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Crystal Bolin Photography 4/6/17 Crystal Bolin Photography 4/6/17

Stephanie + Brandon | Palm Beach Destination Engagement

A Destination Engagement in Palm Beach, Florida

He got down on one knee and popped the big question at the Breakers in Palm Beach the day before their engagement shoot. They were still on cloud 9 and beaming with joy. Her dream was to be proposed to in Palm Beach--a place she often visited with her family. Although she had her suspicions when the question was asked, it came as a wonderful surprise. She had the man of her dreams, a gorgeous ring on her finger and had packed her favorite Lilly Pulitzer dress! She was ready for her next surprise!

Stephanie's parents contacted us a few weeks prior to their trip to Palm Beach from Chicago. They told me the plan and how they wanted to surprise Stephanie with her dream engagement shoot in Palm Beach the day after the proposal!

Stephanie's mom, Lori, even wrote a personalized poem that she framed and gave to Stephanie after the proposal to tell her about her second surprise---her dream engagement shoot!

It was such a pleasure working with this happy couple! It was such an honor to capture their Palm Beach destination engagement photos!

Stephanie and Brandon,

Andrew and I wish you all the best as you begin this wonderful new season of life! We hope you enjoy looking back on your engagement photos for many years to come!

We started with a few quick portraits in the colorful Worth Avenue!

Then we made our way to the Worth Avenue Clock Tower! The main spot Stephanie always dreamt of having her engagement photos captured at!

When I saw Stephanie's ring I was in awe. It was one gorgeous ring. Then she told me that her uncle was the owner of Astrein's Creative Jewelers and designed her incredible ring for Brandon to give to her! How sweet is that!?

The framed photo her parents gave her after the proposal to tell her about her engagement shoot with us!

Then it was time for a few classic beach photos!

Then we finished up their Palm Beach destination engagement shoot with a few more photos in front of the Worth Avenue Clock Tower!

The details that brought this Palm Beach Destination Engagement together:

Location: Worth Avenue, Palm Beach & Palm Beach beach

Ring: Astrein's Creative Jewelers

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Photography: Crystal Bolin

Crystal Bolin Photography 2/2/17 Crystal Bolin Photography 2/2/17

Winter in Upstate New York

Our Winter Vacation to Upstate New York

We packed up our bags and braced ourselves for the cold. It had been too long since we both had seen any type of cold weather and even longer since we had seen Andrew's family. Even though we tried our best to make it up there for New Years--schedules, flight costs and the weather stood in our way.

After searching everyday for the best flight, we finally found one. We booked the flights and we immediately began packing (okay, let's be honest. I began packing...lol) as the excitement began to build.

A four-day trip was a bit shorter than we would have liked, so we set out to make the most out of every second. We had snowball fights, went exploring, attempted to build a snowman, made a snow angel, found an obsession with take snowflake pictures and took way too many portraits in this winter wonderland. It was the perfect winter getaway.

This was our first time visiting Upstate New York and, boy, did it not disappoint. Andrew's parents moved up over a year ago and we had been trying our best since to make it up there. Andrew's parents moved up there to pastor a church in Port Leyden, NY. Since they have lived there, they have told me numerous times that I would love it up there! And I sure did! We spent as much time as I could outside and enjoyed every moment.

Unexpected Highlight of the Trip

One of my favorite things about the trip was the snowflakes! They were perfect. I spent a decent amount of time everyday outside taking macro photos of them. It was so much fun! However, it was quite challenging. Firstly, I had to patiently wait for the perfect snowflake in 20-degree weather. Secondly, I wasn't able to bring my tripod so I had to hold my breath and stand perfectly still to capture crisp photos of the teeny, tiny snowflakes. Even though it was difficult, I loved the challenge and the final product was so worth it!

Our trip to Upstate New York was the perfect winter getaway and we are so excited to share some of our favorite moment with you! Enjoy a little taste of this winter wonderland.

First, we visited a local ski lodge. Then we warmed up at a charming local coffee shop. There were SO many rustic red barns! I loved them all.

Then we drove up to a extremely windy hill called Tug Hill. On the hill there are over a few dozen huge windmills that power New York City. The view was amazing. After, we stopped in a little town called Rome for a yummy lunch.

It really was a Winter Wonderland! Andrew decided to make a snow angel. Then I had fun capturing some snowflakes.

Then we went to a wood chip factory that had some amazing views and the air smelled like Christmas Trees. It was one of my favorite places.

On Sunday, we woke up to go to church with this view!

Details about of winter trip to Upstate New York:

Locations: Port Leyden, Lowville, Rome, Syracuse & Tug Hill

Photography: Crystal Bolin, Andrew Bolin & Steve Bolin

Crystal 1/23/17 Crystal 1/23/17

A day at Ross Witham Beach + the House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island

A day at Ross Witham Beach & House of Refuge

There are many reasons why I love Florida. On any given day you can take a short or long road trip north or south along the coast. Breathtaking views surround you as you cruise along A1A. Even though I have lived in Florida my entire life, I have come to realize I have yet to discover all of the many treasures that make up this place that I like to call, paradise.

On Martin Luther King day, since Andrew and I had a day off, we decided to take a drive north up the coast. We found ourselves at Ross Witham Beach on Hutchinson Island in Martin County. Teal waters crashing against the rocky shoreline filled the scene. The view was perfection.

Just when I think I have seen all Florida has to offer, I come across absolutely stunning slice of paradise. Take a trip with us to the the rocky seashore of Ross Witham Beach! An unexpected gem just behind the historic House of Refuge in Martin County.

History about the House of Refuge

Built in the early 1900's, The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is the only remaining House of Refuge. Built as one of ten along the east coast of Florida, it is the oldest structure in Martin County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Houses of Refuge were designated as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along the sparsely populated Atlantic coastline of Florida. Run by the United States Lifesaving Service, the Houses played a critical role in a time when sailing ships dominated the world commerce.

These teal waves were incredible! Tripods are awesome for capturing moments like these! :) The House of Refuge.Then we took a coffee break at the Blue Door Coffee Bar which was the perfect "pick me up"! Lastly, we ended the evening watching the sun set back at Ross Witham Beach The beach looks so different only a few hours later. Just moments before an unexpected wave crashed and got me soaked! But these photos were worth it! :)