photography

Atlanta is magical✨

/ Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

You heard me; I believe this place and the people here are magical! And here’s why…

December gave me a new love for the holidays and Christmas spirit — one I hadn’t felt in a few years. Alex and I had so much fun before and during the holidays that I’m genuinely sad they’re over!

St. Louisa’s for organ karaoke

I haven’t sang or listened to karaoke in years, but our buddy Quinten told us about this old church-turned-bar with organ karaoke… and we couldn’t miss it! Alex and I have been twice now, and I’m sure 2024 will bring us more singing, dancing and laughing here — as well as pretending to be ping pong pros!

Botanical Garden for Christmas lights

We’d been to the Botanical Garden with our friend Emily in September, but visiting during the holidays was a completely different and unforgettable experience. Although the drinks weren’t cheap, they were good and the music, light variety and company were great. 💛 Alex and I were super impressed with the coordination of the lights with the Christmasy jazz playing.

Kat’s Cafe for jazz music

Sticking with the jazz theme, Alex and I enjoyed ourselves at this dive club in Midtown. This wasn’t as upscale as Cliff Bell’s in Detroit, but it didn’t need to be! The music, atmosphere and martinis were amazing.

Cirque du Soleil for an incredible show

Seldom am I speechless, but this show blew me away! The acrobatics, comedic bits and overall production took my breath away. I’m beyond grateful that Alex made my first show so special, and even though he’s been quite a few times, it was special for him too!

Christmas Market for a friend date

After Thanksgiving I made a new friend at the dog park, and we finally hung out before the holidays. Ariel, Alex and I had a blast drinking mulled wine, laughing our butts off and getting to know each other!

Roswell Mill for a family hike

On New Year’s Eve we took Linley on a hike just outside of Atlanta — which was just right for all of us! We look forward to more adventures and hikes as a trio. 🤗

All media taken December 2023 in Georgia✨

Thankful Pt. II

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When you aren’t close with family, holidays can be rough (at least they have been for me!) I’m thankful I’ll be spending the holidays with a man who happens to have a great family, who sees and loves me for who I am, and just so happens to be my best friend. 💛

Who and what are your thankful for this holiday season? ☺️

Thankful 💛

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With Thanksgiving around the corner here in the US, I can’t help but reflect on what and who I’m grateful for — and how far I’ve come emotionally and spiritually since this time last year.

Last weekend, Alex, Linley and I drove to Nashville to spend time with my friends Alex, Alvin and their two pups. We had a blast from talking for hours at the kitchen table to spending time doing holiday things in town and visiting The Gentle Barn animal sanctuary outside of town. I look forward to spending more time with Alex and Alvin—and more road-trips with Alex in general!

I’ve been reflecting on my weekends since moving to Atlanta – and even since meeting Alex for the first time in person! – and couldn’t be happier with quality time spent with his friends and mine.

Although nervous, I look forward to spending my first holiday season with Alex’s family and more memories the rest of 2023 has to offer!

Cheers to continuing to focus on what and who I DO have as opposed to who and what I DON’T have. 💛

Photos taken Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Halloween festivities

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Although Halloween fell on a Tuesday this year, we made the most of last weekend and Halloween evening. It was a wonderful first Halloween in Atlanta and as a trio!

On Friday, we strolled the Beltline after work with some drinks in hand while wearing some epic family costumes. It was Alex’s idea for us to dress up as Krispy Kreme employees, and Lin be our doughnut! I loved the idea immediately and we ran with it. Linley wasn’t the happiest boy, but he made the most of his costume and everyone walking by enjoyed it! It makes my heart beyond happy and excited that Alex has fully leaned in and is embracing his dog dad-ness! 💛

On Saturday, we enjoyed another morning stroll before seeing Andy and Shawn. Our friends from South Africa have been in the states for two years or so, but haven’t experienced a true, American Halloween celebration — so we had to show them the ropes ☺️ Alex and I joined them in watching the rugby world championship on Saturday afternoon, where we were joined by other South African supporters and even some New Zealand fans. It was an intense game and South Africa only won by one point! The atmosphere while watching the game was something Alex and I loved and we’d be happy to watch rugby with Andy and Shawn again anytime!

After celebrating and enjoying great food and drinks, we headed back to both mine and Alex’s places to start the Halloween shenanigans! I dressed as a witch and Alex wore a shirt that said, “Pretend I’m a broom!” while Andy and Shawn got into their Star Wars outfits — and had the coolest lightsabers!

