I had the pleasure this Sunday to accompany a friend to the airport. She was meeting her husband there, who had been away for 8 months and was coming home for a short visit. I really admire, not only the soldiers who go overseas to serve our country, but also the strong and dedicated wives who are left behind. It takes a lot of courage to let go of a spouse and be on your own for such an extend amount of time.

  The homecoming, though?

  I specialize in wedding photography and, I'll admit, I tear up just a little when the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time. I'm used to this. It's all just part of the game.  In this soldier's homecoming however, there was such a surge of emotion throughout the day that it just blew me away.

 I stopped by early in the day while the wife was readying herself for her husband's arrival. While making homecoming signs with his sister and fixing her hair, you could feel the excitement and nervousness in the air.

 Upon arrival at the airport, the nervousness subsided and gave way to impatient giddiness.

  As soon as the plane arrived, everyone sprung to their feet and crowded the exit gate hoping to be the first to catch sight of him. Even MY heart was pounding! Once spotted, it was mere seconds before the two bounded across the room and into each other's arms. I could feel my own tears welling up behind my viewfinder as I watched those of all the family's pour down their faces.

  It was at this point that it became apparent that it was my time to leave. I have never witnessed anything quite like it and it certainly made my day to be a part of it. Welcome home Sgt. Beavin! Lots of love to you and all of your family.

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A little taste of Spring

   I know it's only February, but the weather is lovely. The air is fresh, the sun is bright, and I have been seeing daffodils and crocuses poking their sleepy heads out of the ground already. Along with all these things comes that euphoric feeling that, maybe, just maybe, spring is almost here. I hope I'm not just being teased!

  This morning, in that lovely moment right after dawn, my daughter even found a ladybug crawling around in our bedroom. Fingers crossed!

Owensboro Bridal Expo 2012

What did I LOVE about the Bridal Show?


  Well, what wasn't to love? Fantastic food (both delicious and beautifully presented), excited brides, gorgeous venues, great live music and fun DJs. Let us not forget the weight loss clinics, tux and dress vendors, cosmetics, and jewels! All things sparkly, lavish, and fun could be found at the Riverpark Center  this past Sunday. And we were PACKED. One could hardly make their way through the crowd. I did manage to leave my booth for about 10 minutes to go talk to some of the other vendors. With a cupcake in  my palm, 2 mini drinks between my fingers, brochures under my arm, and a spinach ball in my mouth, I raced along the line grabbing what shots I could with my one free hand. I do wish I could have spent more time to capture the real beauty of each booth's goods and also that I had been able to make it to everyone, but time did just not allow it. But hey, with the traffic my booth got, I'm sure not complaining!

   Let me just give a shout out to my super husband and father-in-law for building and setting up my             display. Thanks, guys!

So here's a little bit about the great businesses I got to meet. (Click on the name of the business to visit their page.)

Messenger Inquirer

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the Messenger Inquirer. They organized and set up the whole event. They did a beautiful job! Thanks, Messenger Inquirer!

                     Charlie's Creative Catering and Cakes
                                                               (270) 926-0080


   I mentioned the spinach balls earlier. Yum! I don't know how they did it, but they packed SO much delicious flavor in these little appetizers! And, you know I don't do the meat products, but my husband raved about the Sweet and Sour Meatballs so much that I tasted the sauce.  Not bad!
  Charlie's Creative Catering and Cakes is a locally owned and operated business, which always makes me happy. They will work with you to customize your menu, be it for a Wedding, Anniversary, or Corporate Function.

                              
                              Margaritas On The Move
                                                            (812) 626-0187


Ok, guys. This was one of my favorites! I'm a fan of all things slushy & smoothie related and I think this is just awesome. Imagine having your very own virgin or spiked margaritas & daiquiris available at the flip of a switch to all of your wedding guests. Cool! I want one for my house...

              
                      Musick Studios Rental Space
                                                                 (270) 688-8909
        "I Do" silk Flower Arrangements by Faith McKay
                                                       faith.mckay@yahoo.com
                                                            (270) 316-2532


My children attend dance classes at this venue, so I can tell you firsthand that it is a lovely space. I love the hardwood floors, the rough brick texture, and the gorgeous light that the tall windows provide.

                                     SissyBub's Sweets
        
                                                              (270) 684-3478


Let me tell you, these cake are not only fun and creative but SO so good! I've been to a wedding or two where they have had Sissybub's in all sorts of flavors and they all great! I fell in love with them when I bit into a mystery cupcake to find that it was blueberry made with REAL blueberries. Oh, my!

     

                                                   Echoes Sound and Light
                                                               1-800-590-7615


Echoes Sound and Light has been in business for nearly 2 decades now. Owner Jason Owens is a personal friend of mine and I've been to many of the events Echoes Sound and Light has played at. Believe me, he knows how to make your party fun! As a small business, they are extremely personal with their clients and have no problem catering to your needs. Do you need a smoke machine, hula-hoops, and limbo stick? They've got it! Do you prefer a classy reception with all your favorite classical tunes and love songs? They can do that too. And the light show isn't just on random. They customize the lights to work with the mood and music.

                       On Snow White Wings Dove Releases
                                                                  (270) 570-3057


Um, what is cooler than releasing doves at your wedding? I remember daydreaming of my wedding day when I was a little girl and doves were always a part of it. I just didn't know that people actually did that outside of the Hollywood movies! At On Snow White Wings, all of the doves are healthy and well trained so that, after their release, they return home. PETA approved.

