travel // adventure to northern michigan + sleeping bear dunes

Northwest Michigan, true to its state’s slogan, is pure. Its purity is obvious when standing atop the golden grass-laced, gigantic sand dunes, and looking around, the only thing to behold is beauty. The view in every direction is rich and vivid in color. As the soft, crisp breeze blows against your face, the matchless smell of cedars fills the air around. On one side of the dunes is continuous rolling, verdant-speckled hills, and on the other side there is crystal clear, blue water as far as the eye can stretch. It is possible to be completely content in this spot; content in sitting above the trees for innumerable time. As the hours pass, and the sun begins to slowly dip, the light rays transform all of the surroundings with a golden-filter cast. Suddenly, every last breath is taken and there are no words worthy to describe the scenery. It is in this moment when the Creator whispers through your being: “Be still and know that I am God.”

 

Stillness is the only thing left to offer. This offering gives glory to Majestic. In this awareness of His awesome presence, there is rest. In His rest, there is bliss.

 

Our anniversary weekend was brimming in this bliss. Around every bend, over every climbed hill and through every forest, we were increasingly more awestricken. Something untouched was waiting with each shore stroll and in every dune hike. Character and charm was discovered along walks through small lakeside villages like Saugatuck, Frankfort and Glen Harbor. From the starting line to the finish line, wonder and excitement interlaced the challenge of the infamous dune climb. Peace and tranquility was met in the simplicity of setting on the dock of Crystal Lake and painting with watercolors. A glorious, majestic view hosted the Sleeping Bear Plateau at sunset.

 

The enjoyment of each other—being with one another, experiencing this adventure together and the celebration of our first year of marriage—it filled my soul to its very core.  Truly, my cup overflows in goodness—unmatched, unutterable, glorious goodness.

 

Memories of our wedding day, my very favorite day of life, constantly kept my attention as we played photographer and model on the plateau. With Joshua dressed in his wedding attire, the rhythm of my heart was off-beat. Happiness was overpowering me, so much so that tears literally draped my face. These captured frames of connection between us were not posed in any facet; no, these photographed moments were doubtlessly real.

 

This below collection is not a collection of things, but a collection of true, honest moments that are treasured in my heart for all time.