Perseverance.  That word describes this session.  After their first session was cancelled weeks ago due to rain, this one was held on a cold, blustery day.  They pushed through, as did I, and I love the resulting images from the afternoon.  They needed an engagement session here before their destination wedding in Florida next summer.  Kim also brought her two kids so we could grab some family photos as well and it was a perfect plan.  They kept me in stitches and helped us all forget about the cold weather while we were working.  They were a laid back, fun, and friendly family and I enjoyed every minute of the time spent together.  Today I'm sharing a few highlights from the day.  Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and have a nice weekend!

I had the honor of documenting this gathering for an early birthday celebration on Friday evening.  Paul Chellgren was surrounded by close friends and family in attendance to celebrate with him in the Woodford Reserve Club at Kroger Field.  The event was simply amazing and it became quickly apparent that he had a huge positive impact on the attendees.  The event was kicked off (see what I did there) with an a cappella version of My Old Kentucky Home and was then followed with Woodford Reserve bourbon (of course), wine, passed hors d'oeuvres, a beautiful dinner, birthday cake, music by The Jimmy Church Band, and topped with a fireworks display over Kroger Field.  His grandchildren sang a priceless rendition of Happy Birthday and were followed by several touching speeches.  The speeches were given by Paul himself, the President of UK - Eli Capilouto, the Mayor of Ashland - Steve Gilmore, as well as members of his family.  Capilouto's reading and presentation of the framed Poem "Youth" was one of many highlights of the night that also included Mayor Gilmore's presentation of the key to Ashland Ky.  It was a touching evening and the event was perfectly executed by his wife Debbie, event planner Dan Gipson, and premium service manager Christine Cobb.   The end result was beautiful and today I want to share some of those photos with you here on my blog!  

I knew I was among friends when I entered the house, turned to the left, and spotted the bourbon bar.  These were my kind of people!  I could not think of a better way to celebrate an engagement myself but that was only the beginning.  As I headed into the next room, I saw one of the best cookie displays that I have seen at any event.  They were created by Cookies By Charity in Versailles Ky and they tasted as good as they looked.  All of the food, drinks, and cookies were coordinated so well that I asked who provided the catering only to find out that a handful of Christy's closest friends pulled this off themselves.   All of this, however, could not compare to the love of their family and friends that was evident in the conversations and expressions throughout the evening.  Tonight I want to share some of the highlights and details that made the night so memorable.  Congratulations to Christy and Ty!