A visit from one of our favorite brides!

We received an unexpected call today from Amy Rieschick Blair saying that she was in town and would like to stop in to say "hi". We provided photographic services at Amy and Zach's wedding before we had our studio on the Square. Working with Amy and Zach and their families was a true joy, and we were sad when the work was finished, and the prints had been ordered and delivered. We're always happy when clients stop in to fill us in on what's going on in their lives. Thank you, Amy! You made our day!

Happy 65th, Don and Alvena!

We were fortunate to meet Don and Alvena Widner when they came to the studio for their 65th wedding anniversary portraits. Through them we learned one of the secrets of staying married for 65 years - a sense of humor. Don and Alvena had us laughing throughout the session; we were sorry when it ended. I think we've convinced them to come back to visit and have coffee, though! After the session, Porter took Don back into the camera room for a little fun. The result of this "fun" is a very impressive portrait of Don (above).

Congratulations, Don and Alvena! You are an inspiration to us all!

"Props" Pics at Girls' Night Out!

I'm not sure who had more fun during our "Props" Pics special on Girls' Night Out - us or the participants. Gals donned feather boas, pirate hats, wigs with curlers, seventies-style fringed vests, throw rugs, and anything else that was light enough to wear or hold and got goofy with their girl friends. The response was overwhelming, and we plan to offer the special again for Glory Days.

Sessions lasted approximately 15 minutes. As the night went on, laughter, shrieks, and giggles filled the studio as women cut loose and got in touch with their inner child! It was a party!

We'd like to thank all of the participants in "Props" Pics for making our night so completely and thoroughly enjoyable. If anyone has any ideas for another "party" at the studio, give us a call, comment on the blog, or email us at sales@pdsphoto.com. We're always ready for fun!

We'd like to offer a special thanks to Ginger Snips for providing us with the fabulously stylish wigs and hair pieces!

Porter and Terri

Bridal Fair Fashion Show!

We were honored to host our first Bridal Fair Fashion Show on March 14, 2009. The show featured bridal gowns and flower girl, bridesmaid, and prom dresses by Anita's Bridal Boutique in Seneca, Kansas. Anita graciously brought 28 gorgeous bridal gowns as well as 6 flower girl dresses, 6 bridesmaid and prom dresses.

Models started their day by getting their hair professionally done by Julie, Kelly, and Ginger at Ginger Snips Salon of Beauty. Each model's hair was styled in a manner that would accentuate the beauty of both the model and the gowns they were wearing.

Further adding to the "bridal state of mind" were the floral stylings of floral artist, Rogette Branam of expressions in Holton, KS. Bouquets of fresh hydrangea, gerber daisies, alstroemeria lilies, garden roses, kermits, shamrocks, as well as a selection of silk bouquets were carried by the models.

In the wedding area of the studio, a square wedding cake with black ribbon and fresh red sweetheart roses by Cakes, Cookies, and Catering by Jill set the stage for the perfect cake table at the reception. Jill also brought plates of her well-known mints for fashion show attendees to sample.

We'd like to thank our models: Ashley, Kelli, Mollie, Kristel, Susan, Felicia, Haley, Jamie, Cindy, Nikki, Morgen, Lauren, Paige, Abbygail, and Kinsley. They were truly gorgeous and easy to work with. A special thanks to Lauren for her help with the organization of this event!

BRIDAL FAIR MEMORIES

We recently participated in the 94 Country Bridal Fair that took place at the Ramada Inn in Topeka where we spoke with too many future brides, grooms, in-laws, parents to count. I tried to ask each bride the same question: How did your future husband propose? Over the years, I have heard so many incredibly romantic stories. Here are a few of my favorites:

1) He burned "Will you marry me" on a hill and took me horseback riding. As we came up over a hill, I saw it. (What will he do for their first anniversary?)
2) It was around Halloween. We like to carve jack-o-lanterns each year. He carved "Marry me" into a pumpkin. (I love it!)
3) Two future brides told me their proposals took place on a carriage ride on the Plaza in Kansas City. (How romantic!)
4) He sent me on a treasure hunt. He left clues at each location and had someone there to make sure I got the clues right. At the end, he was wrapped up in a box. He (and the proposal) were the prize!
5) He sent me on a treasure hunt. We ended up at the gazebo at Shawnee Lake. It was raining, and I was a little grumpy for having to be out in the rain. When we got to the gazebo, he kneeled down on one knee and proposed.

If any of you have romantic proposal stories to share, I'd invite you to share them!

Congratulations, Carrie!

According to the Holton Recorder, Carrie Buehler, one of our Seniors, has been selected Senior of the month by the Royal Valley Student Council. Carrie is an excellent student who maintains a 4.0 G.P.A. She is a member of KAYS, FCCLA, NHS, and the Panther band.

Congratulations!

Congratulations Lynn Jenkins!

We would like to congratulate Lynn on her win over Nancy Boyda in the November election. We were fortunate to help Lynn with some campaign portraits and provide portrait services during Governor Mitt Romney's recent visit.