I had such a blast photographing the reunion of Glynn Academy's Class of 1992 this past Saturday at J's Boom Boom Room in Downtown Brunswick!
Thank you so much Mary Hunt for letting me capture these moments!
Enjoy just SOME photos from the night :) & seriously, if you haven't been to J's Boom Boom Room yet, check it out!
This past Saturday was the second official "pop-up" at the Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Downtown Brunswick & I was in attendance with my father-in-law, who smoked the best meat in town! I also got to see some of my favorite faces while meeting new ones! Twice the vendors & twice the fun!!
Enjoy some photos of my experience!
This morning, I met my new friend, Lindsey Adkison, at Gould's Inlet on St. Simon's Island for a rather beautiful sunrise! I couldn't be more excited she allowed me to join her while she practiced yoga. She truly is so good at what she does & I am so truly inspired by her positivity & dedication!
For many years, desolate, empty streets have accompanied our downtown area save the typical traffic resulting from the hustle & bustle of 9-5ers. A constant through the uncertainty that was the fate of Downtown Brunswick, Susan Bates has kept her arms open to locals and passersby alike, regardless of sexual orientation, race, age, background, & marital status. Evident is the vast changes that are taking place (& for that, we are all grateful) but like a light in the dark, Susan has managed to overcome Downtown Brunswick's extreme dormant phase - without a single scratch. Since March 2, 2012, Tipsy McSway's - a charming corner bar & grill with a unique & extremely genuine environment - has been a hangout spot for regulars or even a place to grab a quick bite for visitors while remaining one of the very few (if not only) venues for live music with a diverse range in genre, guest bartenders, local speakers/business owners, & members of the LGBT community. Susan's creativity & innovation, combined with her ability to remain true to herself left the community thirsting for more. But it wasn't until recently a group of visionaries began following Susan's lead.
Well respected & highly revered, Bates is a vital part of the community - a staple, even. She is quite hands-on both in her restaurant & out, hardworking (truly an understatement), & is constantly influencing other businesses, small & large. Together, she & Ed Hose created the character, Tipsy McSway while Ed brought the character to life - a character very well known throughout the Golden Isles. "I still feel like it was like capturing lightening in a bottle," Bates says. I've even seen other entrepreneurs credit her vision & clout in regards to their own business. Further, Tipsy McSway's hosts 1 Million Cups, best explained by Susan herself: "On the first Wednesday of every month, Tipsy's hosts 1,000,000 Cups of Coffee. It is an organization under the direction of Skip Mounts from the College of Coastal Georgia. The focus of the group is to highlight two entrepreneurs during the one hour meeting. The presentations are made to a room full of interested business people that offer advice & suggestions to the presenters. The meeting is incredibly dynamic & very well attended. It is open to the public."
A place to retreat, grow, influence & be influenced, Tipsy's is home to thousands (& THOUSANDS) of great memories, forever cherished by anyone who has stepped foot inside Susan Bates' restaurant. It is clear to see that anybody can open a store but timing & location is everything. & not everybody harnesses enough courage to remain a leader through even the hardest of times. Bates sees great expansion with her restaurant such as building renovations, building out her upstairs, adding another bathroom, & upgrading computers. She also wants her customers to be aware & encouraged by the new growth that is taking place as we watch additions be made such as the Richland Rum Distillery, a brand new pub, & a new restaurant from Chef Matthew Raiford.
One thing is guaranteed - Susan is here to stay & she will continue to find ways to pave the way for the rest of us. I am personally inspired by what she has accomplished in our community. Thank you Susan for EVERYTHING you do!
Go visit Susan & Tipsy McSway at 1414 Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520!!!!
Alexa & I began corresponding about her vow renewal ceremony back in April &, needless to say, I was thrilled she wanted to give me an opportunity to capture this AMAZING milestone in her marriage. Alexa & Karl have been married for TEN years & what a better, more beautiful way to celebrate than to renew their vows to one another!?
This past Saturday, July 8, 2017, I made the drive to the beautiful Temple Beth Israel in Macon, GA &, immediately upon meeting Alexa, sensed her nerves & excitement to rededicate herself to her husband. I grinned the entire time at their happiness! During the ceremony, Karl & Alexa looked at each other the same way newlyweds look at each other & I couldn't help but think how so many marriages don't last to ten years - how amazing to move from decade to decade with one another & grow together!
Alexa felt & looked like a princess & Karl just couldn't stop gleaming. I'm still in awe by the ceremony! I have endless gratitude to have been a part of this amazing experience!!
Last week, I met with this amazing family on Driftwood Beach for the most perfect family portraits I could have ever imagined! I may be a professional photographer but the Williamsons are professional at having their pictures taken. Not only was I blown away at how down-to-earth they are (& charming, & nice, & happy!) but they didn't take a single bad photo! What a dream session!