Our celebrations were simple this year: dinner outside at Bantam and walking the Beltline to Ladybird for drinks and people watching. It was such a chill, fun night and I already can’t wait for next year! 🤗

Our day-of consisted of a long walk to Piedmont Park (drinks in hand and costumes on like Friday!) and watching Lin tear it up at the dog park. We even saw trick-or-treaters on our way back home, which was a nice surprise and made the Halloween festivities complete. 😌

Halloween is my favorite holiday, and not being able to spend it with my mom up in Michigan felt weird this year. The last couple halloweens (the actual day-of) haven’t been the greatest, but it was fun to feel in my element again and go out with best friends, my man and our stubborn dog! 😂

Media taken Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28, & Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

I turned 30!!!

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On October 19, I turned 30. Unlike most people who have a “milestone birthday,” I couldn’t have been more excited to enter into a new decade of life. Last year I was in Germany with one of my best friends who made my day incredibly special, so Alex had some big shoes to fill, but made everything leading up to it, during and afterward better than I could’ve imagined.

Wednesday, October 18, I had a phone date with another one of my best friends as I walked Linley through Piedmont Park. It was such an awesome evening weather and conversation-wise. Alex came over and we played the War card game and drank spicy margs until midnight. And on my actual birthday, I took the day off and didn’t look at a single work email and I even had my personal phone text notifications off. I FaceTimed two of my best friends while I was in Target, buying things I didn’t need. I had the best evening with Alex and two of our friends (his longest friends who I’ve become closer with since moving down here) filled with good Latin American food, strong drinks and much-needed laughter. It was the first evening where I took a deep breath and thought, “I’m home.”

Justin’s birthday was the next day!

Alex planned an incredible weekend in Savannah for us (us including Linley!) and it was an amazing first family trip. I’d never been to Savannah but have always wanted to see the mosey trees, beautiful southern architecture and cobblestone streets. Alex and I enjoyed a lovely seafood dinner and awesome drinks that Friday night after our long drive and walk with Linley. Seriously everything was perfect: the Airbnb, Linley’s behavior, the company… I felt so much love the entire weekend.

Luckily we found out that Tybee Island Beach isn’t dog friendly the night before, so we traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Seeing Alex and Lin on the beach together melted my heart, and it was Alex’s first time seeing Lin like that (and Linley’s first time in the Atlantic Ocean!). We all ran around and then enjoyed some delicious seafood and drinks on the dock. The highlight was someone walking up to us and saying, “He’s a daddy’s boy isn’t he?!” when seeing Alex and Lin together! It was the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.

After finding a not-so-great bar after a much-needed lazy afternoon, we went back to our bar from the night before, then had a blast at our spooky bar crawl. We met some awesome strangers along the way, including none other than comedian and Impractical Joker Sal Vulcano! I couldn’t believe that we saw him at the end of the night! The hangover the next morning was SO worth it.

We enjoyed a morning walk, some attempted ghost photos, brunch and stopping at Buc-ee’s on the way home.

I fall in love with Alex more and more as the days go on, and I can’t wait for more adventures as a trio!

My two favorite fellas!

Media taken October 19-22, 2023.

Dog park and pool fun!

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Atlanta is the most dog friendly place Linley and I could’ve landed in! We’ve been loving all the dog park and pool time adventures—and Alex has fully embraced being a dog dad. 💛

We all look forward to more family adventures together… and stay tuned for more October posts that I’m behind on! 😉🙈

Media taken October 1, 7 & 25, 2023.

Congratulations to Jess and Dallas!

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On Thursday afternoon I wrapped up my workday as quickly as possible so I could fly to Southern California and celebrate two of my good friends. Jess and I met through work about a year and a half ago and instantly clicked, so being invited to celebrate her love and special day with her fiancée Dallas was a huge honor.

I stayed in Huntington Beach my first night and it felt great to grab the rental car, some Flaming Hot Cheetos and get some good sleep. My host was so sweet and gave me local recommendations for my next morning, which I appreciated very much. On Friday morning, I drove along the Pacific Highway and got to dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean once more.

(Well, maybe it wasn’t as graceful as dipping my toes, but you get the point!)

