Holiday time!

Ok, I admit it. I have been busy and haven't updated my blog in a while. Family get-togethers for Thanksgiving, then we are picking out a special tree at Prairie Pines Christmas Tree Farm, then ...it's all a blur! I have a lot of blessings to count!

Got back from a family weekend in Kansas City with just enough time to head to Peabody to photograph the Mellott family. On Christmas Eve day, my 4 wheel drive got me through the snowstorm to Amanda's grandmother's house to photograph her family while they were all together. The day after Christmas, I headed north to photograph the Cooper family. It is truly an honor to photograph such terrific families--thank you!

May 30, 2010

Prairie Rose is the location and May 30 is the date for the wedding of Christy and Scott. They will have a large wedding party, with six attendants on each side. Since they both enjoy horses, following the ceremony they will take a buggy ride to have some "new husband and wife" time, as well as get some fun pictures with them and their horses on the grounds of the Prairie Rose.

Their wedding plans are coming along well, with Totally Legal Sound and Lighting as the DJ entertainment for the reception.

In addition to their busy jobs in the sheriff's department, Christy and Scott run a charity to benefit children and families. I was very impressed with this selfless couple and can't wait to photograph their wedding!

Michelle's senior portraits

With all of the awful October weather this year: cold rain, drizzling rain, misting rain and lots of wind, I was keeping my fingers crossed that October 24 would be a nice day...happily, it was BEAUTIFUL!

Michelle had a fantastic day for her senior portrait session. We started with traditional portraits at her home, including several shots of just her flute and band uniform to make a unique collage later.

Next we headed to Oak Park in Riverside. Working between the disc golfers, we got some great photos! (Michelle, I had no idea someone could hike in high heels like you did!)

After graduation next spring, Michelle will start college at WSU, with plans to go into International Business. Congratulations, Michelle-have a fantastic senior year!

Email from Erin

"OOOOOOOOOOh I am so excited,

I just wanted to say thank you again for everything, we truly appreciate everything you have done for us, and you have truly been such a blessing to work with. I cannot express how I excited I am to have these pictures, I have not had one complaint about anything. You do such an amazing job, and I am so excited to have the photos for forever! Thank you again for everything!"

Just got this day-brightening email from Erin. (I photographed her wedding on July 24th. ) She was a beautiful bride!

Horse Shows!

Whew! September was a blur of horses, horse shows and more horses! I had a great time photographing the Five Star Futurity in Lincoln, Nebraska, then the 11 days of horse shows at the Kansas State Fair.

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors-the weather was mild and the horse shows went smoothly.

This weekend I will be photographing the Hope in the Heartland Quarter Horse Show in Wichita. Good luck to those exhibitors!

Kelsey, Five Star Futurity and the Ks. State Fair!

Last Thursday I went to Dannebrog, Nebraska. Why? To photograph my niece, Kelsey, for her senior portrait. Thursday night we ate the world's great pizza at a little place in downtown Dannebrog. Friday morning we were rested and ready to take a lot of photos! I photographed Kelsey with her mom, (my sister, Amye), with her brother (my nephew, Kaleb), her dog, her cat, her misc. horses, at an old barn, among the sunflowers, along the river, beside a fence, in their yard, leaning against her horse, laying on her horse, and a lot more! We had a blast and I was honored to photograph Kelsey...she is a beautiful young woman.

After Kelsey's portrait session I headed to Lincoln, Nebraska for the Five Star Futurity. The horse show staff put on a fantastic show there. Saturday was spent photographing their futurity, along with a few horses and their owners who wandered over from the Quarter Horse show going on next door. The Five Star wrapped up about 7:45pm, and I was loaded and headed south by 8:30 (thanks to Tag for helping me load up my backdrop and equipment!).

Almost six hours later my canine companion, Freckles, and I were at a hotel in Hutchinson, Kansas ready for a few precious hours of sleep. We were up at 7am and ready to photograph the Appaloosa/KSHA show, the first show of the Kansas State Fair. Whew!

Tomorrow is the first official day of the Kansas State Fair where I will be photographing the Palomino Horse show. I will be there for every day and every horse show throughout the Fair. If you are in Hutchinson, Kansas during September 11-20, please stop by the horse barn on the fairgrounds and say hello!

