When you marry someone, you marry their entire family. You gain brothers, sisters, moms and dads. It's a packaged deal and sometimes you're just not a fan of whole package. You know you're in love with your spouse, but their family? Maybe not as much.
Jonathan and I started dating when I was 15. My in-laws watched me grow and develop into their son's wife, but they also watched and cheered me on as I grew as an adult. I can't even classify them as my in-laws, they're just my parents.
When I planned my trip to Ireland to photograph an elopement (See that awesome adventure HERE), I knew I'd have to stay and discover the country. Without hesitation, I asked one of my two awesome mother-in-laws to join me. After all, our red hair and feisty personalities would fit right in. :) She'd never been out of the country and I knew that Ireland was the ONE place she'd love to travel to.
My mom-in-law, Karen, isn't really a fan of leaving her adorable little cottage home in search for the great unknown. She'd never gotten a passport and she definitely isn't one to drive or fly long distances by herself. So, asking her to go to Ireland with me was a BIG deal. She stepped way out of her comfort zone and had a blast the entire trip! We got a little lost, came within inches of scraping sides of trucks while driving on the wrong side of the road and slept in strangers' homes. She loved it! I've always loved her, but this trip made me respect her even more for taking such a big leap and discovering something new.
So many times we get set in our ways and only stick to what is comfortable for us. It's really no way to live. In fact, It's always the right time to conquer a new goal, change careers or check that one thing off your bucket list. I look back at these photos and am really inspired to try something new for me. It's not fair to ourselves if we just keep running in our hamster wheel, waiting for life to pass us by and then look back wishing for something better. Life really is way too short.We can't just keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. After all, isn't this the definition of insanity?
So, as my Dad always said - Go see the world. Especially Ireland. :)
As always, I opted for an Airbnb, but our time with Gertie & Pat knocks all other stays out of the water. If you're in Dungarvan, you MUST stay with them. You'll get Jameson for breakfast, a show and two friends as you leave. :)