We took off on a road trip early last Sunday to do Alicia and Dave's engagement photos. We headed to Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia. I have only been there once before--briefly for a photo shoot between a wedding ceremony and reception. I loved it the first time, and now even more, since we had some time to explore a lot more of what is there. I know that it's best known for it's Christmas Light festival--which I'm sure is something to see. However, it is a fabulous spot in the summer as well. We had no shortage of locations and I know that we barely scratched the surface of what is there. I loved working with Alicia and Dave and can't wait until their wedding!
We had a wonderful time at the Gus Macker Tournament in Downtown Lancaster. For those who don't know what a Gus Macker Tournament is(which I didn't, until it came to town), it is street basketball played on portable courts that are set up in the street. The teams are 3 on 3 and there are lots of different divisions. We knew several people who played--and even got to catch a game with Lancaster's Phil McKnight Jr. From what I understand, some of the players travel from city to city to compete in the tournaments. Next year the boys have already decided that they are in--we told them they better start practicing now--some of these players are pretty incredible. There were lots of activities for the kids, as well as lots of vendors set up throughout the downtown area. This is a fantastic example of the type of event that Lancaster needs to bring to town--on a regular basis! If anyone is interested in seeing the rest of the photos, they will be posted in the Client Gallery section of my website www.valerihoffmanbradford.com Just look for Gus Macker.
I met up with the Lancaster High School Class of 1979 last weekend at the Moose Lodge for their 30'th reunion class photo. It was great to see some old friends and make a few new ones. A big thank you to Marla and everyone else who helped the photo shoot and delivery run so smoothly. From my perspective, it was the most organized reunion that I have ever photographed--or attended for that matter. You guys rock--and you look great too!
Here are a few from Libby's senior session. I had a fantastic time. She had lots of ideas that she wanted to try out--since she's very creative. She is a budding photographer and artist--so we had to include some with her camera. We hit several spots and finished up at her house with her adorable dogs and kitty. When she mentioned a self-portrait that she painted--I had to see it--and I loved it--so we had to include it in a few photos.
Tara and Matt's wedding was a total change from our wedding the day before. It began with a lovely ceremony at Lancaster's First Presbyterian Church attended by more than 400 of their family and friends. Then it was off to the reception which was held at Matt's parent's farm. The setting was beautiful with their reception tent set up on the crest of a hill down a long lane. There was a brief rain shower that made everyone a little nervous. It didn't last long, though--and after a few showers the skies cleared and they had a wonderful evening. They had a combine set up outside the tent that we had some fun with for photos--and the guests loved it! As it got dark, the lighting in the tent gave it a wonderful ambiance as everyone danced the night away!
I had such a good time with the Underwood family last week. We met up at 
Here is a sneak peek from