Spreading Awareness!

Sunday, we photographed our fundraiser for Wings of Eagles Ranch & Therapeutic Riding Center.


We photographed Christine Cronin and her family a couple of years ago in our studio. During her session, we realized she started this amazing organization for people with disabilities of all ages. Through the practice of therapeutic horseback riding, the disabled can develop self-esteem and muscle tone. We've since attended annual events held at the ranch, where Christine's riders showcase their riding abilities. The most inspirational part of the event is hearing the stories of children that came to Christine years ago after a doctor had told them they'd never walk, but after continuous horseback riding practice, they've proven the doctors wrong. Nothing beats the smiles on their faces when they receive their blue ribbons after their rides.



Christine has inspired us to spread awareness for her ranch. Last year was our first annual fundraiser and we were thrilled with our response. This year was even better! We photographed about twelve different families at the ranch on Sunday afternoon. With each session, a $50 donation was given directly to the ranch. From session fees alone, we've raised over $500 for Wings of Eagles. Each family will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and we're offering special discounted studio prices for any additional orders from Sunday's sessions. We hope to beat last year's donation!


Here's a few images from our 2nd annual fundraiser!



















We hope you're as inspired by Christine's passion as we are. If you're interested in knowing more about the ranch, click here. If you weren't able to make it to our fundraiser, there's other ways you can help - volunteering at the ranch, monetary donations, and supply donations! There's plenty of info about all these on their website. Enjoy!

Supporting Gail

Saturday, before our Home for the Holidays promotion, we headed to O'Charleys in Concord for a fundraiser. The money was being raised for Gail Lazenby.


We asked Tammy Tucker (one of Gail's best friends) for exact info to share with you. Here's what she had to say about Saturday's breakfast at O'Charleys:


Here's the names of my great help for Gail's breakfast: Julie Miller, Donna Wildrick, Kathy Waters, Robin Johnston, Ally Schrader, and Jodi Seager. I can not leave out a gentleman named Alan Bartzcak. He bussed tables and anything else without a complaint. We raised $9,700 at the breakfast alone!


The staff and manager (Karen Waters) at O'Charley's is commendable beyond words. They prepared food for over 400 people that morning. We stopped counting at 400. They put every tip from the people into Gail's box. They refused to keep any donations or payment, and even offered to staff a "roast" on Gail (when she recovers from chemo) in the future.


The joy of seeing the community of Kannapolis/Concord come together for this family blew us all away and made me prideful and full of wonder that God's people are giving and gracious.


You also were so wonderful to this family with your talent. They will get to enjoy the moments before the cancer started its battle in their home. We thank you for coming to the breakfast. I know that Saturday is a busy day for you and your staff.


Thanks again,
Tammy Tucker


Here's a few images from Saturday!




Here are the ladies behind this huge act of kindness wearing purple symbolizing Gail's battle with pancreatic cancer.




People stood in line to take part in this gathering for Gail.






One of the GENEROUS O'Charleys employees that volunteered her time.






Due to the large number of people that showed up at their event, the ladies had to start helping the O'Charleys staff.










There was an amazing response for this fundraiser for Gail. Unfortunately, this probably doesn't begin to pay the medical bills a disease like cancer can rack up. If you are interested in making a donation to Gail's family, please contact us.

Fun with the Kimbles!

The Kimbles are close friends to our IP family! We brainstorm all year about how we can beat last year's christmas card. And somehow, every year, we do!


As you can see, they had lots of children - two legged and four legged!




We love a challenge!!

Look at the little guy hanging over the back of the couch!

Have you ever seen anything cuter than this?

Looks like a baby Luke!

Well, I think we've got the images to beat last year's card. We'll start designing and let you know when we're done! You can decide for us!

2nd Annual Wings of Eagles Fundraiser

Remember last year when we helped raise money for Wings of Eagles Ranch & Therapeutic Riding Center? Click here.

Well.... we're going back this Sunday!! We're scheduling 15 minute sessions between 2:00 and 5:00, but there's only 5 sessions left!

For a $50 donation, you receive a complimentary 8x10 from us. Then, you can come to the studio to view your images, pick your 8x10 and place an order for 25% off our regular studio prices!

This is such a great opportunity to help a local organization. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of it!

Sharp-Arnett Wedding

On Saturday, we photographed the wedding of Sarah Sharp and Jordan Arnett. Their ceremony took place at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Concord - one of the prettiest churches in the area. Sarah looked amazing and I must say... We rocked!

Here's a sneak peek!

Can you tell who the clown of the group was??

Everyone headed to the Gibson Mill in Concord for the reception, where Too Much Sylvia was the entertainment for the night!

You'll recognize Jane - one of our survivors from our Focused on a Cure campaign - shagging with Eddy from the band!

And just before the last song of the night... Eddy called us up on stage. He told everyone that they had played at a lot of weddings and they had seen plenty of photographers, but never had they seen a group that could dance while taking pictures and look good doing it!

Then a gentleman took Karen's camera. It was our time to smile!

As you can see... we had a lot of fun at this wedding, as we do with most! We love what we do and we have fun doing it!

Thank you to Sarah and Jordan for letting us document your special day! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

All of Sarah and Jordan's images will be available to view online on December 13th! We'll remind you when you're available.

And we definitely recommend Too Much Sylvia if you're looking for OUTSTANDING entertainment! Click here to view their website and availability.

- Karen, Renda & Tara

Santa's Last Stop at IP

Santa made his last stop at IP this Sunday. He came for one last visit with the children. He got some last minute wish lists and gave some advice on getting your name off the naughty list!



Here's a few images!



Santa gave hugs....






high fives...





and cookies!




Baby Auden was able to meet Santa for the first time.





And the Kelly children were photographed with Santa for their fourth year in a row!

Luke loved Santa... and then ate his cookies when he turned his back! (Not a joke!) We think Millie had a part in it too though.



We're so glad Santa was able to fit us into his busy schedule! He's got a lot of work to do between now and Christmas Eve! Keeping up with the naughty and nice lists is a hard job to have!

Snow Days

Last week we set up our own *Winter Wonderland!* Renda and Buddy cut down some white birch trees and we made our own white forest for our exclusive Snow Days promotion. We had a great response and we're in the process of designing very fun and unique christmas cards with these images!

Here's a few samples:

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Snow Days promotion! For those of you that didn't participate, keep this in mind for next year's christmas cards!