Thinking of Dad….

Next week (September 23) would have been my dad’s birthday.  He was a real “outdoors man” – loved to fish, hunt and just traipse around in the woods.  A vacation to my dad consisted of deer hunting with his buddies, or fishing from his bass boat. 

When I think of my adventure next week with my little brother, I can’t help but think of how my dad would have LOVED an adventure like this.  A chance to see the unspoiled beauty of Alaska and the wildlife. 

So next week, as Frank and I are sailing amidst glaciers and watching whales and sea otter frolic, I imagine my dad will be right there with us…and enjoying every minute through the eyes of his children.

A New Age of Wedding Photography

What a difference a few years makes when it comes to wedding photography!!   Today’s popular look is very photo-journalistic and this was exactly what Chrissie wanted.  Andrew Conrad www.agconrad.com was the perfect match for our bride.

How about a little stroll through the streets of South Bend and some beautiful shots in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The Reception…

The reception hall was adorned in candlelight, along with shades of pink, green and burgundy.  You envision things for so long and when it finally all comes together, the results are usually better than you expected. 

The addition of the chair covers and chair bows were a real plus in adding to the elegance.

And, using Arlene’s Wedding Cakes is always a “must” for our family. 

The “Ring Guys”

Jack Urbanski and Benjamin Van Fleit – cousins.  Their moms are older sisters of the bride.  They both took their job very seriously – as seriously as you can take anything when you’re 3 1/2 years old.  As long as Jack had his DS, he was fine and from the looks of this photo, Ben is trying to make sure he’s doing it the right way.

And then finally, it was time to get to work.  After all, we must have some sort of special job if we had to get all dressed up like this.

Our Family Continues to Grow…..

Last year, it was the birth of Andrew Joseph Van Fleit and this year, we gain two new son-in-laws.  I look at all these faces, and wonder how I continue to be so blessed each and every day of my life.

Daddy’s Little Girl

Life hasn’t been easy for Bob Knight – being the father of five daughters.  By the end of the year, he will have walked four of them down the aisle.  I think this photo of him with Chrissie, speaks volumes. 

….and then relaxing with her, once the ceremony was over.

The Church…

I think that the first time Chrissie walked into St. Monica’s two years ago, she knew this was the aisle she wanted to walk down, on the arm of her father. 

The Waiting Game…..

The limo picked us up at 7:45 a.m.  We stopped to pick up bagels, muffins, juice and coffee and then it was on to St. Hedwig to pick up more bridesmaids (so they could leave their cars parked for the reception).  By 8:30, we had arrived at our destination – St. Monica. 

We unloaded dresses, flowers, make-up and all the necessities needed to turn these sweat pant clad kids into beautiful women.  The hair stylists arrived and we all patiently waited to be transformed.

Fun and Frolic

After months of planning and stress, the ceremony is over and it’s time to celebrate with friends and family.  On their way to the reception, the limo stopped for a photo op in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend.  What a perfect spot this was!!!

This photo took a couple of “takes”, but the final shot was worth the effort.

This One…..

I think this one might belong in a bridal magazine.

….or maybe this one.

The DRESS and Vital Accessories

A few days before Chrissie’s wedding, a friend advised me to set my camera aside and enjoy the day.  As hard as this was for me, I followed that advice.  I’ve been patiently waiting for the photographer to post some of his photos and late last week, my patience was rewarded. 

I remember back to that morning, as bride, bridesmaids, sisters, aunts, nieces, cousins, friends and moms gathered in the church basement – and amidst all of the confusion – one lone man – Andrew Conrad, our photographer.   At one point, I saw him take the dress, the shoes and the bouquet and leave the room.

….and now I know why.  Who could imagine that inanimate objects could display such beauty. 

Curious & Carefree

My latest assignment for Pages in Time, using the SEI Playhouse line.  Our little Anna.  A carefree 2-year old full of curiosity!!