Meghan & Brandon

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita was the beautiful location for the August 8th wedding of Meghan and Brandon. Moore Flowers created the bouquets, wrist corsages and boutonnieres for the wedding party and family, and the bridesmaids dresses were purchased at Uniquely You Bridal.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds exited between the church columns and down the steps to the waiting limo from Artistic Limousine. Following a short drive, they arrived at Botanica, Wichita's botanical garden. After a few fun photos with the entire wedding party by the fountain, everyone headed inside for their formal introductions and then the cutting of the cake.

Harriet Harris made the wedding and groom's cakes, and Corporate Caterers provided the dinner for the guests. Entertainment was provided by Steve of Advanced DJ Service.

Meghan and Brandon met while in high school. They are so comfortable and happy together-I wish them many, many years of happiness-congratulations!

Palomino Horse Show

On Sunday, August 16, I photographed the Palomino Horse Exhibitors of Kansas (PHEK)horse show held in Kingman, Kansas. In addition to the wonderful facility, there is a lovely park and river adjoining the show grounds. It makes for some picturesque portraits!

This photo is of Amberly with her horse, "Vegas", and her 2 1/2 year old daughter. Don't they look like they are enjoying their time together?

Note from Ginnie and Mike

Yesterday I received this nice note from Ginnie and Mike, whose wedding I photographed on May 16 at the Cathedral:

Edye,

Thank you so much for photographing our wedding and capturing the special day. Mike and I greatly appreciate the attention to detail and quality of work you provided. Again, we thank you for a job well done!

Take Care,

Ginnie & Mike

Pride of the Prairie Pinto Show

July 25-26 in Hutchinson was the place to be for the regional Pride of the Prairie Pinto Show. Horses from Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas and other states were there competing for state and national points, circuit championships and High Point awards. I have been photographing the Pride of the Prairie show for about seven years, and I really enjoy getting to see my Pinto horse friends and customers each year.

A challenging group photo was that of four dogs, four people and one horse. I was very pleased that ALL the canine and equine ears are up and forward as they should be. Another fun photo was of Katie and her horse. Katie let me "play" and get this head shot with her horse, sans bridle. Congratulations to each of the competitors!

Wendy and Owen

Owen and Wendy were married Saturday, July 25th at Northridge Friends Church in Wichita. Owen's dad told me that he had been an usher in that church for 25 years, and Owen's mom had been the wedding coordinator there. Needless to say, that church had been an integral part of their lives for all of Owen's life.

From Wendy's time getting ready prior to the ceremony, until she and Owen ran through rose petals (and jelly beans!) thrown by their family and friends as they left the reception, every detail went smoothly. Congratulations, Wendy and Owen!

Erin and Kyle

On Friday, July 24th, Erin and Kyle were married at St. Vincent de Paul church in Andover. They didn't want to see one another before the ceremony, so I photographed Erin and her family and her attendants first, then sent her back to the bride's room. Next, Kyle and his groomsmen headed outside for some casual photos in the courtyard. After the ceremony, we completed all the formal group photos, then headed to The Ville for their reception.

Erin's gown came from David's Bridal, Kyle's tux was from Men's Wearhouse, and the Flower Market was the floral designer. Cheri's Bakery made the cake, and Complete Music provided the entertainment and kept the reception rockin'!

Congratulations, Erin and Kyle!

Kristi and Geoff

July 11 at Harvest Community Church in west Wichita was the place to be for Kristi and Geoff's wedding. Geoff was calm and relaxed in his tux from Accent Bridal and Tux (even though the AC units had frozen up and the church was extremely warm!). Kristi wore a stunning gown from Reni's Bridal.

With five attendants each, Kristi and Geoff were surrounded by wonderful friends when they shared their vows. After the ceremony, they walked through a cloud of bubbles blown by their guests and then boarded the "Liquid Limo" party bus for the ride to Hawthorne Suites for the reception.

Ray's Catering provided the dinner, and FX Motion of Salina was the DJ entertainment for the evening. After a grand entrance and introduction at the reception, the newlyweds cut their cake (Geoff was a gentleman, but Kristi somehow managed to get a little cake and frosting on the face of her new husband!) Next they kicked off the celebration by throwing the bouquet and garter, and then settled into the serious task of eating dinner so they would be ready to DANCE!

A special request photo was one of Kristi with her grandparents and the other grandchildren. What better time to get everyone together for a photo, than when they are all dressed up for a wedding?

