So Many Men!

Last Saturday evening I had a date with my husband to his fraternity's 20th Anniversary Banquet downtown at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. I had the job of gathering all the PIKE men, alumni and active members, for the group picture. Thank goodness for the balcony! If you look close enough you can see my husband Tim in the purple tie with the microphone talking to me in the balcony about where I needed people to move. A little crazy to say the least, but I think it worked out pretty well. This banquet was pretty special because not only is Tim a Pike from Rose, but his real little brother David is an active member, and their younger cousin Russell got initiated last Friday. Talk about a family thing! (what's even weirder is that on Tim's other side of the family he has a cousin who was a Pike Rose who graduated in 07)... oh, and my uncle is a Pike.

Tim helping coordinate.

I hope no one was in the bathroom!

The cousin's. I love David's laugh, it's so hearty.

David's shot of Tim and I.

Office Assistant

My little fur-ball of an office assistant was totally working the camera for my husband the other evening. Since she does provide valuable lap warming in the winter when I'm working on the computer, I thought I could give her a little blog action. The following is little miss Nacho King loving life under the coffee table!

Amanda & Derek

What a precious couple.

Amanda was about the most excited bride I have met. After over 5 years of dating, most all of that being long distance, it was hard for her to soak up this was finally happening. She looked absolutely stunning. They had the sweetest moment when they first saw each other. They were married by their youth pastor who had witnessed this love from the very beginning. After a tear provoking ceremony the celebration continued in Huntington. For having just over 6 months to plan this wedding, Amanda didn't overlook one detail. The reception was beautiful! It was such a witness to see their parents surround them in prayer after the traditional parent dances and leave them together on the dance floor. It was such a great representation of the leaving and cleaving that happens when you are married. Derek & Amanda are enjoying a warm and sunny cruise right now. May the Lord continue to bless this wonderful couple!

Finally in the dress!

Sweet.

A little chilly.

Rachael, far left bridesmaid, was my June 9th bride!

Great mother of the bride dress!

Ashley & Luke

Ashley and Luke tied the knot in Ashley's home church in Mitchell, Indiana. This was the same church that her parents got married in. Ashley is an only child and as well as Luke so this was a huge day for both families. I knew Ashley from our time together at Sigma Kappa. I love those ladies and am grateful I got to spend my college years with such great young women. That also means I remember when Ashley and Luke started dating. Word always traveled fast in a sorority house. Pretty neat to be part of their big day years later!

After the hair salon in Bloomington, we headed to the church where the ladies got glammed up. Despite the chilly weather, we stepped outside for some pictures in front of the church. The sanctuary was perfect for this sweet ceremony and absolutely packed full of family and friends. Seriously, they broke out folding chairs in the back. What a blessing to have so many people share and support you in the commitment of marriage. After the ceremony, the wedding party traveled to Paoli where the reception was. Catering was by the Schnitzelbank, which I have to mention, since it is a staple of southern Indiana. (great German food out of Jasper) Everyone enjoyed dancing the night away, celebrating with Ashley and Luke. They headed off to a Carribbean cruise early the next morning and were even stopping at St. Martin where Tim and I went on our honeymoon. It was such a great wedding, for a great couple who I know will have a great life together. Congrats guys!

Gorgeous.

Meeting.

Just a little brisk outside Jan 5th!

Luke had tons of high school friends in the wedding.

Super cute and soft winter wrap!

Go Colts!

Ashley & Andy

These two have been dear friends to me for what seems like forever. I was so excited when I got the phone call from Ashley that they were finally engaged! (their relationship first began in middle school when Ashley began pursuing Andy) Clearly, that was a while ago. They have been together through different schools, multiple degrees and now reside in sunny San Diego. Since they live so far away we had to schedule an engagement shoot while they were home for their Christmas visit. Since it was freezing cold outside, we had to get creative and shoot a large part of their pictures inside a mall. (can you tell which one?) Humorous, yes, but just another crazy story to add to Ashley and I's list. Next time I'll see them will be at their wedding in May in VEGAS! It surely will be nicer weather. Much love guys!

Freezing cold.

Still cold.

He's a navy pilot, how cool!

Much warmer inside!

Kim & Todd

What could be better than sharing your first wedded kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve? Kim and Todd choose to start 2008 in a big way, as man and wife. I've done an 11:30 am wedding before, but never an 11:30 pm. Kim is a good friend of my mom and for many years served as the church secretary of my church in Rockport. Kim was celebrating a new life of love with Todd, after saying goodbye to her wonderful husband Joe who joined the Lord a few years ago after a ongoing fight with cancer. It was such an honor to be a part of this chapter of joy for Kim. You could easily see how much Todd adored her. It was great to see the support of Kim's son Kevin throughout the wedding, not to mention the support of the church community. Kim is a lady of many skills and made her own wedding cake. The reception was a winter wonderland full of white Christmas trees and white glittering branches. At the end of the night, Tim and I really enjoyed dancing with my family. I honestly can't remember the last time I was up until 3:30 since being out of college! Best wishes to the newlyweds!