Dedicated

Looking in the dictionary under the word dedicated you will find: "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal."

I think that along side this definition should be a picture of today. Over 30 motorcyclists came from all over Michigan for the annual Ride4Sam which brings awareness to the problem of domestic violence. The ride is named after Sam Babb. His mother Mary was murderd by her estranged husband in the parking lot of the Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

I refer to these riders as some of the most dedicated people that I have ever met for two reasons. First, year after year we see new faces, but more importantly we see many of the same faces over and over. Second, it rained today. And I don't mean a little sprinkle or light rain. When I arrived to help with registration ( the ride leaves from the Morning Sun) it was pouring rain. And the radar didn't look good. These riders wouldn't be wet at the end of this ride – they would be soaked.

Usually by the time I arrive (1/2 hour before registration) the parking lot has several bikes already there. This year ... no one. We all wondered how many would there be. Would anyone show up? And then within 5 minutes one lonely biker arrived. He was drenched, but ready to registered so he could continue his ride. The next bike that arrived was that of Shel Fox, Mary's godfather, and the founder of this event. He works with Beth Mills of Mary's Dream: Living Without Fear to help pull this event off. He is from the U.P. and brings several Grey Dragons down with him every year. He and the Dragons work tirelessly throughout the year on this event. They are wet, but ready to get the show on the road. Right behind them ... three more bikes pull in. Yup ... it was gonna happen ... and it was gonna be good. Our numbers were down quite a bit from years past, but these dedicated individuals wouldn't dream of letting us down. Before registration was over the rain had lightened up to an occasional sprinkle but there was more rain to come.

Danielle Brennan, along with her husband Alan and kids Deryn and Tim, were the lead vehicle. Danielle worked with us at the Morning Sun when Mary was killed. Carrie (Mills) Eaton and her husband Aaron and their son Brayden were in last vehicle. I am proud that both of these women involve their families in helping with this event. Raising your children to know that domestic violence is wrong is a good thing.

This year the route took a short spin through Mt. Pleasant before heading north throuth Clare, out to Jay's, across Surrey Road and over US10 to Evart. I left right behind them so I could be in Clare when they arrived. Since they were going through my hometown, I wanted to be able to be there when they passed through. Coming up old US-27 I was pleased to see the Clare City Police waiting a mile south of town to escort the ride through Clare. I wasn't sure I'd find the right spot to get some pictures from, but right in front of the Doherty the first parking spot was open – no cars would be blocking my view. As I settled into my spot I looked up I saw the sign at the Doherty Hotel welcoming the riders as they passed through. Just one more reason I love the town I live in. People here stand up for what is right in the world.

While I was sitting there I noticed a few people coming out from business and looking up the street. They were waiting for the ride go by too. Just as I saw the ride coming down the hill at the south end of Clare it started to rain lightly. One police officer went by on his bike to get ahead of the ride while another blocked traffic with his vehicle and got out to clear traffic out of the way.

I hate that this ride happens every year but I can't imagine not being there. I would much rather us plan a ride to celebrate that domestic violence no longer happens. That abuse has stopped. That would also be Mary's dream.

If you don't ride or can't, please know that you can still be involved. Stop by the Morning Sun and watch the riders leave, show your support along the route, volunteer your time helping to get donations and prizes for the raffles or stop down and make a donation.

Proceeds to go to area organizations that help domestic violence victims. They do the work that so many of us aren't capable of doing.

 If you lucky enough to have a bike, or know someone who you can hitch a ride with, put next year's Ride4Sam on your calendar now. I look forward to meeting you on Saturday, July 30, 2011. I'll be waiting for you at the registration tent. And hopefully the rain will stay away. And even if it doesn't, please join this group of people who are "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal." 

Memorial site at the Morning Sun where Mary Babb is remembered every day.

Wedding weekend three --- Lisa and Drew

It was the middle of May and I was driving back to work after having lunch with my friend Christy when my phone rang. It was my co-worker Drew. I was sure it would be work related, but since I was on my way back to the office I decided to pick it up. I figured it wouldn't take long to say "I'm on my way back to the office. See you in a minute." Boy, was I wrong. Drew was calling to see if I was willing to take some photos of himself and Lisa to send to T.J. Maxx --- and they needed them done asap. Sure, why not? The three of us spent about an hour or so together at Island Park on a beautiful spring day. One of my favorite photos is Drew smooching on Lisa's cheek. T.J. Maxx must have liked it too because it was everywhere including a big sign on the store's window, gift card holder, congratulations board, etc.

Drew and their minister, Jeremy Selvidge, waiting patiently at the end of the size 8 shoe aisle for Lisa to make her grand entrance. The end of the aisle was an archway that was decorated with red and white roses --- since they had met at work (the Morning Sun newspaper in Mt. Pleasant, MI) their colors were ... black and white and red ... or should that be read?

 Lisa beamed and her tears flowed when she turned down the aisle to see Drew (and their guests) waiting at the end of the size 8s.

Staying true to her colors, the bride wore a stunning white dress and veil with long black gloves and a bouquet of red roses with white tiny flowers dotted in.

When she finally arrived by Drew's side they took hand and stared into each others eyes. It was only then we could see Drew's reaction --- tears of happiness.

