It's getting HOT in here!!

Rainy and Cold...Zumba fans still Heatin' up the place. Yes, I left the cave tonight and got a little fresh air!! For those looking for more pics:


Visit http://www.blendingartandsoul.com/ and click on VIEW AND ORDER

Congratulations to Bearta on her PUBLISHED BOOK!!!

For those who did not get a chance to see or purchase it please visit:

http://www.beartapowell.com/

Angela and Chip

A couple that plays together, stays together.

I met Angela and Chip at a pool hall to shoot around and have a good time. They were such a fun couple to photograph.

How We Met: We were first introduced by a mutual friend at Blinco's (bar & restaurant) in Raleigh --- who says you can't meet someone nice at a bar?! We are constantly reminded of how we are indebted to our mutual friend whenever we see her ...

Our First Date: In my mind, it was the annual Blues Festival at the old Durham Bulls baseball park; however she seems to believe it was the night we went to see Bill Engvall (a comedian) at the NC State Fairgrounds. Since we were so casual about where we went together as friends, it is difficult to agree on what was officially our first date together.

How He proposed: July 4th, 2007 on the end of the dock at her parents lake house in Crystal, Michigan. I brought two rings, the real one and an imposter. During my proposal, I "accidentally" dropped the imposter ring into the water hoping for a little reaction --- she laughed uncontrollably, and pointed to the ring which was clearly visible in only 3 feet deep water. Oh well, a reaction I got, just not the one I had expected.

Our favorite things to do or places to go: We enjoy camping at music festivals, watching movies, playing pool and poker with friends. Trips together are always fun - as long as the destination is someplace where the climate is warm. Most of all, we enjoy being with each other and laughing together.

Wedding Date: October 25th, 20008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sheraton in downtown Raleigh, NC.

Meredith and Brent

How We Met: Brent and Meredith met at a fraternity/sorority mixer at NC State in 2004. Their first date was at a local restaurant on campus.

How He Proposed: Three years later, Brent proposed. Taking a day off, he spoiled Meredith with a lunch at the same restaurant they ate at for their first date. After lunch they took a long walk through a local arboretum, and while sitting on a bench Brent popped the question! Their wedding day will be held at that same bench in the same arboretum where he proposed.

Favorite Things to Do:They love to cook together and play outdoors. Spending quiet nights together is also a must.

Wedding Date: They'll tie the knot November 8. Can't wait to be there!

-posted by Julia

Kelly and Shawn

This was one "Magical Hour" shared between soul mates!

How They Met: Since I was joining the flag football league not knowing anyone, I had signed up as a free agent. All the people who signed up as free agents were then put together on one team. Our team, the Intimidators, were not good at all. Our first game against the Mad Cow's, Shawn's team, gave us a good butt kicking. Two members of his team, Rick and Kristen, invited me out for drinks after the game. Shawn also went for drinks and after a little while we began talking. We discovered we both got invited to the same party, Mike Minotti's party, and it instantly gave us something to talk about. I provided Shawn with my email address and phone number to make sure that I had all the information needed to attend the party but Shawn never sent an email. The next day Shawn called. I already had a date planned that evening but we discussed meeting after my already scheduled "plans". So, I went on this date, which ended as soon as dinner was over and drove quickly over to the Crossroads 20 cinema where we watched the Da Vinci Code. After the movie, we spent over an hour talking in the parking lot under and umbrella. We just didn't want to end the night! We saw each other again the next day and the rest is history.

How He Proposed: We were on a cruise to the Bahamas with his family when he proposed. The day started off beautifully. We spent the day snorkeling and relaxing on the island CoCoCay. At the end of the day we went back to the boat and got ready for "Captain's Night". We went to the top deck of the boat and watched the sunset as we waited for our dinner seating. Just before we left to meet everyone for dinner, he popped the question. It was the perfect night to a perfect day.

Spending Time Together: We enjoy having friends over for dinner parties, watching NFL football and playing flag football (of course). Shawn is always a good sport when I want to try something new. For instance, we have a balloon ride with champagne planned 2 weeks before the wedding and we are in our 4th week of ballroom dancing. So, you will always catch us having new experiences and added to the things we enjoy to do together.

Tying the Knot: October 19, 2008 is right around the corner and we are very excited to "tie the knot" at the Barclay Villa in Angier, North Carolina. Our slogan is "Where Dreams Are Made".

They are 100% on the money!

Jeanette and Josh

Been off the map with a very busy season. :) Instead of individual posts I'll have to post a "BEST OF SPRING 2008". I'll post again soon.

I was eager today due to my early morning session with a couple that truly enjoy being with one another. Lots of fun with this high energy couple! They LOOOVVVEE to RUN!!! -- and the endorphins were definitely flowing.:-) While they were out for a run... is how he proposed. Congratulations!!

Meet Jeanette and Josh:
Girls 1st LOVE... Stiletto Shoes {sorry guys}

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Best Wishes to Michelle and Les

celebrating their 1-year Anniversary!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Making the Best of 104 Degree Weather!!

Jessica and Nate

How we met: We met at a wedding. We bonded over piece of wedding cake after eyeing each other!

Our First Date: Our first date was 5 star, a Chinese restaurant in Downtown Raleigh.

How he proposed: Nate was an active member of the Contemporaries Board at the NC Museum of Art, and asked me to attend the Board's annual meeting on March 30, 2007. Since we had arrived early to the museum's party, Nate suggested that we walk around the museum to see his favorite pieces. We entered a room near the back of the museum with Renaissance art and Nate commented on the abundance of religious art from that period. I, having loved Art History in college, began a long lecture about the importance of this art. As we continued our conversation into "the" room, I noticed this room did not have anything to help my lecture and promptly went back into the previous room. Finishing my story, we walked back into "the" room, where Nate grabbed my hand and led me over to a display in the corner with rose petals scattered all around. Nate confided his love for me, and I said yes!

Our favorite things to do or places to go: We love to go out for sushi, frolics in the park (clearly) and have recently discovered our love for grilling!

Wedding Date: 9/13/08

Location: Christ Church in downtown Raleigh with the reception at the Umstead in Cary.