Limos by Knight

1-877-836-5842

The entire staff at Limos by Knight was SO friendly! Their vehicles are clean and everyone was very professional.

                                                                  Bee-Bop's
                                              (270)-663-0623


Well, I already love the funky, retro style that Bee-Bop's restaurant has going on, but did you know that they cater too? Fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches were displayed in a way that was pleasing to the eye as well as the tummy.

                            AVANT GARDEN
                                            
                                              (270)684-1400


My quick shot of this beautiful booth does NOT do it justice. They really know how to mix up rough and smooth textures to create an elegant floral arrangement. And it wasn't just looks either. The smell was divine!

The Cup Cakery

(270) 684-3809

The Cup Cakery is another of my favorite cake artists. Some of the creations these people come up with are just amazing!

                       Jamie's Jewelry & Gifts
                                     
                                              (270) 926-4910


Jamie's is the place to go for sparkly jewelry, gifts, gourmet products, purses and more. I think this would be a SUPER place to get your Bridesmaid's gifts!

Life Stage Videos

(270)485-3858

I was really impressed with the attitude coming from this booth. They were kind, professional, and really seemed to love what they do. Like me! I hope I have the pleasure of working with them this year. Also, they have a special discount for everyone signing a contract this week! Hurry and call before this deal passes you by!

Patty Stewart, Partylite consultant

(812) 306-8368

This woman was so sweet. I love a gal with a great personality, and she sure had it! If you are in need of some great candles, contact her!

Laura Young, Mary Kay consultant

Leslie King, Mary Kay consultant

These ladies both want to make sure you look your best on your special day. What fun it would be for you and your bridesmaids to have a Mary Kay party before a night out on the town! 

Stocks DJ

leahrj@att.net

(270) 860-4156

Jake and Leah Stocks were in the booth right next to me. They were very personable and a cute husband and wife team. I didn't get to talk to them much about their business, but I do know they charge by the hour!

Libations of Choice

scottmorton01@gmail.com

(502) 895-4062

This guy sure could sling some juice. In a snap, he made a mouthwatering mocktail (although cocktails would be available at your event) with a wide variety of juices and sodas. Oh, man was it good...

Certainly worthy of mention was The Miller House Restaurant. I was unable to visit their booth, but my wonderful husband brought my the most tasty sweet potato biscuit from them. It was certainly one of the yummiest things I ate all day!

Well, I hope my little guide helps all the brides out there make some important decisions on who to hire for their big day. You can't go wrong with anyone on this list!

GIVEAWAY!!!!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

 I LOVE coffee, frozen yogurt, and jewelry, don't you? I love it so much that I want to share (and support my local businesses)! 


I will ge giving away a gift certificate to both The Creme Coffee House
 and Yo Lo Frozen Yogurt
as well as a lovely pair of earrings donated by Tammy Hagan of Lia Sophia Jewelry rantam1972@roadrunner.com


To be entered to win, you must like Liz Smith Photography on Facebook
Follow my blog Liz Smith Photography Blog
And last, but not least, leave a comment on this blog saying you completed these things.
There will also be a chance to enter in person at the Owensboro Bridal Expo THIS Sunday January 29th from 11-5.
For an EXTRA entry, post a link to this page on your Facebook page telling about my giveaway.
Good Luck!
The winner will be announced Monday 30th.

A little about my choice faves...


The Creme Coffee House

The Creme has a funky, laid-back atmosphere with coffee combinations to suit everyone's taste. I happen to love the Judo Chop (espresso, espresso, espresso)! They also have great breakfast foods, cheesecakes, cupcakes and more! They are also a locally owned and operated business. I love my locals!




YoLo Frozen Yogurt

If you are like me, you have serious problems deciding between one thing or another. At YoLo, you don't have to. You can have it all! White chocolate, Coconut, and Pineapple yogurts, topped with Orange popping bobas, almonds, and bananas? Why not? Triple Chocolate & Red Velvet topped with Heath pieces, brownie chunks, and white chocolate drizzle? Oh, yeah!
Plus they feature local artists and local toppings. Cool!

Lia Sophia Jewelry

 

A Lia Sophia Jewelry Party is a fun way to get the girls together any night of the week. There are so many gorgeous pieces to choose from and they are ALL backed with a LIFETIME guarantee. They offer outstanding discounts every month. For instance: This month buy 1 piece get 2 half off. Tammy Hagan rantam1972@roadrunner.com knows how to have a good time and entertain your guests while earning you credit for FREE jewelry. Check out some of their gorgeous pieces at http://sites.liasophia.com/corporate/corporateCatalog.ls

rantam1972@roadrunner.com

The little things

After a fun shoot with (newly) 6 year old Aubrey, I was surprised with a big hug. With her arms wrapped around my neck, she thanked me and told me she had had a great time. I love what I do (the artsy and technical side), but nothing makes me feel better than being thanked for a fun time. When clients become friends, people I keep up with and care about, it makes the experience so much more personal and enjoyable. How awesome is it that I have a career that connects me to so many great people?! I get to witness birthdays, I dos, the final years of high schoolers, births, and celebrations of all sorts. Freezing these special moments in time is so important to me. I want for everyone to be able to look back and remember the silly faces their children made, their unique style, that moment a groom sees his bride for the first time, and the tiny wrinkles of their newborn's brand new flesh. It really is the little things that make life SO sweet!

(See Aubrey below)