Before I can even start to gush over dresses or brag on these young people, I have to open this post by saying thank you. Thank you. Thank you! to the Goodins for opening up their home so that so many could enjoy this night and to Darcy for being so incredibly accommodating. You’ll never know how much this needy pregnant lady appreciated your hospitality!
The Sunshine Society and Sons of Liberty Dance is a little more than a prom. It’s a celebration of one High School’s yearlong efforts towards two amazing charitable organizations. I don’t know about you, but I always thought it was a little more rewarding to experience “prom” knowing that it was thanks to a lot of hard work towards causes that truly make a difference. (Sorry, the 2014 SSS President is coming out of me…)
As wonderful as it all may be, there is one catch to the Sunshine Dance… It always rains! I can only remember one year of my four that there wasn’t a storm on Sunshine night. BUT if it had to rain, I’m sure glad I was stuck indoors shooting in a gorgeous, natural-lit sunroom!
I absolutely had a BLAST getting to know these couples, even for a few short minutes. It was just enough time for their personalities to shine through, and I can tell you that they are all just as stunning on the inside as they were on the outside. All the feels came back as I was shooting. It was on Sunshine night eight years ago that I went on my very first date with my husband as freshmen at AHS. Nostalgia overload!
Although it was a very difficult task, I’ve gathered just a few of my favorites from Saturday to share!
(Ok, maybe it’s more than a few. I just couldn’t choose!)
Warning: long scroll ahead.
Caitlyn & Blaize
I couldn't have asked for a better way to start off the evening than with the beautiful miss Caitlyn and her date, Blaize (before you read any further, just take a second to appreciate how cool his name is).
Blaize's chill personality was just as cool as his name. I could have taken his portraits all day because he was just so comfortable in front of the camera!
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of neutral colors, so this gorgeous gown's cream and sparkly combo was speaking my language.
Brooklyn & Andy
Miss Eversole had the most contagious giggle you've ever heard! Not to mention a stunning, deep navy dress and one sweet pair of high tops. Combine all of that with a sharp-dressed date and you've got one awesome couple!
I mean, seriously. Look at that sweet giggle!
Miss Katie
I don't even know where to begin. Katie, you are a beam of sunshine. Absolutely gorgeous, from the inside out and being around you just makes me want to smile! And that dress (insert 100 heart-eye emojis!)
The Henderson Boys
Prom night is fun enough, but getting to experience it with your brothers? Well, let's just say it certainly made for some fun moments. The bond between these three guys is obvious and the way they cut up with each other made me laugh!
Abby & Jonathan
Is there anything more classic than black, white, and rose? How about two pairs of matching, sparkly shoes?! #shoegoals
And I'm not sure if anyone could have pulled them off better than Jonathan. He seems pretty awesome like that.
Abby, you were simply and elegantly stunning (if you don't believe me, just scroll down).
Kendall & Nick
At the end of the night, I came to one simple conclusion: I was never brave nor cool enough to wear such awesome shoes to the dance. And that's ok. I'm comfortable in my boring-ness.
Luckily, there are people like Kendall to bring life to the party! You could tell that these two were having so much fun together. What gave it away? Just take a look at these smiles and see if you don't smile too!
Misti & Luke
This is not the first time I've had the opportunity to photograph Mr. Luke. And even though he claims he's not a fan of portraits, he always nails it.
Misti, in the short time we spent together, I noticed your sweet disposition right away. You both looked awesome and it was a pleasure to capture these moments.
P.S. Please share with us the secret to your long, beautiful hair!!
Quinn & Jake
I will never ever forget walking into a 6th grade classroom when I was in high school and Jake Cole yelling, "Maggie!" as he jumped up from his desk to hug me. It absolutely made my entire week. And now look at him... (I'm not tearing up, you're tearing up!)
Even though I've photographed him a few times before, I must say this was my favorite. Maybe it was because he could basically pose himself (this made me giggle) or maybe it was because of the beautiful lady beside of him. Quinn, you were a joy to work with and so, so stunning. I'm still gushing over that purple!
Celina & Josiah
I can't say too much or I'll start crying. Blame the pregnancy hormones.
I'll just leave it at this: I remember helping change this boy's diapers.
Jojo, who told you it was ok to grow up to be so handsome and a foot taller than me? Because it's certainly wasn't me!
I guess if you have to be old enough to go to a high school formal, I couldn't have hand-picked a better date for you. Celina, there's no other way to say it: you're drop-dead gorgeous. But your heart for Christ is the most beautiful part about you. And as you head back to Norway, I can speak for my whole family when I say that we miss you already!
Oh, and by the way, I learned that the best way to get a smile out of Jo is to have Jacob behind me with a toy cow. Who knew?
Grace & Peyton
A montage of memories at the baseball field flooded my brain when Peyton walked in the room. I've watched this guy grow up and turn into a fine, young man. And also, may I just say that floral shirt is too cool.
Grace, my Aunt Hope told me that you were a sweetheart, but I think even that was an understatement. You are just plain fun to be around. Pretty as a picture and perfectly comfortable in your own skin.
You were both a breath of fresh air!
Maci & Chance
I'm sorry if you're tired of hearing about all of the nostalgia that these couples brought me, but I just want to warn you that it certainly doesn't stop at this couple. #sorrynotsorry
Chance is my not-so-little-anymore cousin and I, yet again, can't believe that he's grown into such a sweet, young man! He's always had a laid-back and gentle spirit, but I've seen his playful side show through more and more as the years pass (yes, I caught that wink you gave to Maci when you thought we weren't looking!)
Maci, I have memories of you in a car seat. Throughout your entire life, you've always been so full of life and spunk. The classy, young lady in these pictures is certainly way past her car seat days, but that lively spirit still shows through. You're just beautiful!
Hannah & Luke
Luke, I'm not sure if you remember or not, but there was a time my senior year when I was very stressed and kind of lacking in confidence. I remember going into the cafeteria during the middle school lunch period and coming up to Josiah's table of friends to talk to him. Out of nowhere, you said to me some of the most kind and uplifting words and I just thought it spoke volumes as to the type of young man that you are.
Hannah, even though I just had the pleasure of meeting you, I could tell right away that it was going to be a fun session. Your dress along with your million-dollar smile were elegant and timeless. Absolutely breathtaking...
Addyson & Ethan
My first thought when I saw this booking was, "Yay! I get to photograph Addy again!"
And my second thought was, "Yay! I get to photograph Ethan again!"
And they certainly didn't disappoint. Everything from the grey suit to the necklace to the awesome tie made this whole get-up unique and fun. Just like the two of you!
Clarice & Jonathan
My evening ended on such a sweet note with these two! Although I'm a deep lover of neutral colors, if I had to pick a favorite actual color, I'm 99.9% sure it would be the color of Miss Clarice's dress. Oh my goodness, it was beautiful! Not to mention the bouquet, diamond-esque belt, and killer tie. All of this on top of two genuine smiles made for a very fun session. Clarice & Jonathan, you are both sweet as pie and the way you "couldn't be serious" together had me cracking up!
I wish you all the best in the rest of your year! Thanks to each and every one of you, and your parents, for making this such a fun evening for me.
And a HUGE thanks to my beautiful momma and little brother for helping me out. It seems like the more pregnant I become, the more helpers I need. Luckily, I have the most helpful family around.
Have a blessed day, friends!
Maggie
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