The week of my 21st birthday was spent in the beautiful state of Massachusetts, and I don't think I could have asked for a better time. I traveled from my hometown in New Jersey up to Quincy, Worcester, Southborough, Amherst, and finally Cotuit (in that order). It was a busy week filled with endless photos, reunions with friends, and a few nights of homework for an online class, but I wouldn't have changed a thing (except for including even more friends and family).
So, I guess I'll start from the very beginning of my trip.
On Saturday August 2nd I photographed my second wedding! It was positively magical. I danced, I cried (only a little during the ceremony, can you blame me?), and I took about 1,500 photos in total. The wedding was cowboy themed, the ceremony was held outdoors, and the weather ended up being perfect. The bride's family generously housed me and my good friend/second photographer, Wandy, for those two nights of wedding festivities, and before we left they showed us a conservation just beyond their backyard that had cows, wildflowers, old apple trees, and grasses tall enough to cover my shins. I am so unbelievably grateful for the entire experience. Here are some of my favorite shots from that day:
 |
| I received a short lesson on milkweed, something I had never seen before |
 |
| So many delicate weeds, flowers, and vegetation |
 |
| The happy newlyweds! |
 |
| The most precious cow I have ever encountered |
 |
| Carolyn and the most precious cow |
 |
| Carolyn and John |
 |
| Wandy, the photo goddess |
After feeding the cows we lounged in the grass and Carolyn made us the loveliest flower crowns. I strongly believe that there is no age limit when it comes to flower crowns.
 |
| :) |
 |
| The birthday cards my mom gave me (I saved them for when I officially turned 21 at midnight) |
 |
| 21st birthday mirror selfie, taken in the hotel room where I stayed |
 |
| Receiving a birthday massage from Brian, featuring Wandy on the phone and Jake being a photographer |
My 21st birthday was on August 4th, and first began with a few hours of relaxing in the campus hotel room that I booked for my stay in Amherst. After meeting up with two close friends, Jake and Brian, we all headed over to the Montague Bookmill, only a 20 minute ride away from school. I'm so glad that Jake introduced me to the mill last fall because it is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, buy a few books, and take photos (naturally).
 |
| My first legal drink! Thank you, Jake |
 |
| Wouldn't have been a proper birthday without a few self portraits |
 |
| So happy and grateful I was able to spend the afternoon these wonderful people |
 |
| Jake even had me on air for his WMUA radio show! |
Before the day was through I had one last photo shoot at a farm not too far from the UMass campus. I had driven by this area before but never took the time to stop and utilize the beautiful scenery for portraits. Again, many thanks to Jake for driving me over and helping me take photos as the sun set.
 |
My final days in Massachusetts were spent on the cape with my grandparents, visiting Provincetown and taking photos at the beach. I ate lobster rolls, went go-karting, and utilized every moment I could to be closer to the water. To put it simply, I love Massachusetts.
|
