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This is my blogsite.  A combination of website and blog that shows you my images and what goes on with the person who creates them.  This segment is all about the adventures of planning a wedding from the step-mom’s point of view.

This weekend was the first meeting of the two familes.  While I had no apprehension going in a few other’s expressed various concerns over the days leading up to this meeting. 

Saturday afternnon arrived with clear skies, lots of sunshine and anticipation.  I am happy to report that all parties were present minus the brides Mom and the get together was a great event.  The conversation flowed easily and their was plenty of  laughter in the room.  Later as we were cleaning up the groom remarked to me that he was glad it went well.  He said was worried weall wouldn’t get along.  Or even worse something would happen like the secne in Father or the Bride where Mr. Banks ends up in the pool. I just laughed to myself  as we finished up at the thought of Kyle falling in a pool.

Well that’s all I have to report right now.  It would appear that we are off to a good start but only time will tell.  I welcome comments and or advice and  if you haven’t seen the movie you really should watch it.

Till Next Time

It was a warm, sunny spring day in Altamonte Springs, Fla.  It had been Ashley’s dream to marry at the Altamonte Chapel since she was a little girl and Dean was determined that she get her dream.  I’ll never forget the passion I heard in his voice when I once suggested another location closer to their reception venue Ceviche.  He let me know in no uncertain terms that this was what his bride wanted and this was what she was going to get. 

Dean and I have been friends for many year’s.  We worked together and kept each other company on some long nights.  I held parties at my house for his kids and he bought me a birthday cake once since no else seemed to remember my birthday.  I didn’t think this day would ever come, so  I was as happy for him as I could be.  Ashley is a wonderful woman and just what Dean needs.  As she was getting ready to go marry her man there were many tears  joy by her and her family.  So much so I wanted to get a hankie and just sit with them and cry.

The ceremony was short but sweet and when Dean and Ashley went in for round two on their first kiss as husband and wife the audience just clapped and shouted with joy.    At the reception Dean beamed from beginning to end.  For the first time in a long time he was in a room at the same time with everyone that he loved and it was mostly due to his new wife. Ashley was radient and content to watch her new husband as he bounced around all night like the Energizer Bunny. The cake which tasted as good as it looked was baked by the wife of  Bobby Fishbough Manager at  Tin Can films which also did the video.  I was so touched that Kyle and I were able to share in those special moments with Ashley and Dean.   And we can never thank them enough for letting us not only capture their day but seating us at the table with Dean’s family at the reception who kept us very entertained thoughout the meal.  Dean and Ashley may you have a very blessed life.

Here are some photo’s from their day.

This last image is one that kinda sums up Ashley and Dean in my opinion.  We were creating some images during the reception and towards the end I wanted them to stand in the door way.  Kyle handed Dean the flowers and before we could give him any direction he looked at them with this look on his face that made us all laugh.  Ashley quickly grabbed a beer bottle and this image was created.  They are a fun, loving couple and I am proud to call them friends.

When I look at other’s blogs and websites I see them doing things like ten things about me or ten things I like. I thought of doing something similar. Then while watching Ace of Cakes a show that I really like I got the idea to just start a series of things that I really like/love. So once a month I will talk about some random things that I love.

I’m not sure if it will really help anyone know if they want to hire me but you will get to know me a lot better. And in the process you will find out just how eclectic and broad my taste and interest are.

So here is a short list of Books I love.

1. Danielle Steel books are wonderful sometimes they take me a minute to get into them but once I do I can’t put them down till I finish them. I think every girl needs a little romance in her life sometimes.

2. Donald Trumpbooks are like an obesession with me. I can’t always afford them at full price but whenever I see them at Barnes and Noble on sale I buy it. Even though I may not read it right away. This is a big deal because I used to have so many books that I have had to stop buying them and just borrow them from the library.

3. Christopher Lowell’s books make me happy and I have read them all and keep them next to my bed. My secret desire is to have him come and help me redecorate my house using only Ikea products.

4. This is actually a big one and I could go on and on about this for days but I will try to restrain myself. I have this thing for Vampire books. But not just any vamps certain ones only. There are three female authors who each have a series of books involving some the kookiest, funny, sexy, or just plain badass female lead characters ever. The first is by Mary Janice Davidisonwho writes about Betsy the Queen of the UnDead and lover of shoes. She’s like Carrie of Sex in the City but with fangs. The whole Undead series is one funny ride full of lots of interesting  humans, ghosts, wares and vamps. All I can do is laugh when I read her books.

Then there is Charlaine Harris who writes the Sookie Stackhouse novels now more widely known as True Blood. I was reading the books way before the series came out and while I like the series the books are way, way better. Sookie reads minds and dates vamps, and wares. She gets into all sorts of messes, while still holding on to her serving job. You never know what Sookie is going to end up doing next and her passion with vamp Eric is great reading.

My absolute favorite series ever that I love,love,love is the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K Hamilton. It’s not just that this character has more lover’s than I keep track of. But she carries a lot of weapons and knows how to use them. I really like reading about strong woman who go after what they want and don’t wait on a man to always rescue them.

5. My last book that I love has to be the Bible because it has everything I need in it to know how to live and love myself, my family and my fellow man. It brings me more comfort than other book I know. And when you think about it, you can find murder, betrayal, forgiveness, miracles anything you need all in one place.

And there you have it a little bit more about me. I really do love to read and always have. I thinks libraries are wonderful places and visit mine once a week. So yes I am a nerd and I like to read books!

You know I figured when I got to the point that I get to be the Mother of the Bride or the step-Mother of the Bride that it would be easy.

I thought it would involve helping out with little things, getting a good dress and showing up. No mess no fuss. Wrong!!!! This whole adventure has just started and I am already ready stressed and thinking is it over yet? Not the best thought when this is just the first child to get married and we have four more to go.

The topic of conversation today was the actual cost of a wedding as in “how much per person”. After going over the numbers, what they wanted and what they can afford. I think they were left feeling like running away and eloping. It reminded me of that moment in Father of the Bride where Steve Martin suggests having a backyard BBQ. Kyle and I suggested they go home and sleep on it.
As it stands now this wedding may be here in Orlando, in Miami, on a cruise ship or who knows what? Keep coming back and I let you know about our journey to the altar as the Parent of the Bride.

 

It was a beautiful evening for a wonderful beginning as we arrived at the lovely Tavern on the Lake for the launch party of the Orlando chapter of Wish Upon A Wedding.

This is a wish granting organization that was founded this year and hopes to make wedding wishes come true for US citizens where one person has been diagnosed with less than three years to live.  This is an organization that we at C&K Photography hope to be a part of since making people’s wishes come true is something that really moves me.

We had a good time that evening.  The music provided by DJ REKKA was great and kept me moving my head and my feet all evening.  The decor was stunning and me being the foodie that I am have to say that the cake pop provided by Cake O Licious were as beautiful as they were tasty.  We enjoyed the Mango Sorbet that Three2OH  served and my husband went back for the Carmel Ice Cream as well.  There was a photo booth that was fun but you won’t see them here because we got a little crazy with them.  The highlight for me had to be the cupcakes made by Cakes by Design Inc .  I love cake all cake and they did not let me down Sylvette was a delight to talk to and of the two flavors there I’m still not sure which was my favorite the Pina Colada or the Chocolate Coconut. 

All in all it was a great evening, fun to party with the people who make the parties happen for so many others.  As much as you hate to think of someone dying I think this is a great charity and if you know of someone who is in that situation but is still looking to get married please send them to the website or have them contact me so we can make a wish come true.