Geoff and Kristi are an exceptionally polite and caring couple. I truly enjoyed the honor of photographing their wedding. Congratulations to you both!

Ashley & Aaron

June 27 was the wedding day for Ashley and Aaron. Their wedding was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, on the patio overlooking the lake at Bradley Fair.

Ashley wore a flattering gown purchased at David's Bridal. Their flowers were from Flower Factory, and Artistic Cakes created their one of a kind wedding cake.

Aaron and Ashley had thought about every detail for their wedding day. The table place cards were origami birds, they provided a "wish jar" for friends to write best wishes to the bride and groom, and Aaron had even selected certain songs for specific portions of the reception.

Ordinarily, a flower girl younger than three years old can be a little contrary for her wedding responsibilities. However, the younger flower girl at Ashley and Aaron's wedding was the bride's baby sister, and at two years of age, was one of the most well behaved flower girls ever!

Ignoring the heat and humidity, the wonderful newlyweds let me take them on a short walk to get some great photos with the lake in the background. Thank you, Aaron and Ashley, and congratulations on your wedding-best wishes!

Kind words from newlyweds

Yesterday I got a nice note in the mail from Crystal and Steve, whose wedding I photographed on June 12th:
Edye,
Thank you so kindly for making our wedding day become memorable with the beautiful pictures. We love every one of them. We really enjoyed your kind-hearted touch you shared with everyone involved at our wedding. You captured such adorable moments that we will have with us forever.
Thank you, Steve and Crystal

Melissa and Brian

June 20th started out to be a stormy day-a huge thunderstorm went through the area about an hour before wedding photos were to start. Happily though, Melissa and Brian were treated to blue skies and no rain for their wedding.


The wedding was held at Fulton Valley Farms "Boot Scootin' Barn" north of Augusta. Ron Reves was the DJ, the flowers were from Dillon's Floral Department, and the delicious cake was made by Jeanine Markley. Melissa's gown was purchased at David's Bridal. Brian's brother, Levi, officiated and made the ceremony very warm and personal for the bride and groom.

Even though the grounds were still wet from the rain showers, everyone cooperated to get some fun photos out on the grass beside the silo. Melissa and Brian had a great time celebrating their wedding. Congratulations and best wishes to you both!

Monica & Matt

On June 19th Monica and Matt had an enchanted wedding and reception at Eberly Farm in Wichita. Flowers and arrangements from Stem's provided an elegant floral backdrop for the evening. Cameo Cakes created a beautiful and delicious wedding cake, and All World DJ provided the reception entertainment. Monica's bridal gown was purchased at David's Bridal, and the wedding coordinator for the evening was Linda, the bride's aunt.

Matt designed and made a wrought iron garden bench with their initial in the center. It was the focal point for their ceremony, held in the pavilion at Eberly Farm. What a memorable keepsake from their wedding!

My favorite part of the day was during the reception, when the sun was just starting to set. The newlyweds agreed to take a few minutes away from their guests for some special photos of just the two of them. We went north of the pavilion to a lovely location with a curving path and trees. Just after we began taking portraits there, the sun shone through the trees with a magnificent warm glow. WOW! Gorgeous bride, handsome groom and perfect lighting all came together for some breath-taking portraits.

Monica and Matt have been dating for about 14 years. Their reception included a poignant slideshow, with photos beginning with the weddings of each of their parents, and continuing through their growing up years, dating, courtship and engagement. In my almost 20 years of photographing weddings, I don't know when I have seen a more perfectly matched couple. You hear the saying, "they were made for each other", but in this case, it is absolutely true! Congratulations, Monica and Matt!

Sarah's review of my photography

(Sarah and William were married in Newton on Mother's Day. Following is the vendor review Sarah posted on their wedding website. Thank you for the kind words, Sarah!)

I wish I could say that the photos speak for themselves, but they simply can not say enough. Her hard work and determination throughout the wedding day go far beyond the wonderful wedding photography she presented us with. Edye was only hired for two hours but she stayed far longer than that due to the chaos that ensued all day. After the wedding, I would be lying if I said I didn't have a sort of "buyer's regret" with my wedding day. My perfect dream wedding had not gone as planned and I was disappointed. However, the photos have given me perspective and a sense of humor - the photos certainly capture the best parts of the day and are absolutely beautiful. She wrote ALL my requests down and she followed through on every single one. I, personally, am always disappointed with pictures of myself. However, Edye did a great job finding moments when my beauty matched the happiness in my heart. She gave me the best wedding gift any newly-wed could ever ask for - wonderful and beautiful wedding photography. Finally, I have heard horror stories of couples who have never received their wedding pictures or that it took the photographer months to give them back. Eyde was a miracle worker - we had the CD of edited photos in our hands just over two weeks after our event. I recommend Edye whole-heartedly.

