Point Breeze Photography

So my darling husband bought me something I've always wanted for my birthday this year...

...a Canon Rebel! 

I've always loved photography, the way it can tell a story and truly convey emotions without saying a single word.  And now that I've got a camera capable of getting all the shots I love, I'm going to make an effort to carry my camera with me everywhere I go.  Well, almost everywhere...

Being married to an avid hunter and farmer, I knew what I was getting myself into.  An early fall morning, wrapped up in old jeans and camo sweatshirts and all the dogs howling like crazy.  Yes, this is what rabbit hunting is all about.

 

I really don't like to call it "rabbit hunting" since none of us carried a gun.  Bub and his dad were just "running the dogs" to get them some practice for when the time comes to actually hunt some rabbit.  The Hill boys have certainly bred and raised some talented pups...

#100

Welcome to my 100th blog post!  So terribly exciting, I know...  But seriously.  I started this blog somewhat as a dedication to the beautiful place I call home; Southern Maryland, Colton's Point to be exact.  And much to my surprise, I've kept up with it better than I thought I would.  I really just like to share the things I love, the things I find beautiful, and even sometimes the things I just don't understand. 

I have been slacking a little on my blogging, so I'll take this 100th post as an opportunity to catch up on lost time.  So what's been happening on Point Breeze Road lately? A lot...let's catch up :)

First I have to share with you a photo that I just love. 



Some people may look at this picture and think, big deal it's a kid sitting on a woman's lap.  But to me there is just something so calming and comfortable about it.  One of my best friends, and Bubba's cousin Amanda is one of the kindest and caring person I've ever met.  And to me her nurturing nature just shines through in this picture holding her cousin and our nephew, Jake.  I love it.

Next on the list of 'goings ons', our annual Blessing of the Fleet party.  Every year during the first weekend of October, the wonderful people of the St. Clements Island Museum host the Blessing of the Fleet.  Originally designed to Bless the watermen's boats before the season began, it has turned into quite an ordeal, with food vendors, boat rides to the island, craft tables and even live entertainment.  Living in the neighborhood, we use the opportunity to throw a party for our family and friends, and wrap up the night with everyone gathered in the front yard to watch the incredible fireworks that the event puts on.  Thanks to all who came this year and made our party so much fun!

Our lives have been pretty non-stop since the wedding, but that's ok.  We're young and we can handle it.  We got to make a short little day trip to the Eastern Shore recently to visit my new sister-in-law and her fiance.  I've really only ever visited that area in the summer, for trips to the beach, but I have to say it is still pretty sweet even with the seasons beginning to change.  Driving into Ocean City for a warm breezy walk on the beach was just what the Doctor ordered for us.  Such a great day!

[This picture, below, reminds me of the book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven]

Love dressing up for Halloween, but like staying home to pass out candy on the actual day of the spooktacular event?  Try having a specially themed party in the weeks prior to Halloween.  For example, I recently attended a "Witches Brew" complete with a diverse group of witches and deliciously devilish food and drinks.

Hope you enjoyed this little catch-up blog!  And make sure you check back soon for more updates :)

And it came true...

I’m totally that girl. That one that used to write in her journal every time she’d think of a beautiful idea for the day that she would marry her prince charming. No, I didn’t go back through all of my adolescent memoirs just to plan my wedding, but I did know exactly what I wanted. Dating and being engaged to a man with 27+ cousins and just as many friends, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings. Collecting tips, helpful hints, and even some ideas of what not to do. So the moment my sweet husband got down on one knee on our riverfront pier to propose, I knew what direction I wanted to take.

Elegant. Classic. Fairytale.

But it’s not all about me, there was another person in the equation too and he just happens to be one of the most non-superficial and outdoorsy men I’ve ever met. So we thought about it, and what was really important to us, and there is was. Family. It was to be a Classic-Fairytale wedding with small rustic touches all laced with our family ties.

The black suits with simple aubergine ties for the groomsmen, black for the groom and grey for the fathers was the simplistic elegance that the grooms crew called for; A crew of men who would rather be decked out in camouflage. The women of the bridal party certainly didn’t disappoint either in their calf-length aubergine dresses with a slight sweetheart neckline and large black sash at the waist, they each looked absolutely stunning. Of course you also had my doll-esqe sister who looks good in just about anything you put on her, also in an aubergine dress but with a black lace overlay. My mother, as well as mother-in-law were just as stunning, each in a different shade of jewel tone blues.

Clearly I was in love with our colors and outfits. I just can’t help it, everyone looked so beautiful and elegant. The Church was full of 250 of our closest friends and family and to be honest, I only really ‘saw’ a few as my dad and I somewhat calmly made our way down the aisle. My excitement and energy was focused on the handsome man standing at the end of the long aisle. Our carefully selected readings and gospel were recited and we were well on our way to being a married couple. The priest gave us our blessings, and announced us to the crowd as the new Mr. & Mrs. Adrian Hill!

