JoBeth and Travis Engagement Session

Except for cool temperatures, everything was perfect for JoBeth and Travis' engagement session on Saturday, April 16th. The setting was Withrow Springs State Park, located between Eureka Springs and Huntsville. The dogwoods were in bloom and the other colors of spring are beginning to appear.
We first met JoBeth a few years ago when we did her senior portraits. They were a fun couple to work with, so I'm looking forward to their June wedding!

Retirement Reception for Jerry Stokes

On my 18th birthday, I first went to Lawrence Photo in Springfield and bought a darkroom kit. Jerry Stokes had been working there for 2 months.
A few months later, as a naive teenager, I decided to buy a camera to photograph weddings. I went to Lawrence Photo and talked to Jerry. Told him I wanted a Yashica Mat 124-G medium format camera. He told me that for weddings, I needed at least a Mamiya C-220. He was right.
A few months later, I was having problems with it winding. I took the camera back, Jerry checked it out, then said, "It shouldn't do that". And he grabbed another off the shelf and said, "Take this one". 
Then a few years later, I needed a new flash. Again, he told me the one I was looking at was not a real pro model, and again, he was right.
On the eve of photographing Benjamin Netanyahu at the College of the Ozarks, I had a tripod collapse. The whole camera and lens went into a creek, totally ruining it. That was early evening. I called Jerry at home, asked if he had another in stock. Yes, he did. So I asked, "What time do you open in the morning?". His reply, "Come on up now and we'll go down to the store and get it". He opened the store for me at 10:00pm that night.
Going to miss him, but have a GREAT retirement Jerry. I'll be checking on you!

Jerry Stokes, on left, looks on as friends look at a shadow box he received.

Mr and Mrs Jerry Stokes

Introducing Miss Abigail (Abby) Jo Dwyer

On April 7th, we welcomed our 6th grand child into the world. Abby Jo Dwyer is the second daughter of our daughter, Kelly, and her husband Keith. They also have another daughter, Reagan, who is the oldest of our grand kids. Reagan turned 3 in December. Our other grand kids are Ian (age 3), Cora (will be 2 next month), Dakota (6 months), and Quinn (also 6 months).
Going to be interesting taking that first group photo of all 6!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Mark and Kory's Wedding

On Saturday evening, April 9th, I photographed the wedding of Mark Houser and Kory Perkins. The wedding ceremony was at the Southern Heights Baptist Church in Berryville, with the reception following at the Carroll County Country Club.
Kory is actually a distant cousin of mine. I didn't know until a few years ago, that possibly she and my Grandma Shahan could have been named after the same person. Kory's great grandmother, Cordellia (spelling???) Garner and my great grand mother, Adeline Atchley, were sisters. Kory's dad, Joe, told me that people called his grandma "Cory", so that's who they named "Kory" after. My grandma was named "Cora". I'm just assuming she might have been named after he aunt, Kory's great grandmother.
The name goes on in our family, as I have a grand daughter, Cora Jayne Loper!
Thanks, Mark and Kory, for letting me be a part of your special day!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Zac and Tessa's Wedding

On Friday, April 8th, we photographed the wedding of Zac Van Conett and Tessa Legleiter at Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs. A reception followed at the Best Western Eureka Inn. The wedding was originally planned April 16th, but the military had other plans for Zac on that day, so the wedding was moved up a week.
A big "Thank You" for letting me be a part of your special day!

Mr. and Mrs. Winfred Prier Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

On Saturday night, April 2nd, I had the pleasure of photographing a surprise wedding anniversary party for Mr. and Mrs. Winfred Prier of Golden, Missouri. The event was held at the Holiday Island Club House.
The Prier's children invited friends and family, and were able to keep the reception a surprise for their parents.
It was very interesting to hear stories that were shared by those in attendance. It was obvious the Priers are people that have raise their family and managed a successful business by following  good values.
The Priers have owned and operated Ball and Prier Tire in Golden, Missouri for over 50 years. Also, Mr. Prier has been a board member of the Carroll Electric Cooperative for many years.

Note: Click on photos to enlarge.

What a handsome couple!

A clever greeting was posted on the wall behind one of the food tables.

Lee Ona Prier shows her surprise when she walked in to where their family and friends were waiting.

The Priers, happy to see friends and family.

Mr and Mrs Prier with their anniversary cake.

The whole Prier gang........kids, grand kids, and in-laws. 

Congratulation! It was an honor for me to attend your special celebration!