I am chasing moments in nature’s treat.
That is what I did last week when we packed our luggage and drove to our favorite beach in Delaware. We decided to take our summer week vacation and return to a favorite place that we know and love. We have visited this beach every year for the past seven years. It started back in May of 2010 when I had just finished my last cycle of chemo. After undergoing six months of this treatment, we needed to go to a place that was within driving distance and wanted to feel calm and relaxed, yet still experience new places to eat and shop. When we return to that place, specific memories feed our anticipation for the trip. Whenever we arrive to the beach, we still have that feeling of it’s still “our” place, there are familiar spots, due to the connection we made.
Since I had a procedure in late July to remove a cancerous tumor that grew, we knew it would be beneficial to go back to our favorite beach…behind every storm is a little bit of sunshine. The beach for us is a place for recharging our body, mind and spirit. What better way to start the day then by heading to the beach in the early morning hours, before the crowd arrives and having time for yourself to take in the beauty around you. Living in the moment and living the simple pleasures of putting your toes in the sand, feeling the warm sun rays on your face, and listening to the soothing waves crashing, brings a sense of tranquility. Peace fills my soul of being hopeful for better tomorrows.
One of the items I had on my bucket list was to watch the sunrise over the ocean. I was happy to have checked that item off my list a few years back – it was one of those not-to-be-missed experiences. As you know, since I love to style tablescapes and create sets, another item on my bucket list was to create and capture an intimate beach imagery. While I envisioned something on a larger scale and have it photographed by a professional, I took the opportunity to go for it, on a more intimate level.
Surrounded by nature’s inspiration, capturing the perfect moment was influenced by sitting on the stretches of sand, gazing over the infinite ocean view and exploring the beach sunrise. I created a table for two and the ocean was truly a fascinating backdrop. The tablescape was a small table for two that was low enough to be seated directly on the sand. I used a color palette of creamy neutrals that mimics the color of the sand, a soft peach that resembles one of the colorful hues seen as the sun rises, and aqua blue drinking glasses resembling the ocean water. I used natural elements for the table decor like seashells and driftwood. For a relaxing, yet romantic feel, I paired vintage brass candlestick holders and chose grey-colored candlesticks that echo the color of beach pebbles.
As you scroll through the pictures below, you will notice I was able to capture the stages of the sunrise. Viewed in person, it is one of the most scenic, and breathtaking sight you will see!
Sun peeking over the horizon.
Illuminating golden glow.
Morning light.
Have you seen a sunrise yet? What is at the beach too or somewhere else? Let me know in the comments section below what place you experienced in, I’d love to know!
-Photos by Rose Angel Lopez
Leave a Reply