First birthday portrait

I have photographed Cristinette's family at least once a year for the past 19 years. WOW! Needless to say, they are not only clients, but friends.

Yesterday I had the fun of photographing Yianni, the youngest, for his first birthday portrait. He was photographed with his sisters, his brothers, parents and grandparents.

The photo was taken in front of his grandparents' home. Yianni has his sister's hat, and is sitting on a keepsake blanket. Each of those personal touches will make this portrait even more special when he looks back at it years from now.

Thank you, Cristinette and Bob-it continues to be an honor and privilege to photograph your wonderful family!

Crystal and Steve

Nativity Pines Christmas Tree Farm was the beautiful location for the wedding ceremony of Crystal and Steve. They were surrounded by family and friends for their June 12 wedding. Crystal's son, Brice, escorted his mom to the altar. When the minister asked, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" Brice answered, "My sisters and I do". There was an audible "Awww" from the guests and everyone smiled at his answer.

Their wedding day went very smoothly. Tinley of Jubilations was the wedding planner and coordinator, Ray's Party Rental provided the table linens, Dean's Designs was the florist, Cameo Cakes provided the cake and cupcakes, and Accent Mobile DJ Services provided the entertainment for the reception. Hog Wild Pit BBQ served the delicious dinner, and Annie of Nativity Pines kept the entire facility running and the margarita machine full for all the adult guests to enjoy. The children enjoyed filling gift bags with candy from the "candy bar", and everyone had to sample the chocolate fountain treats.

There were many special touches-tubes of bubbles with Crystal and Steve's name imprinted, candy bags with their names on them, and even the silk petals that decorated the tables had their names and wedding date printed on each one. During the reception, when their bouquets decorated the head table, the bride and her attendants wore distinctive wrist bouquet accents.

A poignant moment during the ceremony was when Crystal's son and two daughters, Steve's daughter, the bride, groom and minister each poured colored sand into a beautiful container for a memorial of their wedding day. Crystal and Steve seem made for one another-and their four children round out their new family perfectly. Congratulations to the Kintner family!

July 11th wedding

Congratulations to Kristi and Geoff, who are getting married on 7/11 at Harvest Community Church in west Wichita. Their reception will be at nearby Hawthorne Suites.

Kristi's gown was purchased at Reni's Bridal Salon in Wichita. Geoff's tux will be from Accent Bridal and Tux. FX Motion from Salina will provide the DJ entertainment at the reception, and Ray's Country Catering from Colwich will be providing the reception dinner.

Geoff and Kristi met a little over three years ago through mutual friends. They are a very organized, laid back couple, and I can't wait to photograph their wedding. Congratulations to you both!

Tara and Rob

The Chapel at Central Christian Church in northeast Wichita was the location for the May 30th wedding of Tara and Rob. The Chapel was filled to capacity with 250 guests.

Tinley and her staff at Jubilations Wedding and Event Planning, did a great job making sure that every detail was taken care of. Barb, the wedding coordinator at Central Christian kept everyone organized and on schedule. Moore Flowers provided the beautiful floral bouquets and other floral accents and decorations.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds were showered with rose petals by their guests when they left the chapel. After a quick ride in a red mustang convertible to the reception at Tallgrass Country Club, the wedding party provided a memorable entrance as they were introduced at the reception. Accent Mobile provided the entertainment while guests visited and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Tallgrass.

We had a few minutes to get out on the golf course for some fun outdoor photos of the bride and groom before they headed back inside to continue the celebration. After Rob and Tara shared a dance as husband and wife, Tara and her dad wowed friends and family with an elegant, well choreographed father-daugher dance. Next up was a rowdy bouquet toss, and then Tara's Delta Gamma sorority sisters serenaded the newlyweds.

Rob and Tara met at Trinity High School, and to quote her dad, "...have been engaged for about seven years". Congratulations, Tara and Rob!

