A few weeks ago, I attended Lake Chelan Winterfest – an annual fun-filled, family-friendly extravaganza featuring ice sculptures, live music, fireworks, a huge bon fire, polar bear plunge, the wildly popular Winterfest Wine Walk and more. So much to see and do, including ice slides for the kids.

And the lantern festival of my dreams.

I’ve dreamed of attending and photographing a lantern festival for quite some time. It’s been on my photography bucket list for as long as I can remember.

I knew that photographing the event would prove to be difficult, but as I neared the marina a swarm of butterflies began to stir; nervous excitement fluttering deep within. People peppered the edge of the marina as darkness began to fall. I turned to my children and announced, “It’s time.”

The hum of excitement among those gathered began to rise as lanterns were lit one by one.

Hopes, dreams, wishes and prayers of thanks were slowly sent heavenward, all aglow.

Tears began to fall as I looked around at the lovers and dreamers sending their lanterns to who knows where.

The wonder,

the excitement,

the hope and joy on their faces…

It was too much, too beautiful to bear.

I looked over at my children, smiled and whispered, “It’s your turn.”

Andre patiently waited for his lantern to fill with hot air, slowly inflating while he stuck his tongue in and out as he always does when he concentrates.

Alyssa carefully held onto her lantern until it was time, her silent wish reverberating within my mother-heart.

Up,

up,

up their lanterns went along with their hopes, wishes, dreams and silent prayers.

*Photos taken with my Canon 7D and Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.