Climbing onto the sleek limo-bus, we headed to the reception and caught the most beautiful sunset this summer. Did I mention there had been 100 degree days the entire week leading up to the wedding, but that Saturday it was a perfect 75 and sunny? Yes, God was certainly smiling on us…Despite a small microphone malfunction, we were announced into the reception complete with DIY décor such as multiple oyster shells painted with glitter and a matching candles on each table, favors with black and white photos taken by yours truly and a small pewter deer mounted on a lovely little marble, and unique centerpieces made from locally grown flowers from an Amish friends farm and put together by my friends and Bubba’s aunts. The first dance is played, photo’s are taken and dinner is served. By this time the sun has set and our hundreds of candles and specially placed white lights are casting an elegant glow across the ground. Another special touch that I will never forget was the father/daughter dance to My Girl, sung by our DJ Joe Webb and the mother/son don, Simple Man, sung by our close friend Adam Lyon. And this wasn’t a cheap karaoke show either, they thoroughly brought the house down.

We danced, we ate cake and we socialized with as many guests as possible. It was everything I imagined it would be and more. The wedding I always dreamt of had come true and I was married to the man of my dreams. As the night ended we tossed the bouquet off the balcony of The Old Breton Inn and the rest is history.

Thanks for letting me relive our own little piece of perfection…pictures to come soon!!

Check out some of our professional photos by Melissa Barrick!  More to follow...

A Shiny New World

Well, we did it! We tied the knot, to be totally cliché. I am officially now a Mrs. The wedding was everything I’d hoped for, and it really opened my eyes to a lot. But I’ll get to that later- it deserves a full blog post all to itself.

Being newly married is wonderful. You instantly feel this sense of responsibility and closeness to your partner. But externally, things really aren’t much different. You are both still yourselves, just legally and religiously (if that’s your thing) tied together. However, while honeymooning at the BEAUTIFUL Grand Hyatt Kaua’i I noticed something very different. It was like I’d crossed the threshold into a shiny new world. Everywhere I turned I saw young men with brand spanking new rings on their left hand. Now obviously I’m aware that we were in honeymoon central and there were a lot of newly married couple there. But for some reason it cracked me up at how dominate their rings were. It could be the fashion; in fact, Bubba’s ring is very similar to many of the ones I saw. It could be the fact that they all looked so conscious of their new accessory. Pulling on it, making sure it’s still there every few minutes, or even accidentally putting it on the wrong hand…ahem, *Bubba*. Or maybe it’s just noticeable because so many of the older married men don’t wear their rings. I scanned the crowds for older men who appeared to be with their wives and families, but many of them either weren’t wearing a ring, or it was very small.

Whatever the reason may be, it really caught my attention. It was kind of cute the way they all proudly adorned their new symbol of love. Even if it will probably get lost, dirty, scratched or broken within the next year or two.

Eleven.

That is the number.  The number of day I have left until I'm a married woman!  That is a scary thought, especially when I think back about 3 years ago and realize how much I've changed since then.  But change is a necessary evil we all must face.  In fact, I don't think I like that saying, "necessary evil", it makes it sound so bad and mean.  And change isn't always bad, sometimes it's really good.  Even when you think it's bad, you'll probably still learn something from it.  So embrace it while you can.  I mean really who can live a life that is exactly the same day in and day out?  I mean come on, we all know how the Truman Show ended...change is a GOOD thing.

Anyway, let me hop off my soapbox now.  This past weekend I got to spend my last weekend out on the town as a single girl, with my closest female friends and family members.  My sister and maid-of-honor, along with a little help from my mom and friends threw me a terrific bachelorette party complete with limo, hotel, shots and beads.  Though we didn't wake up with a tiger in our bathroom like the guys of the Hangover, I think we hit the town pretty hard and had a great time doing it.

[The crew who met up at the hotel before dinner!]

[Dinner and drinks at my favorite...Cheeseburger in Paradise]

[Gettin' gangsta in the back of the limo]

[The end.]

Showers Galore!

I have to say, I am a pretty lucky girl.  I have been blessed with two loving families that are so kind and thoughtful that they threw me not 1, but 2 bridal/wedding showers!  The first was a romantic riverside shower complete with princess tent, pink goodie bags, rock candy and big hats.  Hosted by my lovely sister and made-of-honor, Marci, it was absolutely gorgeous.  Sweltering hot, but gorgeous.

[Our delicious cake, topped with Robin Hood and Maid Marian...my childhood crush and Bubba's childhood hero, view of the tent from the road, the cute little gift bags put together by my mother, and moi opening gifts with my bridesmaids in our oh-so-stylish hats!]

Fast forward a few weeks and we're on to shower number 2, with a twist!  This shower was hosted by Bubba's mom and sisters, Ashley and Sarah and was a co-ed wedding shower for the both of us.  It was held at Gilbert Run park, and was set up with a laid-back picnic type feel.  Despite an insane amount of rain, it was a blast!  There was multitudes of yummy food, cute kids, awesome presents and even a few dogs.

[Opening gifts in our stylish bride and groom hats, nephew Jake enjoying the rain, all of our specially wrapped gifts, and another gorgeous and delicious cake!]

Thank you so much to everyone who made our 'shower' experiences so wonderful.  The weather may not have cooperated for either of them, but that just means the wedding day should be perfect, right? :)