Note from Sarah

Hi Edye,
I just wanted to let you know that I received the pictures. They are absolutely beautiful. I felt beautiful that day, but I just never look right in pictures; you managed to make my outside match the happiness I had on the inside. You captured all the pictures I asked for and the family ones are just simply beautiful. My family has never looked so good! :) Thank you for all your hard work.
Email from Sarah, May 10th, 2009 bride
Thank you, Sarah!

Erin's Bridal Portrait Session

Yesterday was an overcast day in Wichita-perfect weather for photographing Erin in her beautiful wedding gown.

Erin has lived in Wichita all of her life, so it was important to photograph her with the Wichita skyline in the background. She chose the Keeper of the Plains as the area for her bridal portraits, to honor her future husband, Kyle, and his family and their Native American heritage.

Erin is getting married July 24th at St. Vincent de Paul in Andover, with the reception folllowing at The Ville. Her gown was purchased at David's Bridal and Kyle's tux will be from Men's Wearhouse. Other vendors for her wedding include: Complete Music, Cheri's Bakery and A Flower Market.

Erin's mom, Pam, was there throughout the bridal portrait session to share the experience with Erin and to help with her gown. The most humorous part of the session was when Pam threatened to go chase some tourists away, as they were in the background of Erin's photo...I enjoyed sharing the morning with Erin and her mom, and can't wait until July 24th!

May 23 portrait sessions

In the "olden days", I used to anxiously watch for the FedEx truck to deliver my processed film and proofs...it was like Christmas! I couldn't wait to see the pictures that I had envisioned when I took them.

These days, I look forward to seeing the images full screen, on my laptop. Although I could "sneak a peak" when they are taken, I find doing that takes away from my focus on what is happening in that moment-especially during a wedding or reception. For me, I prefer to keep my attention on what it happening in front of the camera lens...not on the instant image on the back of my camera.

Saturday I photographed a grandmother with her son and his family. Multi-generational portraits are awesome, and I always appreciate the opportunity to photograph them. I imagine the baby's grandchildren looking at them one day, in a treasured family album.

After the family portraits were taken at Oak Park in Riverside (where we dodged the many disc golfers!), I headed to Church of the Resurrection in Northeast Wichita. There I photographed a boy scout troup at their last official get-together. Seven of the troup members had attained Eagle Scout status. What an impressive group of young men! We did photos at the park behind the school, at the grotto and the playground. Their scout leader wanted it to be a memorable, fun event, so that when they looked back at their photos from the afternoon, they would fondly remember their Boy Scout experience, and especially their Scout friends. It is always an honor to know that even "in the making", every person there knew that we were creating images that would be treasured for the rest of their lives.

December 4th wedding

Yesterday I met with Madison, who is planning an unbelievably memorable December 4th wedding. She and Jason are getting married at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, with their reception following at Rolling Hills Country Club. Because of her December wedding date, she is planning a "Christmas theme" wedding.

Madison is exceptionally organized-her gown was purchased in Kansas City, she has booked Stems as her florist, and Cameo Cakes for her wedding cake.

She and Jason will have a stringed quartet and a trumpet at the Cathedral, and a DJ, chocolate fountain and candy bar at the reception. If that weren't enough for the perfect wedding, she has also arranged for a fireworks show during the reception!

Madison has known Jason for about 10 years- he used to play football with her brother. They met up again in recent times, and as they say, "the rest is history!" Congratulations to you both--can't wait to photograph your engagement portrait session!

May 16th Wedding-Ginnie & Michael

Saturday I photographed Ginnie and Michael's wedding at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. There are many beautiful churches and ceremony locations in the region, but my favorite is the Cathedral-it is a special privilege to photograph there.

Despite missing one tux for a groomsman (which they were able to get by 10am), the wedding day went smoothly. Ginnie's son, Skyler was the darling ring bearer, the weather was perfect, and Fr. Sherlock delivered a warm and personal homily.

The photo taken on the church steps was a special request by the bride. It is a blast when the bride and groom don't mind going out in the Kansas wind and having some fun with their photos. (Not too many will request a photo with the bridesmaids throwing their bouquets into the air!) Thank you, Ginnie and Michael, and congratulations!

