Taking a break from photography
Grief has a funny way of putting your life into perspective, forcing you to reevaluate what’s truly important. Taking a break from photography wasn’t a decision I made lightly. Shortly after moving from Texas to South Carolina, I felt an overwhelming need to step back, but I never really addressed why it was so important for me and my family. Now, after a year of grieving our loved ones, I can finally share that it was incredibly hard to pick up my camera and find joy in photographing anything. Instead, I invested my love and energy into my children and our family, making sure they felt okay and loved.
Adventures
For me, this meant finding new adventures. I was fortunate to visit many different places, including trips back home. Our first trip was to Charleston, SC, with my husband. It was an amazing experience; we did a food tour, and I discovered my love for Shrimp and Grits, which has since become my favorite dish to eat and cook!
We also celebrated my brother’s high school graduation with a family trip to New York. Then, I visited my best friend of twenty years in Knoxville, Tennessee, spending cherished time with her family.
Summers at my house became a hub of family visits and fun activities, including beach outings, dining at new restaurants, going to the movies, and go-karting.
Fall 2023
In September, my husband took me to my teenage dream concert Three Doors Down as a Mother’s Day gift. It was AMAZING because I got to discover my love for the band Candlebox!
In October, I had the opportunity to create a styled shoot and visit Asheville, NC. The scenery of the mountains there was breathtaking, reminding me of home but somehow even better.
Family life over the past year has been vibrant and full in the midst of our grief. My boys participated in various soccer matches during both the fall and spring seasons. We explored our new area, visiting the beach at North Myrtle, the local aquarium, the botanical gardens, the zoo, and the Museum of Coastal Carolina. My oldest even joined the tech fair, showcasing a video game concept he created with a friend, competing with over 1,200 students in our school district at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. I couldn’t be prouder of his hard work and determination.
During this time, I also discovered new passions. Making fresh pasta and perfecting my craft of baking bread which have become favorite dishes in our household. These small joys have brought us closer together and added a new layer of fulfillment to my life.
Self-improvement through grief
Working through grief and learning to navigate my family through it, I found a deeper understanding of love for myself. This determination led me to pursue something I had almost given up on finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Last January, I began this journey, only thirty credits away from completion. Last month, that dream came true. Graduating in the top 10-15% of my class at Southern New Hampshire University was a moment of immense pride. I couldn’t have achieved this without the unwavering support of my children, husband, family, and best friends. I dedicated my stole to my children with their initials KML engraved on the bottom right. The flags represented my grandparents and their sacrifices for a better life. Lastly, the second-generation engraving was dedicated to my parents.
In August, I reached out to Debby from Hill Creative Co. to rebrand my business as it approached its sixth year. I wanted a brand that felt elegant yet down-to-earth, representing all aspects of my life, and the places I’ve lived—from the east coast to the west coast and the south. I wanted my name, Adrianna Cristina, to reflect something I am truly proud of.
Now that I am officially back, I am excited about what the future holds. Rediscovering my love for photography feels like coming home and I can’t wait to see where this journey will take me next.
XOXO,
