Destination Weddings

Keith and I have always enjoyed a wedding on or at the beach. We just arrived home from a wedding that was to take place on a private beach in Florida but when we arrived in Florida the plans had to be changed. After arriving on Thursday during heavy rain, and with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes continuing through Friday, the venue had to be changed. The venue ended up being a beautiful facility in the Windmark Beach Resort. Everyone pulled together to create an environment for an indoor wedding and the result was beautiful. The guests and wedding party had a lot of fun in the process.

Even though it was a quick transition and coming up with alternate plans, the ultimate goal was accomplished ... photos on the beach and a whole lot of fun. We had a break in the weather that allowed us to have some great photographs on the beach around sunset with the bride, groom and wedding party.

It was awesome to see that God allowed the couple their hearts desire ... to have beach photos at their wedding. Here are just a few that I took ... not Keith! You'll have to wait to see some of those a little later. The happy ending was experienced no matter the weather.

Flowers for Sale or Rent

Last weekend's Bunnies and Barns went great. The weather was a little cold, but the sun was out and the bunnies were warm. Part of what made the day a sucess was the multitude of flowers we had on hand all thanks to the greenhouse of No Longer Bound. For a VERY modest fee, they allowed us to rent baskets of flowers for the two day event. When we were done with them we had two choices. We could either return them or sell them and help out the ministries of No Longer Bound. You know us, we want to help when we can. So, if you were thinking of buying some hanging baskets consider purchasing one of these. They are $15 and 100% of that goes to No Longer Bound (look for an upcoming spotlight post on all they do). We are going to take what is left over back to the greenhouse early next week. If you want one, leave a comment on this post with which you want and we will contact you to arrange pick up. #1 is the yellow, #2 is the purple, and #3 is small white blossoms. I think there are 2 of each left. Each basket is about 34 inches around and 8 inches tall.

Spotlight: The Foster House

When our family first moved to Cumming I thought it was such a shame that we had a beautiful old home right in the middle of downtown that was in such bad shape. It wasn't long (only a couple of months actually) before I started noticing work being done on that corner. Brush was cleared out, the roof was redone and soon the old house was restored and reborn into The Foster House Restaurant. The home, which was originally built in 1887, is truly a southern show piece. The venue is owned and operated by a mother and daughter team, Patricia and Amanda, who make the best of the best in homemade recipes for any occasion. During the week the home is open to the public for breakfast and lunch and then again on Sunday for brunch.

Every time I drive past this historic location, I always look to see what kind of event might be happening on the great brick patio in the back. I have seen Red Hat Ladies lunching, wedding receptions, and mysterious tents that I can only imagine what fun and flavor was being had inside. When you go inside the restaurant you find a great antique home that you can't help but want to wander around. In there I have seen showers, both baby and wedding, informal business meetings in their own private room, and some of the most interesting history in the city.

The next time you have a gathering to plan ... be it a wedding, or just lunch with the girls, we ask you to consider our friends at the Foster House. They are a great venue to host whatever your event may be. Check them out on the web at The Foster House or call 770.887.9905 to schedule your event.

Spotlight: Autism Speaks

Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with autism.
Last year our neighbor, Locke, was one of those children. Locke's mother Kristen tells me, "It was rough at first, but with the love and support of our friends and family, as well as Autism Speaks, we have come a long way!"Now the whole Gamet family wants to find a way to support and help the families that will be faced with this diagnoses. They are joining the thousands of others walking in the 2009 Georgia Walk Now for Autism.
" The money raised at Walk Now for Autism supports Autism Speaks mission to finding the causes, effective treatments, and a cure for autism through funding essential biomedical research."
Please consider helping them reach their goal by making a donation or joining their team walking on May 3rd. If you would like to know more, please visit their team page, "The Locke Ness Monsters" ,and from there you will see all applicable links.
All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and may qualify for matching donations through your employer .
Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938

I also have an update to last week's spotlight. The Cumming branch of Treat the Troops baked and packed 3,000 cookies this month to be sent to our soldiers overseas. Way to go Crumbs!

Spotlight: Treat the Troops

This weekend Sandy and I talked about adding a new feature to our blog called "Spotlight". The goal is to highlight a different charity, ministry, or local business each week.
For our first post I'd like to draw your attention to Treat the Troops. This organization bakes cookies and packs them up with other goodies to send to our men and women serving overseas in the military. This was started by Jeanette Cram in 1990 for people serving in the Gulf War. Local chapters started springing up and now the organization has shipped well over 1.5 million cookies. A few years ago, our friend, Debbie Hudson, was so moved by this cause that she inquired about starting a branch here in Cumming. With the help of the community the Cumming branch of Treat the Troops is now the second largest one in the whole country. Almost every month the "crumbs", as they are called, get together for a packing party. Everyone brings in cookies, magazines, candy, and whatever donations they can round up and work together to prepare the boxes to be shipped. I have had the honor of attending a few of these parties, and I have always come away feeling blessed and in awe of what this group is doing. You can read more details about the group on the national web page for Treat the Troops.
This month's packing party is the start of something new for them. It will be this Friday (March 13th) at Coal Mountain Elementary School starting at 7p.m. (6 for those helping with set up) . This is a new location and time for the group, so if you have been before, please take note of the changes. If you would like further information on how to get involved with our local Treat the Troops chapter please email Debbie Hudson at dcanoli@comcast.net

Only 2 left!

When we sent out the Bunnies & Barns email we also included a limited offer for 20% off your purchase from Strasburg Children at the 400 Premium Outlet (that's right, you get the outlet price PLUS an additional 20% off). Well, we are down to 2 coupons left, which also means that spots are beginning to fill up. Call the Key Photography Studio now at 770-205-5275 to get in on this discount just in time to purchase the perfect Easter outfit to wear to your session.
770-205-5275

Don't Miss the Bunnies & Barns Special!

Get dressed in your Easter best and join us in celebrating the arrival of Spring. We are getting out of the studio, going on location to The Foster House, a historic site in Cumming, and bringing with us some of the cutest bunnies you have ever seen! Because of the special location and the use of live rabbits we must limit this special to be Friday and Saturday only.

As always, we will be scheduling exclusive appointments, which means no waiting in lines or being rushed through your session. Call the studio at 770.205.5275 now to schedule your time and to get details on our special location. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to capture a precious moment of your child with these beautiful bunnies. We look forward to hearing from you.

*Our Price: $89.00 which includes your private session and a $50.00 gift card to be used toward your choice portraits from the Bunny session.

*Special fee is due at the time of your session. Appointments for your in studio portrait review will be made at the end of your session. Dates for review have been made available to insure your selections will arrive before Easter. A 7% GA sales tax will be added to your purchases.