Thanks for checking in for another month!

What I’ve Been Up To:

To be honest, June felt like the month that was just out to get me. There were great moments, but I also felt overwhelmed most of the time.

This month, Dillon came down with a high fever, body aches, and chills. We would’ve assumed it was the flu if we hadn’t suffered from that back at New Year’s. Five days into the illness with a visit to urgent care and the ER, we discovered he has Lyme disease.

Thankfully, the tests indicate we caught it early. This gives Dillon the best chance at a full recovery, which is a huge blessing.

While all of this was happening, it’s peak wedding season. I was actually away at a wedding the day he first got sick.

I’m always so grateful for the work that I get to do and the clients that I get to love and serve. And, at the same time, weddings are intensely demanding. I love the challenge of them, and most of the time, the long days don’t phase me.

Dillon is an amazing husband and the best partner. So when I am in busy season, he keeps things running smoothly at home. When he rightly needed more time to recover, the demands of four weddings this month felt heavier.

Not because of the clients themselves; everyone has been amazing! But just the responsibility of also being a wife and mom in addition to a wedding photographer and small business owner when I was needed a little bit extra at home.

Our 11th wedding anniversary came and passed in between all of the Lyme drama. We got some takeout, and we’re hoping for a more proper celebration during our vacation. I’m typing this out right before we leave for our Martha’s Vineyard trip.

I was beyond excited for this getaway, but with all of our recent tick troubles, some of the sparkle of this vacation vanished. I’m still excited to go away and gave family time, but with Martha’s Vineyard quickly becoming known for its Lone Star tick and alpha gal problems, part of me is worried to add more tick exposure into the mix.

We’re going to be as cautious and prepared as we can while still getting out there and having fun. I’m hoping once we’re on the ferry and surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches I’ll get that spark of excitement back. I’m sure my kids, who will be seeing everything for the first time, will help.

My season is a little different this year. The end of May through June was packed, and then things will be a bit more sustainable through August. September and October will be quite busy. I’m grateful I have a chance to catch my breath… I need it this time!

What I’ve Been Reading

I just finished Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery today, the fourth installment in the Anne of Green Gables series.

Unfortunately, this was the first one of the main series that felt mediocre. I’ve been working my way through the whole series. I tried reading Anne of Green Gables (AGG) several times as a kid, but I couldn’t really get into it. My mom even bought me the boxed set. But despite being a huge reader even as a child, I couldn’t understand the hype.

I know AGG is beloved, though, so I wanted to try again. And boy, was the love for Anne worth the wait!

I’m entirely obsessed with Anne, Gilbert, Marilla, Davy, and the whole Avonlea set! And when we meet Philippa later in the series?! I’m in love with that girl.

Anne of Windy Poplars felt like waiting too long for what you really want to happen. It has a slightly different format from the other books, which didn’t add anything for me. The new characters didn’t feel as inspired as other that have been added in each new novel.

It’s still decent, and I love Anne, so I won’t complain about more time with her. But I’m also really looking forward to the next one and hoping it’s back to business as usual.

What I’ve Been Watching

I’m a bit hodgepodge these days.

Dillon and I just finished season 2 of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. I started Outlander on my own for when I fold laundry and walk. I also just started season 3 of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

I haven’t watched a lot this month with all of the busyness. If you read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, the TV show is a fun watch.

What I’m Excited About:

My favorite monthly ritual–taking a peek at the calendar and getting excited about what’s ahead

-My Martha’s Vineyard vacation. I know it will be good!

-Another Mayflower Beach engagement session. It’s a stunning beach, and I’m excited to head back there with a new couple for the second time so far this season

-VBS at our church. This is the first year that Redlen’s old enough to attend, which is so exciting!

-My youngest nephew is turning one, and I’m able to go to his birthday party.

-A Chatham Bars Inn maternity session. I’m hoping to get lucky two years in a row with epic hydrangea photos!

-Maternity photos for my in-laws! They’re having their first later this summer!

-A Salem Country Club wedding for the sweetest couple. I’m so excited to celebrate with them!

-A Cape Cod family portrait session

-A Misselwood wedding. This is a stunning spot!

Until next time,

Christine