Last week we went to Miami on vacation! We had a lot of fun, de-stressed (for the most part), and I learned a big lesson in vacationing.

we seriously had THE prettiest clouds during take-off

it took me a solid 30 seconds to figure out why my images were looking like this ^^^ until I realized it was so hot and humid my lens had fogged up. literally every time we walked outside.

So. Big lesson in vacationing. If you’re going to be staying at a hotel, call before you make a reservation and ask if they’re doing any renovations. Ask what those renovations affect. We had selected to stay at the Mandarin Oriental because it had great reviews on Trip Advisor and because I had not done enough research or realized how big Miami is….and how far the downtown is from the fun beach area. We were informed at check-in that their pool was under renovation (we could use a neighboring condo building’s — which did not have a food or bar) and that the beach was no water access. WHAT?! So we decided to move, since those were pretty much the only two things we were on vacation to do. Wil’s choice was the Perry in South Beach. (You’d think I would have learned my lesson already, but no.) The cab driver on our way to the Perry informed us that they were also going through renovations. These were renovations of the jack-hammering on your balcony at 9am sort. Awesome. I say this not to complain, but as a heads up! I didn’t grow up going on lots of vacations so I had no idea this is something one should do. Now I know :-)

they did have sharks in the lobby fish tank though!

and a bright blue front door and rave music and lights in the elevators! PAAAAARTY!!! hahahaha

Thursday night we went to Casa Tua for dinner. Best meal of the trip. Such a gorgeous venue….I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to shoot a wedding there.

this is the rooftop pool where we spent pretty much the rest of the trip :-) We did a lot of getting sunburnt, reading awesome books that change your life, and sipping mango freeze cocktails.

then it was time to go home! we had such a pretty sunset flying back into Chicago!

home sweet home :-)