Top 5 moments from my trip to Cape Cod

Just returned from a whirlwind few weeks on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket and my heart is so full. This trip felt different. After years of dreaming, photographing, designing, and pouring myself into Coastal Granddaughter, I finally got to bring the book back to the places and people that inspired it most.

Here are a few of my favorite moments from the trip:

1. Showing the Businesses & People Their Pages in the Book

Without a doubt, one of the most special parts of the trip was personally showing shop owners, creatives, and locals the pages where they were featured in Coastal Granddaughter.

Watching genuine surprise turn into excitement and emotion was something I’ll never forget. So many people would slowly flip through the pages and suddenly say, “Wait… that’s us!” It reminded me why I created this book in the first place — to celebrate the magic, nostalgia, and small moments that make the Cape and Islands feel like home.

2. Daffodil Days in Nantucket

This year marked the 50th Anniversary of the Nantucket Daffodil Festival, and somehow it was my very first time attending.

The vintage cars covered in daffodils, the sunshine, the energy, the striped sweaters, the laughter — it truly felt like stepping inside a movie. Everywhere I looked felt joyful and nostalgic in the best possible way. It was one of those experiences that instantly becomes a core memory.

3. Securing 25 Retailers Across the Cape & Islands

I still can’t believe I’m typing this. During the trip, I secured 25 incredible retailers that will now carry Coastal Granddaughter.

Not just any retailers, many of them are shops I’ve personally loved for years while vacationing on the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Seeing the book find homes inside these beautiful coastal stores feels surreal and deeply meaningful to me as an independent creator.

4. Visiting Days Cottages Again

Going back to Days Cottages in Truro, where I photographed the cover of the book, was incredibly emotional.

Standing there again, looking out at the dunes and ocean, brought me right back to the moment I captured the image that would eventually become the face of Coastal Granddaughter. Some places just hold a feeling you can’t fully explain, and this is one of them for me.

5. Feeling the Love & Support from New England

More than anything, this trip reminded me how special New England truly is, not just the places, but the people.

I met so many kind, supportive, enthusiastic people who were genuinely excited about the book and wanted to help me succeed. Every conversation, every introduction, every encouraging word meant more than I can say.

As an independent photographer and self-publisher, this entire journey has been built with a lot of heart behind the scenes. Feeling that support in return was incredibly emotional and motivating.

And now… launch party week is finally here. 💙

I cannot wait to celebrate Coastal Granddaughter this Thursday with all of you.