Thursday, May 29, 2008

North Carolina - Day 3

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Yesterday was an incredible day, to say the least. April and I had been trying to figure out a way to get to the beach ever since we arrived. Being without a car made it a little difficult....so we finally gave in and rented a car for the day.

Katherine, the lady who helped us at Enterprise was fantastic. She recommended that instead of driving to Wilmington, which has a few beaches, we should go to 'Top-Sul.' It was more quaint and not as touristy. We later learned that 'Top-Sul' is actually Topsail, but we made sure to pronounce it like the locals ;)

It seriously was a miracle that we found it. We didn't know the exact exit we were supposed to take to get there....April had the inspiration that maybe we should fill up on gas since we hadn't seen any gas stations in a while....and on that very exit, we saw the signs that would lead us to Topsail. We stopped and bought some fresh strawberries for the rest of our journey.

Although it rained on an off, the weather was pleasant and made for a quiet day at the beach. I was in awe as we drove down the main street of the Island. The tall beach houses are a sight to see: brilliant colors, boats everywhere, and everything just felt like it moved slower. I was in heaven.


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I had to take a picture of the gorgeous roads in NC...nothing like in Utah. The trees act as a barrier to the world, leaving you in what feels like a secluded area with rich emeralds, jades, and olive greens to line the lonely road.

On our way home, we stopped at a bridge where a beautiful, black river moseyed. We actually parked next to the river and stupidly decided to walk onto the bridge. With only a foot between the edge of the road and speeding cars, we raced up. I even caught myself screaming as 2 buses came flying by, shaking the bridge and my nerves.

There are always SO many beautiful sights to take in. It's like eye candy ALL the time here!

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Raleigh, NC - Day 2

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Yesterday, on the way home from the coffee shop, I meandered around on my own. I was immediately intrigued by the array of colors on every block. From the rust dripping from a window sill, to the colored doors, to a small yellow light on a white wall.

And, all this was within a short, 6-block walk. Incredible.


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Last night, we hung out with some of Josh's friends at a BBQ. I felt right at home. Everyone was welcoming and friendly and it felt like we were hanging out with a bunch of close friends. Mendy even gave us a little mini concert and graced us with her beautiful songs. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures because I didn't want to freak anyone out with my ginormous camera -- it can be a bit overwhelming for strangers :) It was a picturesque evening, including eating mulberries straight from the tree. yum....


Today, we went to a rose garden. It was almost a shame that the sun was so bright....well, it just makes my job more of a challenge ;) but the flowers were gorgeous...and it smelled heavenly.

On our walk home, we noticed a small shop named Loco Pops. Curious and hot, we decided to go see what it was. Gourmet popsicles. I had a banana chocolate chip flavored one. It was a perfect treat for a super hot, humid day. Even after coming home, I haven't cooled off. It's like a blanket of heat is always around me, sticking to everything. I definitely appreciate Utah's dry climate :)

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Monday, May 26, 2008

Raleigh, NC - Day 1

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I've officially been in Raleigh, North Carolina for 4 hours. I took a red eye last night to Atlanta...don't think I slept at all in the plane because I was in the back and the engine was ROARING loud. We landed at 6am, which meant 4am in Salt Lake. I had a layover for 2 1/2 hours where I attempted to sleep while using my camera bag as a pillow (not very comfortable), and then flew up to Raleigh. I feel like there are lead weights on my eye lids....I will need a nap soon.

Right now I am sitting in a coffee shop, enjoying the company of my friends, soaking in the ambiance of a typical Raleigh coffee shop. It's fantastic. The pictures I'm posting are of where I'm staying -- Josh's apartment (I LOVE his saucy orange velvet couch and wooden floors). Raleigh has such amazing architecture, dripping with history. I'm definitely going to take some time to just walk around and soak it all in. Stay tuned!

Oh, and I'm especially excited for Thursday evening, where I'm doing an engagement session of one of my couples whose wedding is in July. I will tell that whole story when I post their pics.

Happy Memorial Day!

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Laura and Jesse

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Laura and Jesse have the best smiles. Whenever I tried to get them to do the 'serious' face, they'd burst out laughing. Made my job easy for genuine smiles :) They were up for anything and were just a joy to be around. They are both working on their degrees at BYU and Laura has spent 8 months living in Romania working at an orphanage. I had a killer time with this duo and wish them only the best!

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