Of course when you get married somewhere unique, people are bound to find out and be interested ... next up ... NBC's Today Show. And it didn't stop there. I admit my camera was out, but I was glad I had brought my little point-and-shoot. It got really noisy with lots of clicking when the cameras started going off – their wedding photographer, T.J. Maxx's local store, T.J. Maxx's national headquarters, the Morning Sun, more media, and many family members and friends. In addition there were at least three videographers (a very classy woman from the Today Show and two from AP ... at least I think that's what they said – it got hard to keep track.)

If you get the chance, check out the Today Show this week. From what I understand their wedding will be on-air Thursday or Friday (July 29/30.)

It not only include their wedding ceremony, but they were in town the day before and were there for Lisa and Drew's final boot camp workout before becoming a married couple.

Since they met at the newspaper and that was the theme of their wedding, we all found a wedding version of the Satayut-Ellis Herald Time-News at our seats at the reception. If you aren't aware, Lisa proposed to Drew in a column when she worked at the Morning Sun. Their reception paper told they met, how their parents had met along with stories of the matron of honor and best man and their adorable flower girl plus the menu for the day.

Their wedding was by far the most unusual location I've ever attended which says a lot since I attended one wedding held on the stage the couple met while working backstage and two weddings held on the beach (one in Traverse City and one in Clare.) It was also wedding that was most covered by the media.

I did tell fellow Morning Sun employee photographer Lisa Yanick-Jonaitis to remind me of this next time Drew complained about having to have his photo taken for newspaper promotions. There is nothing we will ever do will compare to the media that was at his wedding.

Congrats Lisa and Drew --- wishing you both have a happy forever after!

Wedding two ... Nikki and Bob

Nikki and Bob's wedding was held on the beach in Traverse City and it was an absolutely perfect day. Nikki's aunt is one of my best friends and I consider Nikki to be one of the family. As much as I know Nikki is a woman, I still think of her as a young college student just starting out in the world.

If you remember last Saturday, it was incredibly hot outside but there was this cool breeze coming off Traverse Bay that it seem the perfect temperature. I should have known before we tried walking to our seats, but I tried wearing shoes anyway. Within a few steps I knew it wasn't going to work and the shoes came off.

As usual, music is a big part of any wedding. In this case both on the beach and at the reception. The music at the ceremony and the music at the reception were very different from each other, but they were both perfect --- just like the rest of the day.

Nikki is very much her own woman and knows what she wants and everywhere I looked I could see Nikki shining through. But during a private moment between Nikki, Bob and their pastor, I saw Bob shine through. Bob put his arm around Nikki and pulled her just ever so slightly closer to him. His look in his eyes spoke volumes --- he felt so blessed that he had found the woman who would be by his side for the rest of his life and he could hardly wait for them to begin their life together. Lucky girl!

I have to admit it was a little odd with people swimming, tanning and boogie boarding next to us. But I really can't imagine a more perfect place for Bob and Nikki to start their life together. This is Nikki and Bob (they're in the middle) with her family: sisters Jessica and Megan, dad John, step-mom Kathy and sisters Kaylee and Stephanie. They are such a pretty family (and lots of fun too!

I have been to a ridiculous amount of weddings through the years but I have to say, this was by far the BEST wedding cake I have ever had. Wait ... make that the best cake of any kind I have ever had. I joked with the baker's sister that I think we're going to start having parties just so Justin can make cake for us. OK ... maybe I wasn't joking. The lemon cake melted in your mouth and I was thrilled to be able to have a second piece. If you were there, you understand what I mean about the cake. If you weren't there ... you should be jealous!

Congratulations Nikki and Bob ... I wish you both a happy forever after!

Wedding Season 2010

This summer is a first for me. I've got three weddings to attend in three weekends. This past Saturday was the first. I've known the bride, Gabby, since she was just a little girl. I met her Aunt Ginger our first day of third grade and we've been good friends ever since.

The first time I saw Gabby they had just moved back to mid Michigan. I was shopping with my mom and saw Gabby walking down the aisle of the store with her mom. I hadn't seen Carly since she had moved back and was delighted to see her and meet her daughter. Gabby was a beautiful little girl with bright eyes and a disarming smile who was about to become the proud owner of a new yellow rain slicker and matching umbrella. She chatted on as if she had known me all her life.

Fast forward several years and I find Gabby auditioning me for a part in "Dracula" at the Broadway. Sweet as ever and talented as can be. She ended up being one of the vampire girls that attacks poor Jonathan Harker. Unfortunately, VanHelsing kills all the vampires so by the end of the show she is dead.

Fast forward again to this spring. While taking my photography class I needed several model for my portfolio on emotions and feelings. I was looking for someone to model for a studio shoot and Gabby was home on break and happy to have her picture taken. I asked her all about this Canadian boy named Steve who she was engaged to. Her face lit up while talking about him and I could see in her eyes that she loved him with all of her heart.

This weekend I was happy to be able take some photos of Gabby while she was getting ready for her wedding. No matter what picture I look at part of me still sees a little girl with a yellow slicker and umbrella with big bright eyes and a disarming smile. Congratulations Gabby and Steve! I wish you a lifetime of love and laughter.

Summertime in Michigan

There are many signs that summer has arrived in Michigan ... flowers, garage sales and road construction. Looks like someone wasn't too happy with the road construction barrels. This one has a huge dent!