She floated around the room in her purple satin robe. Relaxed. Peaceful. Enjoying the calm and quiet before the day’s activities began. Her mother kept her company, helped her button up the dress, and stopped every now and then to give Kerri a hug or a kiss on the cheek.

Then the girls arrived. And the activity started! Gushing, doting, squeals…oh, these girls were girlfriends at their finest!

The day had arrived.

Casey beamed proudly at his bride as she walked to him and Kerri wiped away happy tears as Casey sang to her at the reception. Family members and friends showed support in every way possible.

I loved everything about this day. The planning process allowed me to feel like a friend to Kerri and her family.

Thanks to Nicola Herring for working with me and getting excellent photos.

The details of the day were perfect….loved Kerri’s vision and eye for detail.

The wedding was held at The Cork Factory Hotel. See Casey and Kerri’s slide show here.

Casey and Kerri, truly it was an honor and a delight. Thank-you, thank-you. All the very, very best!

Elegance with ease….

Kerri told me that her bridesmaid photos were important to her…so we got lots. These girls were so fun!

Married!

Nicola focused on wide angle shots….loved these!

More super-duper wide angle shots by Nicola.

Last week I had the opportunity to take in the Fast Track Photographer Workshop hosted Dane Sanders.

Life changing? Pushing it….maybe, but not really….I think the other attendees would agree.

A pivotal point for my life and business? Yup. Inspiring? Definitely!

I learned so much about myself. I Learned so much about people.

“The way to be ultimately respected is to be uniquely myself.”

“As a human, I am not what I do, what I have, or what people say about me.”

“Go for who I am…not for what works”

“The process may be painful”

“Think like a CEO, not a photographer”

“We are always an invitation…what invitation am I?”

“Invite…connect”

“Opportunities pass”

New friends! Loved that we could meet and form friendships so quickly.

Dane Sander’s ability to meet a person where they were at, affirm, no judgment involved…made such an impact on me.

This allowed and encouraged a person to truly be honest with themselves without the need to feel defensive.

He encouraged us to push ourselves, take a step back and look at the big picture of our business, and be true to ourselves.

And the whole group! The motto: We are for each other!

“Breaking through” was a point made…thus the jumping and breaking through shot! Smile.

It was a good week. I was blessed in so many ways. I walked away with so much more than I anticipated receiving.

So you like words? Wanna make something fun?

Go Wordle and create. This is what Wordle created by grabbing words from my website. I love collages…

And let me share a few of Megan.

Megan is a sweet senior. These photos were taken before all the snow hit and the sun was still warm. It is coming again, right?

Words that describe Megan? Pensive, patient, friendly, and caring. Always putting others before herself.

She loves expressing herself through words or quotes.

The best way to pass free time? Friends, bowling, and ice cream, of course.

Megan has a lot going on…she is a swimmer, on student council, and made homecoming court.

After graduation Megan plans on attending college for Communications/Public Relations and definitely swimming.

And one more tidbit of info on this Thursday…

Do you like taking pictures? Lots of people do and we all want to learn. Check out MCP actions. Believe me, there is a wealth of knowledge here including business advice, posing tips, editing tools, and interviews with cool photographers. And better yet, some of it is even free. Whenever I take the time to stop by, I am always reminded I need to come back more often. Lots of good stuff. Happy Thursday!

If you happen to be in Lancaster Friday evening and you happen to want cool valentine cards and you would like to support Haiti, check this out…

Thanks to Nicola and Carrie for organizing! See more info and fun details on Facebook.

Twas the night before Christmas…

I love the anticipation.

The excuse to stay up late and sleep in. Hot chocolate and cookies at 2pm (it is Christmas, after all). Last minute shopping trips..why can’t I ever finish early?!! Christmas carols in their full glory (a day from now…they don’t just don’t sound as good.) Gingerbread houses are on the agenda…graham crackers does the trick.

Love it all.

For the past three weeks, Riley has been making “gifts” from paper plates and crayons, wrapping them up, and proudly giving them out. He wants a crocodile pillow for Christmas, is quite proud of his handmade snowman card from kindergarten class, and is thrilled with the multi-colored candy cane from his bus driver.

To me, Christmas means time…time to remember the reason for the season, time away from email and computer, time to give to others, time to spend in the comfort of this near and dear.

Wishing you a super-duper merry, merry Christmas! Blessings, Char.

A yummy and simple indulgence on a warm afternoon…

Here’s to you and a GRAND weekend!!!

I love this girl! She has got a heart of gold! Life has thrown her some big curve balls…she has choosen to continue walking!

Eyes that smile, a cheerful”hello”, and a grin to give away!

Yup, she is my little sis…and I am proud of her!

Flowers in full bloom!

Laundry drying in the warm sun!

The ease of bare feet!

And boys….just being boys!

Happy Summer to you!

Big grins, pink nails, cool shoes!