In the morning of Saturday, March 28, I headed to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, also known as, "VMRC". To photograph their 13th Annual Visionary Celebration and Awards Luncheon.
Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by so many friendly staff. This was an event I had been looking forward to on my calendar. In January I was contacted by an acquaintance, Kate. Who was referred to me by a mutual friend, Andy who owns a film and production company called Appeal Productions. (He's very talented! Check out his page!) Kate contacted me via email and we then had a short discussion via phone. Kate discussed the help she needed for the event photo coverage for the date and I was available! I met Kate the week of the event and that is when details were discussed regarding the event itself and I was able to tour the location of the event. VMRC has a simple, elegance to it. It makes you feel like home, without any frou frou. :)
On the day of the event, once guests started arriving, I began snapping away. After photographing countless weddings, I was so taken aback by all..of…the…SMILES. Every single guest smiled. No one minded their photo taken and every table was full of conversation, laughter and genuine smiles. I loved it. I thought to myself, "I am surrounded by people who have lived three times longer than I and they have probably seen and experienced far more than I ever will, collectively. Yet, they were still all smiles." This really had a lasting impression on me.
Once the meal prayer was given, it was time to eat!! Everything was INCREDIBLE. The photos do not do the food justice. Everything was so fresh and well cooked. They offered fresh fruit, roast beef, pasta, salmon, omelets, etc. The staff was on the ball with ensuring everything was well stocked and running smoothly. I guess you're wondering if I got to partake? A top secret photographer perk: we get to eat. Events, weddings..usually I don't even have to mention it! People insist! (Plus no one wants photos of their guests mid-chew) So I get to sit down and have a little break. The food, service and event was so lovely. They had guest speakers and donations were given in honor of passed residents. It was all so lovely. Doc, was our guest of honor this particular day. He was so kind and funny! I enjoyed getting to know him and meeting his family. I hope you enjoy just a peek of the photos from the event. Happy Monday friends!
On the day of the event, once guests started arriving, I began snapping away. After photographing countless weddings, I was so taken aback by all..of…the…SMILES. Every single guest smiled. No one minded their photo taken and every table was full of conversation, laughter and genuine smiles. I loved it. I thought to myself, "I am surrounded by people who have lived three times longer than I and they have probably seen and experienced far more than I ever will, collectively. Yet, they were still all smiles." This really had a lasting impression on me.
Once the meal prayer was given, it was time to eat!! Everything was INCREDIBLE. The photos do not do the food justice. Everything was so fresh and well cooked. They offered fresh fruit, roast beef, pasta, salmon, omelets, etc. The staff was on the ball with ensuring everything was well stocked and running smoothly. I guess you're wondering if I got to partake? A top secret photographer perk: we get to eat. Events, weddings..usually I don't even have to mention it! People insist! (Plus no one wants photos of their guests mid-chew) So I get to sit down and have a little break. The food, service and event was so lovely. They had guest speakers and donations were given in honor of passed residents. It was all so lovely. Doc, was our guest of honor this particular day. He was so kind and funny! I enjoyed getting to know him and meeting his family. I hope you enjoy just a peek of the photos from the event. Happy Monday friends!