Stop Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and all of us at some point in our lives have been touched by this devistating disease (and if you have not yet, the odds are overwhelming that you will be in the future).

I always love to be able to give back, help out and pay it forward and have been blessed to be involved with some fantastic events this year specifically taking aim at finding a cure for breast cancer. Today, we have the opportunity to come together as a community of photographers to contribute in our own way in helping bring an end to this fight. My wonderful friend Lydia Shannon followed her heart for making a difference and has created the online auction f/stop breast cancer with a goal to contribute over $10,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Photographers and Businesses of all levels within our industry have donated products and services to be sold to the highest bidder! The auction starts today and runs through October 19th.

Everything from portrait sessions and mentoring to unique products and services are available. Please share the link and check out the items up for bid, if you see something that you were looking to purchase please consider purchasing it through the auction and bid high!

If you are in the Jacksonville area, I have donated a crash course on shooting in Manual...for locals this will be fun, informative and sure to build your confidence in capturing the special moments whether you are a budding professional or simply have a love of photography :)

Happy Bidding! Click here to Bid :)

Brides Against Breast Cancer {Behind the Scenes}

Here's a quick little recap of the first couple of days of the Brides Against Breast Cancer Designer Gown Sale...I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful cause and only wish I would have had the chance to purchase all my wedding day needs to benefit Breast Cancer Patients!Friday's VIP night kicked off with a fabulous cocktail reception and expert panel of wedding vendors for all the brides to mix, mingle and get all sorts of wonderful advice for the BIG Day!

I absolutely loved the raffle tickets...the ladies got how ever many tickets wrapped around their breasts once- it was a big hit, brilliant!Designer gowns are not the only items there...they have it all from under garments, tiaras, shoes and sooo much more! And to top it off, brides-to-be could even grab their favorite bouquet to see their vision become a reality!

Complete with hair and make up tips, glamour portraits and a fun photo booth this event was such a fantastic opportunity for local brides to save, give back and also benefit from all the free advice and tips to make everything about planning their wedding a little easier :)

A very special thanks to all the volunteers and brides who came out so far to support this wonderful event! Looking forward to reporting back on the total amount of funds raised for all the wishes!!!

One more day left...if you haven't made it out yet The sale runs Sunday 10-6pm at The Hyatt Downtown, Jax :)

Brides Against Breast Cancer

I am so thrilled to be able to share with you the news about Brides Against Breast Cancer! They have paired up what every woman loves {SHOPPING!!!} with all the fabulous other details and adventures of planning a wedding!

We are all somehow touched by breast cancer in our lives as women and joining the fight has never been easier or more F-U-N!

I am honored to be part of such a wonderful cause an amazing community of wedding vendors who have banned together to help end the fight of breast cancer. Please read all the details below and hope to see you there!!!

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
225 E Coastline Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32202

VIP NIGHT
Friday, July 23: 6 PM – 9 PM
$45 per Bride and guest
$20 each additional guest

GENERAL SALE
Saturday, July 24: 10 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, July 25: 10 AM – 6 PM
Free Admission

What you can do:
1) Friday is our VIP night.
Tickets are available {HERE} and include the following awesome perks...

- EXCLUSIVE preview and pre-sale of all designer gowns before the doors are open to the public

- First Class Reception of drinks, refreshments, gourmet menu selections and decor of some of the finest wedding vendors in Jacksonville.
- Be pampered and treated like a queen, hair, makeup tips and trials as well us a CRAZY fun photo booth and glamour portrait!

- Even more surprises we can not even release yet!!!

2) SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!
Local brides-to-be have the opportunity to find their dream gowns while making wishes come true for stage IV breast cancer patients!!!
- All gowns featured at BABC events have been donated by famous designers, retailers, manufacturers and individuals.
- Gown sizes range from 2-28 and are marked down by about 35% to 75%.
- Prices start at just $199.
- Couture gowns are also available, some valued at $8,000(wow!)

3) Share this event with everyone you know and help spread the word :)

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION : Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation™ (MMBCF)
Since 1998, the organization has been granting last wishes to hundreds of men and women suffering from stage IV (terminal) breast cancer.

Beyond wish grants, our Mission extends to increasing awareness of breast cancer and educating the public to the vast network of resources and support systems available to breast cancer patients and their families.

MMBCF activities promote the need for vigilance and regular self-examinations to reduce the numbers of men and women who lose the battle with breast cancer.

Current Facts of Breast Cancer:
- Despite significant strides in research, the disease ranks as the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15-54 and the second leading cause of cancer death among women ages 55-74, devastating thousands of young families each year.

The Foundation reaches thousands of women as they approach marriage and family life to instill good personal health habits – and pass them on to save the lives of their loved ones. Please join us Friday, Saturday or Sunday as we contribute to the fight to end this devastating disease!

Please share the news, this post and the links with friends, families, future brides to be and more to help make this a wonderful success!