Posted on August 23, 2009
This past Friday, August 21st, 2009, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Class of 2010 held their annual Ring Dance at the fabulous Gotham Hall in New York City.
The Merchant Marine Academy is an institution that is steeped in tradition and the Ring Dance is one of the most interesting of those traditions. Thi Ring Dance is where the graduation class celebrates the beginning of their senior year.
The “ring dipping” ceremony involves the class ring being dipped into a bowl of special water representing waters of each of the Seven Seas. Each Midshipman is accompanied by a date who wears the ring on a strip of ribbon around their neck. Prior to dipping, the date removes the ring, which is dipped into the water, and then placed on the right ring finger of the Midshipmen.
To make things even more interesting, there is another ring involved in the ceremony. This is no ordinary ring…..it is a HUGE replica of the class ring. It’s big enough that it takes at least 10 people just to move half of it. The big ring is set up at the site of the ring dipping ceremony and makes for a wonderful backdrop for this very special event.
And of course, there’s the party (afterall, this is a dance). Although Kings Point may not be known as a party school, nobody (and I do mean nobody!) parties like Kings Pointers party.
Congratulations to the Class of 2010!
You can view all of the Class of 2010 Ring Dance photos by clicking the KINGS POINT PHOTOS link on the menu bar at the top of this page.
The Ring Arrives…
The Venue – Gotham Hall, NYC
Midshipmen and Dates Arrive
Class President, Commandant of Midshipment, and Academy Superintendent Address Class of 2010
The Toast
Ring Dipping
Academy Superintendent Allen Worley and Mrs. Worley
Let the party begin!
Congratulations to the Class of 2010!
You can view all of the Class of 2010 Ring Dance photos by clicking the KINGS POINT PHOTOS link on the menu bar at the top of this page.
Posted on August 16, 2009
This past Friday I had the honor of photographing the wedding of one of the cutest young couples I’ve ever come across. Yolanda and Kevin are longtime high school sweethearts turned Husband & Wife. It was a long, hectic day and a trying day for all involved. There was a little bit of everything: Limousine problems, wedding rings that almost didn’t make it to the church, and the bright sun bearing down on us all. Somehow Yolanda and Kevin managed to keep their cool on what turned out to be one of the hottest days we’ve had this year.
If the way they handled their wedding day is any indication of how they’ll handle the ups and downs of marriage, there’s no doubt in my mind that this young couple will be able to handle anything life throws their way. Good luck guys! (not that you’ll need it)
Spending your special day with you made it special for me as well.
I would also like to give props to the vendors who made a great day even better. Denise, Jacqueline, and the folks over at Salon Luna were extremely gracious and very accomodating when I stopped by the salon for some of the “getting ready” images. If I had the slightest bit of hair, that’s where I’d be getting it done. Ciara at All Dolled Up is a fantastic make-up artist and she did an equally amazing job with Yolanda’s makeup. It was 90* out, but 5 hours later her makeup looked just as fresh as when she first put it on. You guys made a beautiful bride even more beautiful!
Posted on August 1, 2009
A few days ago we had a chance to spend some time with Lauren and Russell, a lovely young couple who will be making it “official” in 2010. They’ve been engaged for a while, but didn’t have the opportunity to have their engagement photos taken until now. One of the joys of being a photographer is being around people during the happiest times of their lives.
Silke and I could tell from the very beginning that Lauren and Russell are true soulmates who are madly in love. It also shows in the images below. They reminded us of those classic Hollywood couples, the dashing leading man and the strikingly beautiful young starlet. That’s what we wanted to come through in these photos and I feel we were able to accomplish just that.
This session was done in and around the town of Long Beach, NY on the south shore of Long Island. Despite the weather reports threatening us with rain, we ended up with what turned out to be a lovely day. And a great day for a late afternoon/early evening photo shoot.
Congratulations guys! Thanks for hanging out and giving us a glimpse into your lives.
We look forward to seeing you on your wedding day in 2010!
