Cincinnati Photography Brian Young-Ready for Battle Fundraiser

April 1, 2012  |  Charity, Manor House

My wedding photography ability has given me the priveledge of taking part in some events in the Cincinnati area where I've gotten to meet so many truly special people.  I can't tell you how much these types of events impact me.  We've made a decision at our photography studio to only donate to charities where we can actually be a part of them because of this.  So often when we photograph a wedding people assume the relationship ends when they have their album and photos.  Friday night was an example of two things that I think are underestimated by both myself and by our couples.  I'm not sure I truly understand the impact we make in our couples lives however, I'm quite certain they underestimate the impact they have on mine.  I am more motivated by the relationships we build than I have ever been by the photography.  As timeless as the photos may be, the one thing I take with me from every wedding is the relationships we have built.  Rarely has all this come together and been more obvious to me than this past friday.

It all started in 2005 when I photographed Marissa and Ryan's wedding.  That led to photos of Missi and Brian, Carly and Tyler, Katie and Eric, Neil and Laurel and quite a few others that weren't in attendance Friday night.  When Marissa was organizing this event she asked Missy what she would like for the event.  I'm still a little overwhelmed that about 4 or 5 years since I've seen her and having only met 4 or 5 times she asked for me.  It kinda blows me away.  At first I thought she was just trying to say thank you and make me feel good but then I was talking to Marissa and she told me the same thing.  I knew they loved their photos and that we had a great time, but I severely underestimated our impact.  Then after thanking us repeatedly I think Missi and Brian, Marissa and Ryan, Carly and Tyler, Katie and Eric and Neil and Laurel all underestimated their impact on me.  To me, I wouldn't have missed this.  I wasn't there to take photos.  I was there to see my friends and support them.  I just happened to bring my camera and snap off a few shots no different than what I'm sure a lot of their other friends did.  I just have a better camera and know how to use it.  I'm trying not to underestimate what my being there meant to you but I'm very confident I walked out of that room more moved by you than you did by me.  So I want to thank you for that. 

Having said that, I'm know nobody was moved more than Missy and Brian by the support they received by everyone in attendance that evening.  They raised almost double what they thought was an unrealistic goal.  My hat goes off to all who donated and particpated.  In particular I want to thank the Manor House for donating every dime that was brought in to the cause.  Some venues may have donated the proffit but they donated every dime including the bar, food, staff and location.  Kathy and Bill, you are most generous.

I also want to reitterate publicly for everyone to see that on the one year anniversary of this event, I'll be hosting a party to celebrate whatever we have to celebrate.  If that is 100% healing and celebration, I'll be thrilled.  If we are celebrating family and friends, just as well. My plan is that we are celebrating both.  We will be having it either at my house or at the new studio depending on how many people are coming or I am open to other locations if we need to accommodate a larger number. 

The rest of the photos from this event are on the facebook page.  Please feel free to tag yourselves and comment on either the blog or the facebook page.

My wedding photography ability has given me the priveledge of taking part in some events in the Cincinnati area where I've gotten to meet so many truly special people.  I can't tell you how much these types of events impact me.  We've made a decision at our photography studio to only donate to charities where we can actually be a part of them because of this.  So often when we photograph a wedding people assume the relationship ends when they have their album and photos.  Friday night was an example of two things that I think are underestimated by both myself and by our couples.  I'm not sure I truly understand the impact we make in our couples lives however, I'm quite certain they underestimate the impact they have on mine.  I am more motivated by the relationships we build than I have ever been by the photography.  As timeless as the photos may be, the one thing I take with me from every wedding is the relationships we have built.  Rarely has all this come together and been more obvious to me than this past friday.

It all started in 2005 when I photographed Marissa and Ryan's wedding.  That led to photos of Missi and Brian, Carly and Tyler, Katie and Eric, Neil and Laurel and quite a few others that weren't in attendance Friday night.  When Marissa was organizing this event she asked Missy what she would like for the event.  I'm still a little overwhelmed that about 4 or 5 years since I've seen her and having only met 4 or 5 times she asked for me.  It kinda blows me away.  At first I thought she was just trying to say thank you and make me feel good but then I was talking to Marissa and she told me the same thing.  I knew they loved their photos and that we had a great time, but I severely underestimated our impact.  Then after thanking us repeatedly I think Missi and Brian, Marissa and Ryan, Carly and Tyler, Katie and Eric and Neil and Laurel all underestimated their impact on me.  To me, I wouldn't have missed this.  I wasn't there to take photos.  I was there to see my friends and support them.  I just happened to bring my camera and snap off a few shots no different than what I'm sure a lot of their other friends did.  I just have a better camera and know how to use it.  I'm trying not to underestimate what my being there meant to you but I'm very confident I walked out of that room more moved by you than you did by me.  So I want to thank you for that. 

Having said that, I'm know nobody was moved more than Missy and Brian by the support they received by everyone in attendance that evening.  They raised almost double what they thought was an unrealistic goal.  My hat goes off to all who donated and particpated.  In particular I want to thank the Manor House for donating every dime that was brought in to the cause.  Some venues may have donated the proffit but they donated every dime including the bar, food, staff and location.  Kathy and Bill, you are most generous.

I also want to reitterate publicly for everyone to see that on the one year anniversary of this event, I'll be hosting a party to celebrate whatever we have to celebrate.  If that is 100% healing and celebration, I'll be thrilled.  If we are celebrating family and friends, just as well. My plan is that we are celebrating both.  We will be having it either at my house or at the new studio depending on how many people are coming or I am open to other locations if we need to accommodate a larger number. 

The rest of the photos from this event are on the facebook page.  Please feel free to tag yourselves and comment on either the blog or the facebook page.