Mother' Day Wedding

This past Sunday was the wedding day of Sarah and William. Because William's grandmother is 96 years old, they decided to have their wedding ceremony in Newton at the retirement community where she lives. They chose a beautiful gazebo on the grounds for the wedding site.

The couple wanted everything personal and simple, with an emphasis on their love and appreciation of their families. The bride, Sarah, designed and made, or embellished many of the wedding items. She had unique programs, cake cutting knife and server, unity candle, and many other items that she had personalized. (I have no idea how she found time for anything extra, as she graduated from college in Kearney, Nebraska less than 48 hours before her wedding in Kansas!)

The groom's father is the owner and DJ of Totally Legal Sound and Lighting, so it was a special honor to photograph his son's wedding. I have worked with Jon and his business partner, David, at many wedding receptions--they do an exceptionally professional job, with much attention to every detail to make the reception go smoothly for the bride and groom.

I met with Sarah and William in March to go over their wedding plans and ideas. Following that meeting, Sarah posted the following "Vendor Review" on her wedding website:

Edye Wright - Wright Focus Photography - Initial Review
William and I had decided to hire a NMSU graduate to shoot our wedding, but William's family was nice enough to step in and hire a professional photographer for us. William's father, Jon, is a professional in the wedding business and is personal friends and colleagues with Edye.I can't say enough nice things about Edye. She always replies when I e-mail her, even if it is just a quick update. She was nice enough to meet us at a location convenient for us, even though it was a good bit away from her home town. The quality of her work is far more than I had ever hoped for our wedding and having her there on our special day will definitely be a big help. If there is one thing that drives me crazy, it is vendors that don't pay attention to me when I bring friends and family along for a meeting. Edye was such a professional and even though we brought along William's father, she directed all questions to William and me, and was sincerely interested in what WE wanted for our wedding. I could tell that she was actively listening to my concerns and she had a lot of great ideas to make the most of our awkward ceremony site. I can't wait to work with Edye - I can tell she understood my vision for our day and I know she'll do a great job capturing all our special memories.

Thank you, Sarah, for your kind words. I enjoyed working with you and William and your families. Congratulations and best wishes to you both!

Melissa and Jaime's wedding

Saturday, April 25 was the wedding day for Melissa and Jaime's wedding. Their ceremony was held at University Congregational Church in Wichita. Weddings are always full of emotion, but this wedding even more so, as Melissa's father recently passed away. At the beginning of the ceremony, they had a special tribute moment and song in honor of her father.

All of their wedding plans came together beautifully--even the weather cooperated, as we were able to photograph the newlyweds and wedding party outside the Hyatt between rain showers! (Thank you to Artistic Limousine for getting the bride, groom and wedding party to the Hyatt right on schedule!)

The reception entertainment was provided by Ronnie Choy: The Danceman (http://www.thedanceman.net/ ). He had the Redbud Room of the Hyatt rocking, and all 200 guests out on the dance floor celebrating Melissa and Jaime's wedding day.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Planning a Stress Free Wedding

Yes, it can be done!

Following are a few tips to help your wedding to be stress free...or at least, "less stressed".

1. Prepare, Plan and then Let It GO! Trust the professionals that you have hired to do their job--make it a priority for you and your wedding party and families to ENJOY THE DAY.

2. Budget:
a. Flowers: emphasis on bride, bridesmaids, corsages, boutonnieres
b. Cake: smaller or dummy cake for cutting, sheet cake to serve
c. Decorations: use décor available at site, candles, ferns

3. Schedule at ceremony location:
a. photos before or after ceremony? It's your day-YOUR choice!
b. no receiving line (have bride and groom dismiss guests instead)
c. What to do w/Dads? Have them greet guests

4. Schedule for reception: guests arrive first, have bride and groom “announced” when they arrive at the reception: then cut cake first! That way, all the guests will be focused on you as you cut the cake.
a. “cake & punch reception: after cutting cake, bride and groom can stand by cake table to visit w/guests before they get cake
b. dinner & dance reception: formal introduction of bride and groom, then cut cake, bride & groom eat, then walk around visiting guests at their tables, make arrangements for a "kid’s table of activities", then: toasts, garter & bouquet tosses, dances
(if you don’t like garter/bouquet toss, do an anniversary dance to get everyone involved, or give special bouquet to couple longest married)

5. The Wedding Day: no liquor till reception
a. guys: go golf, relax
b. ladies: massage, manicure, hair, makeup—but get to ceremony location in PLENTY of time…don’t rush!
c. EAT something prior to wedding-have a light snack, such as cheese and crackers, available for the wedding party and bride and groom-don't go to your wedding on an empty stomach!

