soccer chronicles: chapter two.

Well, I had to miss last weeks game because I was on small child detail, but Wednesday I was back in full force, being the most feroche soccer auntie in the planet. Though I was a bit late, (shooting the 2 most ADOOOOooorrRable small guys ever...post is coming Kristin, I PROMISE!) and when I entered the gate I was oh so nonchalantly greeted by the PTA or PTO mom who was taking the tickets. As if it would stop the world to have a little cheer while taking the moolah you know you want and pass me my small purpleish ticket so I can move on about my business and do my photo-ing. Sheesh Louise, people smile!

Then greeted by small child Charis, (her soccer chronicle is coming soon too!) we of course had to visit the stand of tasty treats because she HAD to have a pretzel. While digging deep in my pockets for any spare coins to pay for the said, twisted dough piece, Charis managed to somehow convince the attendant that we NEEDED that cherry coke, because "That's my Auntie Darci's favorite drinky! She thinks they are good as desserties!" Knowing full well that I would end up NOT getting to delight myself in the cola, but rather she, would enjoy all this pop in it's tremendous fizziness and cherry flavors, she also added a water to our tab. She's a smart one, this Charis! So imagine my surprise when I was digging for change, and the lady was all like, "That'll be $5.50." SHUT UP HOLY MOTHER OF SOCCER!!! $5.50 for a pretzel, a cup o water and a sody?! Shut up!

So not only did I end up spending obscene amounts of money entering the soccer game, and filling the belly of my smallish niece Charis, I actually got to sit and enjoy what was left of the game. Right about the time I pulled the camera close, Number 30 went on an awesome play until the chicka from the other team stuck it to her in a nasty move, causing Number 30 to fall on her and smash her (the other chick) face into the grass. It was hot. These are THE moments that make high school games worth watching. Number 30 just bounced back whipping that pony tail through the wind as she barrelled down the green again. She's vicious kids! And she's my niece!

tommy & emily: married.

**click on the shopping cart (below the pictures, in the black box) and click on Tommy and Emily's last names to view and order photos from the wedding**

PART ONE: A few years ago I recall talking to my mom about her new neighbors next door. Growing up on a farm without neighbors, we weren't sure exactly the relationships they could begin to bring about. While my mom had met and spoken to several of the other neighbors while grabbing the mail or just being out in the yard, she had never had that real neighborly feeling we always used to think came from having such people living next to you. That was until Carolyn and Lou moved in. I'm still not quite sure exactly how this God given friendship formed, but I thank Him for bringing such caring and giving people into my mom's life. These new neighbors soon filled that 'neighborly feeling' my mom had always spoken about, and I can honestly say they are more than neighbors to my mom. Carolyn and Lou, I'm so thankful for you both and for being so completely giving of yourselves and your time and energy into just being neighbors to my mom. You may not know the impact that you have on just 'being' someone next door. Your energy and warmth is contagious Carolyn and I really appreciate you taking the time to get to know my mom...

PART TWO:...So at sometime it was only natural that I meet this infamous Carolyn and when I did, it was easy to see how my mom thought she was so much fun! And later she learned that I was a wedding photographer, and soon after that, the gorgeous Emily entered the picture. I had heard so much about her, but it was not until sometime after my sister got married in December, that I had the opportunity to meet this Emily, and her fiance Tommy. I still remember them all coming over one evening to my mom's house...they braved the 25 foot distance through the grasses that lay between my mom's house and theirs, and entered the house, where I believe Emily and Tommy and I all sat on the floor and we passed around my sister's album and watched her slideshow I had made. I remember thinking, these two would be so fun to photograph...Emily would talk, and Tommy would just stare at her, so intune to what she was saying. Every word she spoke was so important to him. And they would smile at each other in just such a way that you just knew they were so perfect for each other.

And over the past few months and through this entire experience, I have grown to understand the reasons's why mom thinks the world of her neighbors. I myself have even the privelage to remove 'neighbor' from my vocabulary, and replace it with 'friend'...or Thelma...or Louise...I'm not sure which one I get to be!...But these are the times I am so thankful to be doing this work. To be in a position to meet new friends, and to hang on to those friendships and to be able to photograph such events that are so life changing in people's lives.