I arrived at the perfect time before it got too busy, and luckily I was able to change into my shorts in the car once the waves took over my dry jeans! I changed, then ran to the ocean as quickly as I could, feeling like a little kid on a family vacation all over again. I smiled and laughed and let the sun hit my face while the waves drew me in. If only I’d had more time to enjoy it…

I knew I had to leave and I did at the perfect time; it was time for a nearly two-hour drive east toward Temecula, for a quick stop at my next and final AirBnB so I could attend the big event. I made it just in time and headed over to Lake Oak Winery — one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been invited to in my lifetime.

Another one of my favorite coworkers was invited to the wedding, and hanging out with Jeff and his wife Karen made my night even more fun and special! The drinks and conversation flowed the whole time, even in the beginning… Jess and Dallas’s ceremony was beautiful and made me tear up right away. It was amazing seeing one of my somewhat newer friends marry the love of her life — who is also quickly becoming a dear friend of mine, too. Both of my friends looked absolutely stunning in their dresses, but their smiles and reactions to each other were even more beautiful. Jeff, Karen and I were immediately in tears as we saw both brides meet each other to walk down the isle together. We couldn’t have been any happier for people who deserved it more than anyone!

The next morning, I had nice conversation with my AirBnB host before meeting Jeff and Karen for a much-needed espresso martini and goat cheese pizza (yes, you heard that correctly!). I swear I could sit and talk with Karen and Jeff all day long; they made my solo trip to California better than I could’ve imagined. After parting ways, I decided to spend the afternoon at Glen Ivy Hot Springs on my way northwest back to LAX. It was the perfect day full of sunshine, gratitude and calmness before taking a redeye flight home.

As much fun as I had, I realized how solo travel isn’t as appealing to me anymore (never thought you’d hear me say that, huh?!). I missed Alex like crazy. Although we haven’t been together more than a couple months, I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. He’s my favorite travel buddy, is the love of my life and has quickly become my best friend. Every text, photo update of his and Linley’s “bro weekend,” phone call or video call lit my heart up immensely. As honored as I was to be there for Jess and Dallas and to spend more time with Jeff and Karen, it would’ve been exponentially better had he been there by my side. Taking a redeye Spirit flight was trash to say the very least, but worth it because I wanted to rush back to see Alex and our pup!

All in all, it was an amazing weekend in Southern California, but I’m happy to be back home. 💛

Media taken Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 2023.

September 2023 Progress & Gratitude

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September has been one of the most positive and transformative months I’ve had all year. I couldn’t be happier in my relationship with Alex, in my new Atlanta home, and with where the rest of 2023 is heading. Before I get too lost in the future, I wanted to reflect on the past month and how much has changed – and how much I’ve grown – in this short period of time.

Two of Alex’s closest friends got engaged earlier in September, and I was able to be part of their special day. I feel blessed to have a partner and best friend who makes me feel so included, and to have a dad who helped me move all the way from Michigan!

I haven’t laughed or celebrated this hard and this much in a long time! September brought many cherished memories with Alex, Emily (who visited me my second weekend of being a new Atlanta resident!) and people I’ve met along the way.

Alex and I also celebrated his best friend from high school as she married the love of her life last weekend. We look forward to many more weddings and milestone celebrations together!

We befriended a lovely couple at Amy’s and Danny’s welcome dinner!

Coworkers-turned-friends

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I’ve been an Atlanta resident for exactly one week, and as happy and at home as I feel here, I miss my friends I met through work. This time last year I left Chicago for Michigan on much different terms (going through a divorce, feeling lost, unsure of the future) and now it’s the complete opposite—all thanks to my support system who helped me through difficult times back home.

I wouldn’t be the confident woman standing in Atlanta today if I didn’t have these friends by my side this past year. I only wish they were here with me. 💛

Vancouver to Seattle

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I love Alex. I love Vancouver. I love Seattle. I love all the memories made and food we ate and drinks we downed and laughs we shared. This adventure couldn’t have gone any better. As bittersweet as it was to leave Vancouver – and inch toward concluding our trip altogether – I know my move to Atlanta is approaching and I couldn’t be more excited about my/our future.

Alex and I stopped at a Chinese bakery on our way out of the city on Sunday, and ironically ran into Uncle Joe and Aunt Trish again! We shared some quick hugs and laughs regarding the situation, then bounced to get through customs and return the rental car in Seattle at a decent time. When the representative at customs asked how we knew each other, we both looked at one another and said, “We’re dating,” all giddy like we were kids again haha.

