to shoot. Guns, and cameras. I tell ya, this was all out tomboy weekend for me and Ash. But being raised country girls, we were right at home.

Ignore our greasy, no make-up, “we really need a shower” faces….instead check out our beautiful little Grandma. She is red hot spunky and precious as could be. I’m so thankful for her.

Daddy, Uncle Bear and Ash…..it was a great time, even with the minor disappointments. Can’t wait to do it again next year, and the year after.

P.S. I must give credit to my sister for some shots on here. I brought her a camera and gave her no option but to shoot. And she’s good. ;)