Bridal Expo

On Sunday, I traveled to Wilmington for the First Annual Port City Bridal Expo. The purpose of my trip was two-fold. First, I was going to see my daughter, Megan, in action. Megan is Assistant Manager at David’s Bridal at Mayfaire. This was her 2nd Bridal Show – and the first in which David’s supplied all of the clothing for the fashion show. Megan was large and in charge! She asked me to come and take some pictures of the fashion show, so I convinced my friends Barb and Christina to ride with me. Christina is getting married in December and this was her first bridal show. We spent time browsing booths filled with beautiful floral arrangements, delicious cakes, and every wedding gadget the mind can conceive. Christina was pleased to come home with some wonderful ideas for her wedding.

And I loved seeing Megan in a different light. It’s not often that I get to see her in her element. And WOW, was I impressed! There were times when she was growing up that I wondered if we would both survive. When she was 2 she would fall on the floor throwing tantrums and biting the carpet. I started to understand why some animals eat their young! Then, when she was 12 and flushed her retainer down the toilet, I just knew I would probably end up in prison for child abuse. But we both survived and I am extremely proud of the young lady Megan has become. She is exceedingly efficient and works hard at her job. I’m still amazed when I watch her working and interacting with clients and employees. What a joy to know that I must have done something right. Megan has turned out very, very well – and she still loves her mom.

Here are a few pictures from the Expo.

At the time I originally wrote this, Megan was Assistant Manager at David’s Bridal. She has since been promoted and is Manager. Congratulations, Megan! I’m very proud.

Charo

I spend WAY too much time on photography forums. The forums are places to go to learn photography techniques, business concepts, how to interact with clients . . . you name it, it’s probably been discussed on a forum. In fact, I spend so much time on the computer that the forum members have become my friends – only friends I’ve never met. It’s almost like having imaginary playmates – only these friends actually exist, just not in my neighborhood. But last week opportunity knocked on my door. Well, actually it sent me a personal message – but you know what I mean.

Charo, a forum member I’ve known for a couple of years online, wrote asking if I could take some head shots for her. Charo is an extremely talented photographer from Wilmington. She was one of the first people to call and offer help last year when I became ill and couldn’t fulfill the weddings I had contracted. I was excited that she had asked me to do this for her – but very nervous. And since my studio is the great outdoors – I also had to worry about the weather. As luck would have it, it started to rain just as Charo pulled into my drive. After visiting for a while and finally getting to know one another in person, we noticed the rain had stopped so we went to downtown Jacksonville to take some pictures. I had a great time – but never quite got over feeling nervous. Now I know how my graduates feel when I’m a patient in their chairs! Charo was fun and easy, though like most photographers she prefers to be on the other side of the camera. It was great getting to know her and I look forward to seeing her again very soon. Check out her work at www.charophoto.com.

I’m finally blogging!

I have wanted to start a blog for quite some time. I keep meaning to make myself sit down and do it – but since I am the best procrastinator this side of the Mississippi (and perhaps beyond) I’ve managed to put it off until now. And, I’m still having trouble figuring all of this technology out.

My goal is to have a blog so clients, friends and family can check out what’s going on with me personally and with Elise Beall Photography. This is the place I’ll post sneak previews of portrait sessions and weddings. And, I’ll post ramblings about whatever comes to mind.

I’ve been working on this blog for a week or so – and gotten almost nowhere. So, I was complaining about it to Puddin’, my precious grandcat who took up residence with me about a year and a half ago. Puddin’ was completely bored with the entire conversation – so this is how she responded.

Keep checking back – you never now what you’ll find.