The "Welcome Home Tyler Ryan" event

On January 5, 2012, I was honored to be a guest at the "Welcome Home Tyler Ryan" event. It was hosted by Jay's Valet, Tyler's employer, in one of the suites at Remington Park in OKC. It was a surprise for Tyler, who suffered a tragic accident last November. He stopped to help a stranded couple change a tire, and his good works changed his life forever. As Tyler pulled a spare tire out of the trunk, an inattentive driver slammed into him. It crushed his lower body and pinned him between the two cars. Tyler underwent numerous surgeries which will forever transform his life. His lower body was so badly damaged, that it resulted in an above the knee amputation of his left leg; surgery to repair his right leg took rods in all major bones, and he also went through back surgery.

I met Tyler briefly a few years ago when taking promo photos for Jay's Valet. I remember him as being kind and a hard worker. Since the accident, Tyler has started a "movement" called Keep Moving Forward (www.keep-moving-forward.com). It is to inspire people that no matter what befalls you...to keep moving forward. They have bracelets and t-shirts that can be purchased with that logo to support his cause. Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Bronchos (my absolute fav NFL team), has been seen and photographed wearing the bracelets.

So back to the surprise event...it was fabulous! Tyler was shocked, and he sported nothing but smiles the entire evening. Of course, I brought my camera to snap pics of everything for Jay and Tyler. The country singer, Vince Gill, called during the event and spoke at length with Tyler. There was a wonderful dinner buffet of food, a cash bar, raffles, and more. It was nothing short of awesome to see such love and support! Here are a few pics from the event:

Tyler coming in to the surprise dinner.

Guests at the event.

Tyler's tattoo and several bracelets with his logo "Keep Moving Forward".

Tyler being presented a check for $22,500 that was raised for the Keep Moving Forward cause.

Tyler on speakerphone with country artist, Vince Gill. The owner of Jay's Valet, Jay Mills, is holding the phone.

  

Tyler expressing his thanks and appreciation to everyone.

For more information, please visit the following links:

Keep Moving Forward - www.keep-moving-forward.com

Jay's Valet - www.jaysvalet.com

Remington Park - www.remingtonpark.com

Winter Market

I just finished the "Fancy! and Friends Winter Market" at the Edmond Museum. It was the first year for the show, but I thought that it seemed to go smoothly! I met several great vendors, potential clients, and got to reunite with some old neighbors that I grew up with. :) I also got to brag about OpLove and all our recent publicity! I made several new contacts in that regards. And a big CONGRATULATIONS to Joy Murphy for winning my free family photo session during the event drawing! I look forward to hearing from you about our 2012 session!!!

Note to Miss Shandee: I received TONS of compliments on your photo! Numerous people said that it was such a great photo. Then they said, "She is just beautiful." Of course, I was very proud at that point because 1) it is a great photo, even if I do say so myself,  and 2) you are beautiful (which I already knew, but am so happy that I got to show others too). Then a few people commented on what I took as the Pièce de résistance...they asked, "Is that your daughter?" Really, OMG & LOL! I was very proud that it was my photo and very proud that I displayed your beauty in its truest form, but then to be complimented enough that they also thought I was your mom...WOW, that must mean that they think I'm pretty "easy on the eyes" too! I was on cloud nine for a few mins.  :)  Your parents must be sooo proud to have raised such a beautiful daughter - on the outside, but more importantly on the inside!

Luckily, my dad came to see me today, the 2nd day of the show, and helped me put my banner up. (It was too tall for the table and there was nothing to rope it to around the sides.) So, lots of scotch tape to the rescue!!!! My booth looked 100 times better with it up, but alas it fell about 10 minutes after daddy left. I tried everything to put it back in place but no luck!   :(

I do want to thank Kristin and Angel for inviting me to the market. It's been a few years since I agreed to do a show, but I was happy to be a part of this one! And to anyone that is in the market for an Event & Party Planner...check out their website here: Fancy Like That!. I also met a local lady that does some fabulous crochet (I got an awesome headband/ear cover thing), so I can hook you up if you are in the market!!!

Be sure to stop by and see me at the Winter Market this weekend!

Don't forget to enter my drawing for a FREE family session in 2012, as well as picking up some free promo items. I will also have Gift Certificates, Photo Snow Globes, and Mini Photo Ornaments available for immediate purchase.

Fancy! and Friends Winter Market

EVENT DATE/TIME
Dec 9, 2011 to Dec 10, 2011
Friday, Dec 9th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Saturday, Dec 10th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm


DESCRIPTION
Hosted by Fancy Like That! This sale offers jewelry, fine art, photography, massages and more!


Features photographer Angela Wilkes who was featured on the Today Show & NBC Nightly News highlighting the organization, OpLove, which photographs soldiers and their families before and after being deployed.


LOCATION
Edmond Historical Society & Museum
431 S Boulevard
Edmond, OK


ADDITIONAL INFO
Phone 405-401-0736
Contact email FancyLikeThat@gmail.com

Unfortunate Cancellaton & Session Availabilities

I posted about a week-and-a-half ago about a wonderful event called "Operation: Dam Run" that was to be held on Oct 22nd in Canton, OK to support one of our Marine units. Unfortunately due to some unforeseen and extreme circumstances, they had to cancel the event.  :(   That really sucks because I was sooooo excited about attending and snapping some pics. But, I understand that things happen. These Marines, and their families, would still appreciate any thoughts and prayers that you can send their way!

So in light of the event cancellation, I now have some availability that day for sessions. I've had to turn away several clients, OpLove and otherwise, because I was completely booked until mid-November but now have a few slots open. I'm taking appointments on a first-come, first-serve basis for that weekend, so book while you can!!

Help our Marine Corps

One of my beloved clients, who is also an OpLove photographer that gives back to other military families, has a hubby that recently deployed. She is hosting a "Dam Run" to raise money to buy and send care packages, specifically food, for the 18 Marines from Oklahoma's 1st Battalion, 25th Marines Anti-Tank Training Company Broken Arrow Reserve Unit.

Details...
Name: Operation: Dam Run
Date: Saturday October 20, 2011
Time: 7:00-11:00pm  (last registration at 9:59pm on Oct 20th)
Location: Canton Lake Dam @ Sandy Cove Beach in Canton, OK
Registration/Donations: http://www.active.com/running/canton-ok/operation-dam-run-2011

Even if you cannot attend, any donation amount is greatly appreciated. 100% of all donations and proceeds go directly to this Marine Unit! My hubby and I will be attending to support them (as walkers, not runners due to medical reasons), and to snap tons of pics of the entire event. If you can attend the event, or possibly even donate a dollar or two, it is sooooo greatly appreciated! Every little thing makes a difference! This is a very special event to help a few of our proudest men in uniform. Semper Fi!!!!
- Ang