2013 Sullivan County 4-H Fair queen contestestants

Nine contestants of the Sullivan County 4-H Fair Queen Contest are meeting with judges privately this afternoon in Sullivan and will go to the stage tonight beginning at 8 p.m. in front of hundreds of people at the Sullivan County fairgrounds to model professional wear and an evening gown, and answer an impromptu question before the judges choose and the emcee announces the 2013 Sullivan County 4-H Fair queen.

I was honored to photograph these wonderful young women at the beautiful Merom bluff overlooking the Wabash River a couple of weeks ago. Storm clouds hung over us and thunder sounded, but we got the session in. This year might be the first time we've been able to have all the contestants together for a photo; so that was very exciting for me.

Pictured above in the first photo front row from left are Kelsey Badger, 18, Jennifer Eble, 18, Mykalia Meng, 18, Alexis Koerner, 17, and Alexandria Morin, 17; and back row from left are Haley Boyll, 17, Kenadi Ader, 17, Alexus Abrams, 17, and Logan Ellett, 18.

The second photo shows the 2012 Sullivan County 4-H Fair Queen Ashlan Peterson in the center with the contestants. Ashlan will be crowning the 2013 queen tonight after giving her farewell speech.

Now I'm off to pack my camera bag and head out shortly to capture them dining with the judges and participating in what will be a memorable night for all. Good luck, girls!

Family shots — MY family

We got together for my baby sister's birthday last weekend, so I pointed my camera towards my family to get some fun shots of the people I love. I need to do this more often.

 My sister, Jenna, with her awesome sons, Luke, top, and Samuel.

 My brother's awesome daughters, Megan, left, and Hailey.

Team Martindale

Brad Martindale and Rebecca McNally were married on July 16 at the Westside Church of Christ in Sullivan. There was no wedding dress or tuxedo. They both wore green and yellow.

You see, Brad is a big Green Bay Packers fan. And since Becca likes to have fun, the bride and groom exchanged vows and rings in Packers jerseys. Their wedding party wore their favorite team jerseys, as well.

Becca's daughter, D'Lanee, was the flower girl and carried shiny pom poms. Her brothers Trenton and Micheal are photographed with her below.

The minister, Chris Jaekel, performed a creative ceremony compairing marriage to football in every way. He pronounced them "Team Martindale" and the two became one.

Even though it was one of the hottest weeks of the year, we managed to take quite a few photos outside. This group likes to have fun!

The reception was at the VFW in Sullivan where the bride threw a Nerf football instead of a flower bouquet; the groomsmen, bride's dad and sister toasted the couple; and Becca smeared icing on her husband's face after the cake cutting.

Congratulations you two! It was such a privilege photographing you, your family and friends on your wedding day. I know the laughs, fun and happiness will continue for the rest of your lives! You're winners in my book!

2011 Sullivan County 4-H Fair Queen Contest

It was a packed house at the fairgrounds last night when 10-year 4-H member, Nikki Nichols, was crowned the 2011 Sullivan County 4-H Fair queen. She also received the Sally Unger Award.
Leslie Lindsay was named 1st runner-up. Leslie was also chosen Miss Congeniality and won Most Photogenic.
Olivia Trimble received 2nd runner-up. Judges also gave her the Best Smile Award.
Congratulations to these three young women and all who participated in the queen pageant.
Thank you to Becky Scott and the queen committee for all your hard work, time and dedication.
Good luck at the fair! Have fun!

Thank you to the Sullivan United Methodist Church for a wonderful dinner before the pageant.

After dinner and before heading out to the fairgrounds for the big event, from left are, Brittany Daugherty, Olivia Trimble, Leslie Lindsay, Angela Fleener, Ali Creed, Nikki Nichols, Alexandrea Morin, Mykalia Meng, and Brittany Bezy.

A police escort led the way to the Sullivan County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The contestants in their formal attire.

The audience is entertained by the Curry Nomads 4-H club while the judges make their decisions. The Curry Nomads skit won the Sullivan County and Area 5 Share the Fun contests. They performed the skit at Purdue Round-up and will compete in the state fair Share the Fun competition in August! Good luck!

Eldon Dunford announces Nikki Nichols is the 2011 Sullivan County 4-H Fair Queen. Nikki is center, in pink.

Nikki takes her walk just after being crowned fair queen.

From left are, Olivia Trimble, Nikki Nichols, and Leslie Lindsay.

Nikki, Leslie and Olivia have a busy and exciting two weeks ahead. Have fun, girls!

Miss Sullivan County Nikki Nichols with Becky Monk, pageant coordinator.

Jonathon's senior year

Jonathon graduates from Perry Meridian High School this spring. It was fun wandering around downtown Indianapolis for his senior portraits last fall. Here are some of my faves.

Straumins family

Here's a sneak peek of when I hung out with the Straumins family at Eagle Creek State Park recently. Lots of fabulous energy and smiles from all! Love you guys!

Mr. & Mrs. Huff

Two high school sweethearts exchanged rings and promised themselves to each other forever in an unforgettable outdoor ceremony as the sun set over the trees on Sept. 25. The bride looked like a princess and the groom was handsome in his black tux, white tie and shades of orange boutonniere.

Hundreds of family and friends watched as Bryce Huff and Karissa Roberts married their best friend.

Eddie Hammond pronounced them husband and wife and everyone moved to the giant tent decorated in shades of white, brown and orange. Huge paper lanterns hung from the tent ceiling and wildflowers, mason jar candles, candy and snacks filled each table. Guests danced and partied until the next morning.

I must admit I had to fight back happy tears. I've watched Karissa and her sister, Kelsey, grow from cute and smart blonde-haired little girls to beautiful, amazing and happy women. I have gotten to know Bryce and his family a little better each year at the Sullivan County 4-H Fair and other community events. A fun and hard-working family.

I'm so proud of Bryce and Karissa's accomplishments and the wonderful people they've become. Their love is evident. The way they look at each other and the fun they have together is inspiring.

It was an honor to photograph this special day that often had me trying to step back from the camera to enjoy the amazing moments experienced by people I love.

Congratulations Bryce and Karissa! May your troubles be less and your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.