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!