Most of you know that I recently got back from an amazing trip to Europe with my hubs, John! We originally planned on going because his cousin was getting married, and they asked me to photograph their beautiful Ireland wedding. With half the trip already planned, we decided to expand it a bit and knock out Paris and London while we were over there.

The first stop was Paris! We spent six days there, and it was gorgeous. Spring was just starting to show itself, and the weather was pretty nice. Unfortunately, I got sick on about day 3 with fever and sore throat, so it kind of but a damper on exploring the city (I literally did not feel like doing ANYTHING – no good!). Luckily, with lots of ibuprofen (and a supportive hubs), I was able to fit in lots even through the exhaustion my body was feeling.

We stayed in the most lovely little apartment in Paris, which we booked through VRBO. Of course, I didn’t get any photos of our little flat (dangitkati!) but just believe me. It was fab. However, I did get photos of a few of the things we got to see while we were there. I didn’t take my camera with me every day because it’s so heavy, but I took it on a few of our adventures. So let’s start where it all began: Paris.

One of the things we wanted to do while in France was visit the beaches of Normandy. John’s dad is a big WWII enthusiast, so it meant a lot to John that we got to see it. We took a train to Normandy from Paris, and got to spend a whole day with a tour-guide taking us to each of the beaches. It was crazy to think of all the men who lost their lives on these beautiful beaches, but it definitely put some of it into perspective for me. We also got to visit the American cemetery, where rows upon rows of white marble crosses literally took your breath away. So grateful for freedom and for my country.

Favorite things in Paris: Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night, eating dinner at Frenchie (seriously, if you’re going to Paris, GO THERE), seeing the beaches of Normandy, visiting Saint Chapelle and the Musee d’Orsay. Oh and Versailles! Least favorite parts: being sick, going to the Lourve (I found it seriously overwhelming and disorganized), the modern art museum, and not knowing a lick of French. So yeah, overall I was pretty happy with it. Can’t wait to go back!

Next, it was on to IRELAND. Okay, peeps – Ireland is now officially my homeland. I was mesmerized by it from the minute we got out of the airport, and my obsession continues. It is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited – you HAVE to put it on your bucket list! Even though driving on the left is seriously freaky, it’s totes worth it. Just go – you can thank me later.

Hands down, my favorite part of the trip was visiting the Cliffs of Moher. For one, they’re freaking gorgeous. I mean, what??? Two, I got to photograph the wedding couple on these cliffs, which definitely goes on the list of “best things that have ever happened to me because of photography.” I cannot CANNOT wait to show those images to you!!!! Le sigh…

After Ireland, we spent one whirlwind day in London. I actually really enjoyed our 24 hours there – it’s a very cool city (and I loved that English is spoken!). Unfortunately the Duchess of Cambridge did NOT give birth while we were there (I was crossing my fingers), but we still had a fabulous day. Got to see the big sights, ate some wonderful food, and basically just enjoyed our last day in Europe! Highlights of London: The London Eye, Tower of London (I’ve read a handful of books about King Henry VIII), and riding around on the double-decker big red bus.

It was a REALLY good trip – looking back, I miss it SO much! Hey John….can we do that again?