To have and to hold

Brian sang to Kellye

Anticipation

First kiss

Besides pastoring a church, Brian’s dad is a very nice cartoonist. Congratulations Rambo Baby and Bandanna Boots! I’m so glad I had the privilege of doing your wedding.

It’s being held at Kay Rogers Park this year due to the overwhelming crowds the last few years. The ladies at Unforgettables Wedding and Party Rentals always try to bring in the most local vendors of any bridal show, so you’ll be able to see local talent not only in photographers, but cakes, catering, wedding attire, DJs, venues….There will be BIG giveaways and fashion shows.

Voting:

Our three wonderful finalist couples in the free wedding photography contest are featured below. Voting closes the 8th of November. (Extended for the couple I can’t seem to contact) You may vote on this blog in the comments section under the couples or by email. One vote per email address please. contest@charleneday.com

The voting will only last a few days, so start voting now!

On comment moderation:

We have three sweet couples who are all deserving to win this contest, and as moderator I made a judgment call late, last night to scrub some comments a little (some a lot). I saw that feelings were hurt, possibly unintentionally and I’m sure my editing of comments caused more hurt feelings. For my part I can only apologize and tell you this is my first time contest and did what I thought best at the time, even though I had some second thoughts about it this morning. So just know that no offense was intended at all on my part AND I will clean up comments down to “I vote for” in the future if I have to, so think about other’s feeling as you post your well wishes.

Thanks and good luck!

My Uncle James met his fiance, Kimberly, after he got out of a bad relationship and had given up on love. They say it was love at first sight and I believe them.

They’ve been through quite a lot recently and finances are very limited.
James was demoted at his job, so he got a large pay cut, and Kimberly quit her job to start going to school so they could have a better life together. She sprained her ankle at school but continued classes. They’ve both lost grandparents and other loved ones recently, including a father figure to our family.
When her nephew was set on fire in a brutal attack Kimberly was at the hospital almost every day until 2 in the morning.
Even with all this she still manages to go to school and always help people. My uncle is the same way. I think they have a hard time telling people no. They’re very generous with others. I know my aunt would love professional photography for the wedding, but with other expenses she gave up on the idea. I know both of them would be very grateful and they truly deserve it! Thank you for considering them.
Sincerely, Crystal

When Brian was two years old, his father was called to a staff position in Camden, AR. There he met a little two year old girl named Kellye. Our families became friends and were together for six years, while together our children spent many hours playing and going to church together. Kellye used to sing to Brian and end each song by leaning forward and saying “kissee, kissee. She told him she was going to marry him when they grew up. Our paths did part, but our friendship remained strong. We would see each other every year or two.

When Brian was 12, his dad and I felt the Lord calling us to a full-time traveling ministry that would strengthen families. There were a lot of times that we would run into financial trials. We would teach our children how to fast and pray and let God show Himself strong on our behalf. We taught them to “seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”. At 20, Brian decided that God was calling him to get a law degree. He had a twenty year plan of what he was going to do with his life. He went to college one semester and came home saying “God has called me to preach for Him. He also felt that God had a sweet girl for him to marry. His concern was that he would not have the money to get married. We told him to seek God first.

Brian has unselfishly served the Lord, taught children character and honored his parents for many years and now God has allowed him the awesome privilege of marrying a precious young lady who has done the same. Kellye at the age of twelve told her mother that God wanted her to make some dresses for our two younger daughters, so they would have a nice dress to sing in. She even bought a dress for me. She has served her parents and younger brother and sisters for many years.

They began courting on Feb. 14th. Brian asked her to marry him in Aug. We have encouraged him to go ahead by faith and watch the Lord provide for their every need. They have seen the Lord open many doors of opportunity in housing and furniture, and now a chance for beautiful pictures to remember one of their most treasured times of their lives.

Brian and Kellye both know that God has called to serve Him as a ministry team. That means a path that is sometimes hard and financially challenging. But, they are committed to seeking Him first and watching for His provision.

Kellye has told my daughter that Brian is every thing she has prayed for and dreamed of. Brian and Kellye are eagerly awaiting Jan 16th. They will stand with seven of their friends and start their own “household of faith” and share their first kiss.

With the economy the way it is I suspect there is a extraordinary couple in our area who would like a professional photographer for their wedding, but they just feel they can’t afford one. I am offering FREE wedding photography for that deserving couple. I want this to go to a couple who would truly appreciate the gift.

Please send your story, or the story of a couple you feel is deserving in detail to: contest @charleneday.com (remove the space)
The story of your/their situation and why you think you/they should receive such a gift.
I want to hear about how the couple met, any trials or obstacles, and what they mean to each other.
I am looking for honesty, real love, and hope in your emails.
Tell me why the couple will have a hard time budgeting for photography for their wedding.
Give details of the wedding, such as the location and vendors already booked.
Attach a recent photograph of the couple to the emailed story.

Wedding must take place between December 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 on a date that I am available.
If I am booked on your wedding date I will immediately inform you.
If you have not signed a contract with me, or any other photographer, you are eligible to enter.
The couple must be willing to have their photographs and their story published on this blog.
The  finalist couples will be chosen by me and other discerning judges, at our discretion.
The final couples will be posted on this blog for people to cast their votes.
Deadline for entry is November 1, 2009.

The winning couple will receive up to 5 hours wedding day coverage, an online gallery of photos for 60 days, and a disk of their photos with a release.

There are truly no strings attached, if the couple doesn’t want to purchase anything extra, that is fine.