It has always been my dream to travel. For most of those who follow me, that may not come to anyone’s surprise. For the longest time before I ever became dedicated to creating my business and having a career as a wedding photographer, I wanted to be a nurse. Specifically, a traveling nurse! It was my goal to be in the medical field, and for the first few years out of high school, that’s what I was involved in. I started as a Licensed Nursing Assistant and was even accepted into a Bachelor’s of Nursing program. But, things in life shift all the time and I ended up grabbing a camera instead of a stethoscope, and here I am!
Instead of traveling for the medical field, my new goal is to travel far and wide for weddings. Taking this trip to Arizona has been an even bigger driving force to taking myself nationally. I want to see things, do things and experience places that I’ve always doubted I would. I’ve done weddings throughout New England, New York City and various places in North Carolina. So, traveling out west will hopefully be the turning point for me and I can’t start hopping on planes more!
For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of seeing a big ole saguaro. I love succulents, and having mini cacti sprinkled throughout my home has always brought much joy….even if they are all fake! Getting out to the Desert Botanical Gardens was, in some ways and I know many will think I’m crazy, like Disney Land for me. It was so fascinating seeing nature outside of what I am used to on the East Coast.
Big cactus, cute little agave plants and a million other beautiful pieces of dry greenery. There was so much to see. We spent 2 hours walking around the gardens and I couldn’t get enough! We saw hundreds of cactus and I literally had to refrain myself from taking photos of each and every one!!
I hope to get back to the desert some time soon. This trip was, outside of the wedding I got to photograph, a big relief from life. Sometimes when you’re so used to going going going for everyone else, it’s hard to remember to prioritize doing the things you want for you. I’ve never ever taken a trip like this. And the main purpose was to come out and serve our good friends Penny and Wade, but it dueled to be a trip for my husband and I, too!
Since we have been married, we haven’t taken any sort of trip like this. Not with the kids. Not without the kids. Not for us. Not ever. We have gone up and down the East coast a few times, but there was always an agenda that never included us relaxing and enjoying ourselves. This last weekend we made it a point to be intentional with our time and soak it all in. We talked about maybe retiring out in the Arizona bowl, but maybe we should take a few more vacations before we decide ?
I could have had my camera in hand a lot more than I did… but I am proud of all the ones I did get that weren’t iPhone photos!!! Enjoy taking a look into one of the best weekends of my entire life ?
INCOMING!!!! Here come all the cactus photos!
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