July 25th Wedding

Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting Wendy and Owen. They are getting married on July 25th at Northridge Friends Church. Their wedding plans are coming along very well. Congratulations to you both-I look forward to being your wedding photographer!

KQHYA Horse Show

Last week I photographed the "School's Almost Out Circuit", a Quarter Horse show in Topeka, Kansas. In recent years, the American Quarter Horse Association has added some wonderful classes for equestrians with disabilities, in addition to the normal slate of classes. EWD riders may show in showmanship, western pleasure, trail and other classes. Thanks to these classes, retired show horses have a new life helping the Equestrians with Disabilities learn new skills, gain confidence and enjoy the fun of horse showing.

Each EWD rider is matched with a horse that complements their ability and a team of helpers and parents to assist in getting saddled, dressed and into the show arena. Horses of Hope, from Baxter Springs, Kanasas had some hardworking and inspiring EWD competitors showing in Topeka. Congratulations to each of you!

Stress Free Wedding Workshop

Since the weather was uncooperative, to say the least, on March 28th, the Butler Community College Free College Day has been rescheduled to April 18. From 10:15-11:15am, come join me at Butler CC of El Dorado and learn how you can have a Stress Free Wedding. To register, just visit: http://www.purelearningpower.com/ .

Hope to see you there!

May 10th Wedding

On Sunday, May 10th I will be photographing a small, very thoughtful and personal wedding. William and Sarah are getting married in a beautiful outdoor gazebo on the grounds of a Newton retirement center where William's 94 year old grandmother lives. Since his grandmother is unable to travel, they are bringing the wedding to her!

Sarah, a graduate student, met William while attending college in Kearney, Nebraska. Sarah will be graduating just prior to the wedding, and then the couple will be moving to New Mexico following the wedding...their days are exceptionally full!

This terrific couple is sharing their wedding with their parents, siblings, and close relatives. Sarah wants lots of family photos, as it is very rare to have everyone together in one place. After all the family groupings, Sarah, William and I will take a walk along the nature trail for some private portraits of the newlyweds. Then they will head back to a private room at the center for a celebratory family lunch, and for dessert...ice cream wedding cake!

Congratulations Sarah and William-May 10th will be a wonderful day.

Winter storm wedding: Kasey and Paul

On March 28, 2009, the weather forecasters said the Wichita area was under blizzard conditions until 4pm. However, that didn't stop the 2:00 wedding of Kasey and Paul. They had determined at the rehearsal the night before, that no matter what the weather might do on March 28, they would be married. Paul and Kasey's attitude was reflected throughout their day-everyone able to attend was relaxed and happy.
(There is a reason that I drive a four-wheel drive SUV. It gives me plenty of room to haul my equipment, and no matter what mother nature sends our way, I will get to the wedding or event. Trust me, I was driving through the ice and blowing snow in 4-wheel drive all the way to Wichita...and got to the church for Kasey and Paul's wedding with time to spare. )
Except for the weather (and that the bride's family's home lost electricity due to the ice storm), every moment of their wedding day at Countryside Baptist Church went smoothly. Congratulations to Kasey and Paul- very determined newlyweds!

A wonderful email from a parent

Oh, Edye!
You did a remarkable repertoire of Alyssa and Jacob’s wedding with the photos!
I just returned to work today to view=What a ‘Birthday Bonanza’! (Yep, it’s my birthday!) I’m wearing sunglasses the rest of the day…my eye makeup is shot! You captured so many emotions!
Praises be 2 U!
I just scanned quickly & will zoom in later…do you make CD available or just individual shots? I want ALL of them = knowing it’s not going to be something I can afford, so will opt for a chosen few.
Thank you tremendously, Edye, for sharing your talent and including everyone!

Evan

Despite the blustery Kansas wind yesterday, I had a lot of fun photographing Evan, a senior graduating from Heights High School. We started at his home with him and with his dog, Chip. From there, we headed to Park City to the skate park for some action shots. Next, Evan had picked out an awesome "Mad Hatter" mural on a building in southwest Wichita for a very unique location. Thank you, Evan-enjoy your time in New Mexico this summer!