Ringler Wedding

I was asked by a fellow 2009 Soar! Sister applicant, Jane Ammon, to be her 2nd shooter at a rather large, rather intensely fun wedding to be celebrated Labor Day weekend. To say that I was thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity is an understatement. And, especially in retrospect of the day itself. If I had only known the little surprises that awaited me, I wouldn't have been so calm about this very special occasion! ;) 

Jane asked me to photograph the guys before the wedding was set to begin, while she captured the ladies. To be honest, I had forgotten how big the wedding party was going to be, and felt a bit overwhelmed when I arrived, met the groom and then the rest of the guys, too. But they were in such a happy, festive mood, and were more than willing to be photographed for Cory & Kristin's special day that I couldn't help but have fun too!! Many thank yous go out to the groom, son of the groom, father of the groom, best man, and groomsmen for making my job so entertaining! :)

During the ceremony, this young man captivated me as this young family became "official." As a symbolic gesture of family love and unity, the bride, groom and groom's son each contributed a separate layer of colored sand to a specially engraved vase. This was unique to me, and added a very touching moment for everyone witnessing their ceremony. . .

After the ceremony Jane and I had the privilege and honor of photographing the bride and groom, plus the rather large wedding party! And, Wow! What a wedding it was!!!

here's one of the happy couple . . .

A few of the groomsmen . . . 

Here was one of life's little surprises ~ made just for me! Imagine, if you will:  I'm in my element ~ happily shooting away; capturing as many treasured moments as I am humanly capable of, and then . . . 3 of my most favorite college professors come walking towards me!! I could not believe my eyes! I haven't seen them in years, and "voila!" They pop back into my life again ~ so unexpected, yet so welcomed! I couldn't have been happier to see these 3 shining, exceptional souls. They each have a very distinct place in my heart. I even quoted a lesson on my blog from this beautiful lady seated in the middle. Do you remember the one about the big "T" and the little "t" for tension that I told you about? Well, here is that famous lady! :) { to view the blog post I mentioned, click here: New, Happy Year }

And just to prove to me how small the world really is, I had yet another surprise!!! Are you believing this? I was stumped! ... I kept eying this very pretty lady as I went around to the guest tables taking photos, and thinking to myself, "I know that face!" But I couldn't place her. I finally mustered up my courage and went over to her table and said, "You look so familiar to me!" And, with a great big smile she replied, "You're my cousin, Barb!!" AHA!!! We are, I believe, 3rd cousins through my (step)Mom's side of the family, and we hadn't seen each other in more than 10 years! :) My cousin, Dory, is the pretty lady seated 2nd from the right. Great to have crossed paths with you and your beautiful smile, Dory!

Okay, moving along! ... This happily wedded couple knows how to enjoy life to the fullest! Their wedding was a blast! This celebration brought back many great memories for me of when my friends were getting married (all those years ago! ;) And, we had some tremendous times together celebrating life and one another!! 

Cory and Kristin surprised everyone with a choreographed dance routine, which included songs from the Sugar Hill Gang (Apache), the Bangles (Walk Like an Egyptian), Michael Jackson (Beat It), and Vanilla Ice (Ice, Ice Baby)! Everybody was well impressed with their dance moves and the terrific surprise they gave everyone!! Kudos, Cory & Kristin!! That was the best!

Thank you, Jane, for honoring me by asking me to be your 2nd lens, and partner in capturing this momentous occasion! I am grateful to you, my friend.

A very warm, kind thank you to Cory & Kristin, as well, for allowing Jane to hire a 2nd shooter without meeting me before hand. I am humbled that you put so much faith in my abilities as a photographer, artist, and witness to your sacred event that has made you a family. May your life be rich in love and laughter; poor in neglect and want; and an abundant wealth of family and friends. Cheers!

Wishing you all the best, 

always,

Barb