Alana + Dave | Worth Avenue Engagement

Worth Avenue Engagement Photos in Palm Beach, FL

On Sunday, February 12th, Andrew and I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Alana and Dave capturing their Worth Avenue engagement photos. We enjoyed the breezy afternoon strolling the street getting to know them and chatting about their wedding! They will be tying the knot on April 21st, 2017 at the Addison in Boca Raton, Florida. Andrew and I are so excited to document their big day!

First, we started with some classic portraits under the dreamy archways of Worth Avenue. 

Then it was time for some ring shots! The watch in the photo below was a sweet gift from Alana to Dave. After capturing a few photos of her engagement ring Alana told me that the second ring she was wearing was given to her by Dave's mother as an engagement gift! How sweet is that!? Then the classic photo under the Palm Beach Clock Tower! 

The details that brought these Worth Avenue engagement photos together:

Location: Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida

Photographers: Crystal & Andrew Bolin

Hair & Makeup: Cloud 10 Delray

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

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! :) 

Details about this day at Ross Witham Beach and The House of Refuge:

Locations: Ross Witham Beach, The House of Refuge and the Blue Door Coffee Bar in Stuart, FloridaPhotography: Crystal Bolin

History about the House of Refuge Source: http://houseofrefugefl.org 

Chloe's Palm Beach Senior Portraits

Palm Beach Senior Portraits

On Wednesday, January 11th, I had the pleasure of capturing Chloe's Palm Beach senior portraits. Joy and laughter filled this session. We strolled the street of Worth Avenue together capturing lifestyle photos along the way.

When Chloe and her mom, Kelly, first reached out to me I was quite flattered. Kelly told me that they had been following my work on Instagram for over a year and Chloe had dreamt of  her Senior portrait session in Palm Beach with me! However, I felt even more flattered when she told me she lives in North Carolina and would be making the trip to Florida primarily for this! Needless to say, I was very excited to meet and work with them both.

Just as I thought, we instantly connected. Right away I felt like I had known them for years! I love how this passion of mine that I get to call my "job" allows me to meet new friends all over the country!

Chloe was such a pleasure to work with and her radiant smile filled every frame with so much joy. The session took place on colorful Palm Beach and Chloe's Lilly Pulitzer outfits fit the scene perfectly. This shoot was one of my favorite portrait shoots to date and you're about to see why!

Chloe and Kelly, thank you so much for choosing me to capture such an important season of   life! It was a complete honor working with you both! I look forward to working with you again! I hope you enjoy your portraits!

Lilly Pulitzer's "You Gotta Regatta" is my favorite patterns and when I saw Chloe's dress, I knew the perfect spot! 

The details about these Palm Beach Senior Portraits:

Location: Worth Avenue and Palm Beach beach

Photographer: Crystal BolinOutfits: Lilly Pulitzer