It’s a piece of advice I hear over & over in this industry, yet ignore time & time again… Shoot for yourself. Take pictures of things you love. Stay inspired. In the hustle & bustle of wedding season, when I’m buried in a mountain of editing & e-mails, it seems nearly impossible to pick up my camera for me, and not for my clients. I feel so blessed to be able to take photographs of subjects that I love– beautiful brides, couples in love, sweet family moments– but when I was traveling to Nantucket in September for an engagement session, I knew that I had to take this opportunity to take some photos just for the heck of it! I knew I’d be in a beautiful place, and have my camera anyway, so I took some time for myself to document this picturesque island! And today I’m so excited to be sharing those photos. Yesterday, I shared Amanda & Sean’s Nantucket engagement session (Missed it? See it here!) and the morning after their session, I woke up before the sunrise to explore & photograph the island before the crowds were out & about. And, boy, was it worth it! I just couldn’t get enough of the beautiful scenery on Nantucket, and I’m already counting down until I get to be back next September for Amanda & Sean’s wedding!

I stayed in the cutest little B&B called Ships Inn!

Since I was only on Nantucket for about 24 hours, I wanted to make the most of it! I woke up early on Saturday morning to go watch the sunrise at Brant Point Lighthouse. I hardly ever get up in time to watch the sunrise, let alone really be able to enjoy it. Sitting on this beach, watching the gorgeous sky colors, and watching the boats starting to go in & out was such a peaceful moment in the midst of the crazy, busy month that September was.  

It was so awesome to get to see the quiet town in the early morning before it became crowded and the hustle & bustle started. 

Just looking at all the window displays could be a full time hobby on Nantucket

I just couldn’t stop photographing all the flowers, vines & fences around Nantucket… so pretty!

And one of the best unexpected surprises of being on Nantucket?! I had no idea one of my good photographer friends & fellow Hallmark gal pal, Melissa Mullen, would be there the same weekend I was! We connected when we saw each other’s Instagrams, and got to grab breakfast before she shot a wedding & I had to head back… so good to see her!