Our afternoon was spent wandering around Pike Place after dropping off the car and our bags, and I started to feel like myself again (my nightmares and wildfire smoke ingestion made me feel like I’d been in a fog all morning). Another Irish pub drinks and food, along with enjoying Alex’s company through the market as we checked out different stores, made everything better. I’d been to that area only once before, and holding Alex’s hand this time made for a much different and insurmountably fulfilling experience. We freshened up, met his cousin Jason for drinks at a local bar, and even made a new stranger-turned-friend Jennifer!

As enjoyable as a day I’d had with Alex, the best was yet to come; Alex had been on a boat tour a few days prior but recommended we go together at sunset this time. It didn’t disappoint! In fact, it was nothing short of magical (sorry, Disney!) With white wine and chips in tow, Alex and I snuggled up next to each other and soaked in the sun and the views. We saw other ships pass by and the sunset was awe-inspiring. The photos Alex and I took together are perfect representations of how much fun I was having—and how much I deeply care about this man. Heck, we even saw orcas, which I didn’t even see in Iceland! It was super sweet because Alex waited for me by the ladder from the bathroom, and helped me up so I could watch the whales with him. 💛

I always pose with both our drinks, so I made Alex do the same 😅🙈
Posting this one for you, Alex, because it’s your favorite ☺️
One of my personal favorites 🤩

Seeing the city at night was super cool, despite it being “the end.” Alex and I were given a blanket to cuddle up in and we definitely made the most of it. What an amazing bookend to an unforgettable vacation! Instead of seafood one last time, we went to a sketchy McDonald’s and enjoyed eating in bed before spending one last night in the Pacific Northwest together. I can’t wait to spend more time with Alex once I move in a few days; I miss him already.

Media taken Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Saturday in Vancouver

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…and here I thought Friday was the perfect day…

Saturday was *even more* sentimental for me. After some subpar Turkish coffee, Alex and I hit the bike rental place and rode through Stanley Park for a few hours in the morning. I’d done rides along Lake Michigan in Chicago and Mackinac Island and other cities, but I’ve never done anything like that with a guy—especially *my* guy. I was enjoying the views but being behind Alex really distracted me, haha! I felt like a kid again, riding downhill with my legs stretched out and yelling “woo!” I even took a dip in the ocean and wished I had my swimsuit on. To my surprise, I wasn’t sore from the uphill trek and every visitor should rent a bike and check out Stanley Park.

Although nervous, I was excited to meet Alex’s uncle, aunt and some family friends at a Chinese seafood restaurant just outside of Vancouver. I felt incredibly welcomed and Alex made me feel important—truly like a priority in his life, and in his family. I’m glad I wore a dress instead of pants because all the scallops, shrimp dumplings, crab paella and mango pudding I ate was out of this world! And the conversation was as filling as the food. Alex, his Uncle Joe, Aunt Trish and I even went to a Chinese market in the mall afterward and it was nice to have that extra time with them.

After a much-needed late afternoon nap and refresh, Alex and I meandered through a local block party, where Alex bought me some art and we shared some drinks and laughs at a local Irish pub with live music. Every moment like this makes me fall for him more and more; I haven’t felt this intrigued in and this important to anyone ever before.

There was another restaurant Alex spotted that was near our waterfront bar the night before, so we obviously had to check it out! It was our last night in Vancouver before heading back to Seattle, and I was savoring the espresso martinis, seafood and memories with Alex tenfold.

We both agreed we’d be back. 💛

Photos taken Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Friday in Vancouver

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I wrote about Alex’s and my seaplane experience, but the rest of our Friday in Vancouver was just as incredible!

My buddy Eli – who we met up with in Seattle – recommended we check out Cactus Club and Jade Dynasty for drinks and dim sum, respectively. Alex and I wandered around Vancouver and although we saw some rough things in the streets, it was nice to hold Alex’s hand and talk to him about my past. Being able to share that with someone who is curious about me as much as I’m curious about them is unique and special and something I’ll never take for granted.

After great food and drinks (Eli’s recommendations didn’t disappoint!), we freshened up and headed back out for an evening stroll along the water. We took some goofy photos, shared some laughs, decided we’re too poor to ever own a yacht, and even heard some live jazz music on our walk to a beautiful waterfront bar. Alex and I enjoyed some fancy drinks, I indulged in more oysters and soaked in the view and good conversation. We decided to hit up a Malaysian place on our walk back that piqued our interest earlier on the trip.

I’m looking forward to more adventures with Alex!

Photos taken on Friday, August 25, 2023.