Bob and Gwen were married Saturday, January 14th, at their lovely home in Marshall, Texas, where they will begin their new life journey together. I was asked to document this most special occassion and had a wonderful time getting to know this special couple. Enjoy a few of their pictures.
Gwen made a beautiful bride. Her dress was an elaborate creation of crocheted lace and bead work with an exquisitely layered hemline in a warm golden champagne color. The bouquet was a vison of pink including lilies, roses, statice, and gerber daisies. The house was a warm and welcome setting for exchanging vows and receiving guests. A marvelous Wedding Dinner presented by an expert catering crew was served to friends and family as they offered best wishes to the happy couple. A beautiful wedding cake decorated in ivory with roses and a basket weave design topped off the afternoon. The couple will be heading off to Venice next week to celebrate this major event in their lives. (Unfortunately, they didn’t feel they needed a photographer to accompany them.) But you can be sure I offered. lol

And then I stop and look at how blessed I am to live as a citizen of this ‘challenged, economically stressed, morally struggling’ country and Thank God that I live in the United States!
In the midst of the complaints and challenges I know we still have the best thing going in this world, atleast in my eyes.

And when I stop to reflect on how that is possible I know it’s because even in our often misguided judgement as a country our God has chosen to bless us as a people (I believe because as a fledgling nation we chose Him).
I also know that freedom has not been free, and the men and women that have served in our armed forces are to be thanked and acknowledged for keeping us free and keeping us (complainers and supporters all) privileged to be a part of the best thing going – God Bless the USA!

My niece is one of the brave young soldiers that has chosen a career path that assures us that the US will remain the dominant force in the world that we have always been. She serves in the air force and for the past couple of years has been based at Barksdale (fortunately for her family). However, today she is once again in harm’s way serving in Kyrkukk,Iraq…
She is a proud soldier and has moved up in rank steadily since her decision to join the Air Force. Jackylin is now Captain Merolla and I am so proud of her. We pray for her along with all of our servicemen daily and ask that you whisper a prayer for the brave men and women serving all over the world today.
These shots were made early on in her stay at Barksdale, and although her rank has changed along with her location – her smile, her dedication, and her bravery shine just as brightly today as they did the morning we took these pictures.
Thank you Jackylin for your sacrifice!
And for the families of these brave men and women may I say thank you, your sacrifice also does not go unnoticed. Watching these spouses, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters go off to war has to be a heart wrenching experience, one I’ve only felt minimally and vicariously through the heart of my sister as she has seen her ‘baby’ leave for these parts of the world that are in conflict and war twice now. We thank you for your sacrifice as well.
With God’s help I pray I will be a positive voice in supporting my country and realize that when I would sit in a fine house with the comfort of central heat and air deciding on what to cook for supper, there are so many sitting in barracks or tents or bed rolls suffering heat or cold; hunger or discomfort I can not even imagine so that I might sit in this blessed country – and complain? I choose to pray for our soldiers when I would complain! May I challenge you to join me in praying for our brave soldiers when the temptation arises to complain let’s instead focus that energy in prayer for protection and a safe return home for all of our service men and women.
God Bless America!

A friend from high school, decided to honor her mom (& stepdad) with a celebration of birthdays and asked if I could document their special day.  I was so excited to be able to be there.  What a special occassion, Mrs. Pat nor Mr. Doyle look like they could be celebrating such esteemed birthdays (80 & 78). 

But when you enjoy life, friends, and family like these two seem to – what’s a few years?!   The venue selected was the Shreveport Country Club, a perfect place for special occassions or just catching up with family and friends:)

The prime rib spread is unbelievable along with all the other scrumptious sides that accompany it.  Donna did a wonderful job from the invitations to the flowers and dinner, this was a day I’m sure Pat and Doyle will remember for some time! 

Good Job to all those that helped (and Donna coordinating from Little Rock, no less).

A day of greeting friends and family, some I’m sure seen frequently others I know it may have been years; what a show of love these special guests gave to the guests of honor Pat and Doyle.  Lots of hugs and smiles to go around, and of course we had to catch some family shots while everyone (or almost) was present!

A time for catching up with family and friends, I believe everyone from the youngest to the eldest had a great time.  Congratulations to Pat and Doyle Lowe!

If you were fortunate to have attended this special event and would like to view all the pictures of the event, you can go to the ‘site’ side of the opening page of the website, click on clients’ tab and enter   Happy Birthday  as the password.  Enjoy!

July 16th Brandy and Garrett were married at Keithville Baptist Church. It was a night of making dreams come true!

From the dress to the shoes to the flowers and decorations Brandy did a wonderful job in her selections.

Everything flowed perfectly and the details were amazing.  I loved the bridesmaids’ shoes, and to be honest I guess I’ve never paid much attention to the bridesmaids’ shoes, so this was a first for me.  She thought of everything.

Her florist was a ‘free lancer’ (for now) Denise Roan, and she did an amazing job, the true reds really popped in the bouquets and arrangements both in the sanctuary and the reception!

The minister had a longstanding relationship with this couple and it showed, emotions ran from pure happiness and joy to the serious and sobering reflections of a lifetime committment- as it should be.

Garrett had been nonplussed all the days leading up to the ceremony, and although he confessed to developing a few jitters before time to start, he sure looked relaxed from where I stood.  .)

Get a look at these shoes, too cute!

A few pictures after the event and then we were off to the American Legion where the party truly began!And party they did.  The only song I think may have been missing from the wonderful band’s repertoire was “We Could Have Danced All Night”.  Because I believe they could have if the management hadn’t given them a deadline for vacating the place, everyone was having a blast!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Johnson, may the sparks of your love continue to fly!