It was such an honor to photograph this wedding. You may not know it Emily, but your wedding was as close as my own sister's wedding that I photographed as well. The day was so important to me because I knew that it was so important to your parents, and they knew how important it was for you and for Tommy. I didn't sleep much the night before, and had monstorous butterflies that morning too! You and Tommy were just too much fun to be around the entire day. Thanks for allowing me to hall furniture outside and for putting up with my camera in your face for awhile. I loved how your ceremony and parts of your reception brought back some of those looks that I first remembered you giving each other while we sat on my mom's floor the day we met. So adorable. Thank you for allowing me to be a part and do what I do best, and document your day. You both have such great families...I've NEVER seen a dancefloor so full and roudy!!! Man can you guys put Dancing With The Stars to shame! Tommy, I can't thank your parents enough, especially your mom, for the beautiful rehearsal dinner that I'm sure she worked so hard making it just right for the evening. Every detail was wonderfully in place and it was great to stand back and watch your families interact with each other while I photographed. I appreciate you allowing me to be a part and I even got my own place card! Hooray!

And Emily, I can't leave this story without adding this....I think your eyes are just BEAUTIFUL...and Dodie, darling you know I LOVE YOU...but I think you put our dear friend Jean to shame! Your video work girl was phenominal! hahaha

**Tommy and Emily, I wish you both everything in life...call me when you get small children...**

































**I have now had the pleasure of photographing Doug and Dodie, and Tommy and Emily...you and your friends are all so much fun and you all keep me laughing! I only hope to be able to do it all again one day!

h2o.

I believe that somewhere between "I do", and "You may now kiss your bride", WATER, became the word of the day. I'm currently drinking a nice, tall glass of the clear stuff...in the comfort of my air conditioned home. My feet are up and I'm sifting through images from the extremely fun day I had with William and Lyndsay. It was such a warm, humid day, and water became the center of attention for awhile. While we all stayed nice and hydrated in the extreme heat, we were able to walk away with so many great moments from the day. I can't wait to show you more...I'm on the edge of my seat...with my water close!

**ok ok, I just couldn't help myslef...how cute are these little water chugs!

danny & alicia: married.

It was somewhere just after Alicia made her stroll down the isle wih her dad to her right, and the releasing of her to her Danny. She had made it to the front of the church with many tears, and now she was standing next to her soon to be husband. I stayed a moment in my seat with camera close to my eyes, near the front of the sanctuary, then headed to the back to switch lenses and continue with my shooting. It was at that moment that I saw my sister, who I had brought along for assisting that day. She was crying and for a second I almost thought she was laughing, and I quietly snapped my finger at her and said, "oh would you get it together!"...She was indeed crying. But as she wiped away a couple more tears and I was in mid lens switch, she whispered, "it's not because it's sad, it's because of the DOGS!!!"

Now people, anyone who knows me, knows how much I don't just like animals, but I LOVE them, each and every one. The chubbier the furrier the better! Oh how I could just squeeze and squeeze them and love them to pieces!

You might remember Danny & Alicia from this post: http://bodellphotography.blogspot.com/2008/06/girlfriend-and-vito.html or this post: http://bodellphotography.blogspot.com/2008/06/danny-alicia-in-love.html. It should come as no surprise that these two cherish their rolly polly babies, even if they come with waggy tails, small ears, big tongues, and 4 legs. Vito and Kaya are just beyond words in the cute department! It should come as no surprise that these two should make an appearance during the ceremony. After all, isn't it completely important to have your nearest and dearest accompany you at the most important day in your lives!

So back to my sister crying, just before Alicia made her treck to the front where Danny was waiting her, Vito and Kaya were ushered in and made a loop down the isle, and up through another one, where they quietly exited, making sure not to cause such a large scene. Who knew they would have such an impact on a wedding day! Who knew they would make the guests tear up and the assistant to the wedding photographer laugh so hard she cried! It goes down as one of my most memorable ceremony moments ever!

Vito and Kaya, and Alicia and Danny, you all will NEVER be forgotten! I love love LOVE you all and am so glad we have become more than just clients and vendors during this entire process. I love that you cried upon seeing Danny for the first time, Alicia, and I love how you reached over to touch her hair for a second, while we were taking pictures, Danny. You both are so perfectly made for each other and I am honored to have shared such moments on your wedding day. Continue making each other laugh, and don't forget to keep me updated on your 4 legged kids! I'm gonna have to add them to the Christmas card list! I wish you all the love in the world! Enjoy your photos!

**click on the shopping cart (below the pictures, in the black box) and click on Danny and Alicia's last names to view and order photos from the wedding**