Marian and Ned Gault; People To Be Proud Of

This title says it all! I know we've all heard about what it's like to be in the midst of an astronaut, a president, or someone so unbelievably unique that just being in their presence is extraordinary. Sunday was my day to be around such people. Before I tell you about this remarkable event, let me give you a little back story... In September of 1968, I walked into a 3rd grade classroom at Farnham Elementary, that will forever be one of my favorite school environments. (Yes, that's me in the middle of the bottom row, with the orange dress. I think someone should have talked my mother out of that purchase, haha)

Marian Gault was, and is, a beautiful, warm, kind hearted woman, with long golden hair, of which I was so envious. She made her classroom fun, and created memories that will be embedded in my mind as long as I live. During that school year, she introduced her students to her handsome husband of six years, and together they taught her little eight and nine year old students the passion that they both had...folk dancing. Marian and Ned met each other in a folk dancing atmosphere, and quickly became partners. In 1962 they were married, and have been dancing ever since. As students, we were not only taught folk dancing, but we made costumes, to go with our upcoming performance (there's a photo of that infamous "skirt". I think it was made out of interfacing, with flowers ironed on it-again, someone needed to talk my mother out of that hair bow! LOL). Over the years, I would reminisce about the things I remembered, and as I became a mom and my daughters entered school, I would tell them about my favorite teacher. In 1995, my daughter had a fantastic third grade teacher and it made me wonder what ever happened to Mrs. Gault. This was just as internet was getting started, so I pulled out the good old trusty white pages, and to my amazement she was still at the same address! I located an old photo of me in the 3rd grade, wrote a letter, and sent it off to someone who I was fairly certain wouldn't remember me. I didn't write the letter for any other reason than to let her know that this former student remembered her fondly, but knew how much I would love to receive a response. Not only did I receive a beautiful letter in return, but she remembered me and it was the beginning of our "reunion".                                                        She told me how her third grade classes were just a brief part of her teaching, and that she ended up in junior high, before an early retirement from public school education. She subsequently taught art, calligraphy, continued to dance, and travel around the world (For some reason I think this photo was taking in the mid to late 1960s, because I remember this photo from back then). I can't tell you how quickly my heart was beating the first time I saw her, after we exchanged letters. I was so excited to see her, but nervous as well. Within seconds, she put me at ease, just as she did in September of 1968. Since that time, I look forward to her beautiful, handmade cards, every Christmas; I even save the envelopes. You may think that strange, but if you saw the gorgeous handwriting, you'd know why! I treasure every time we get to see one another, and am so happy my husband and girls have had the honor of meeting her and Ned.

Okay, so about Sunday...When I received their last card at Christmas it had said that she and Ned were going to have a celebration on June 3, with invitation to follow. They wanted to combine their birthdays, 50th anniversary, and a living memorial to Marian, all in one fantastic gala. Although I knew I wouldn't know anyone at the celebration, except for Marian and Ned, I was still excited to attend. When the invitation arrived a while back, I blocked out that weekend, so I could travel to the Bay Area and witness the extravaganza. The event was to take place at the Sunnyvale Community Center, where so many of their dance performances, and classes, had been held over the years. This couple is so popular, that the line for the registration table quickly wrapped around the room. Old friends met up after many years, and new friends were made in quick conversations. The one chain that linked us all together, was that we were all there to celebrate the life of two stupendous people. Not knowing any of the people I met, I would lead off with "So, how do you know Marian and/or Ned?". Within minutes, I realized that they are so multifaceted, that they have friends from every activity in their life! Subsequently, people would ask how I knew them; proudly, I would say "I was one of Marian's 3rd grade students". Boy, did that get the conversation going! I remember within about an hour, when people would ask me the same question, their response was something like "Oh, YOU'RE the one! I've been hearing about you". ;)

In the back end of the room were tables that contained scrapbooks, prints of Marian's artwork and Ned's photos, articles they'd published, sheet music he had written, certificates, plaques, newspaper articles, recognition from cities and Chamber of Commerces, and the list goes on. Let's just say that I thought I might walk out of there saying that I want a "do over" with my life ;) I never knew that it was possible for two people to live life to that extreme! Although I was Marian's only former 3rd grade student in attendance, there were people there who had been in their adult ed classes, who danced with them over the years (whether in the troup or as students), friends, family, and people who had been at their wedding on May 19, 1962. Within no time, I learned that Marian was more than a former public school teacher, and Ned was more than her lifelong dance partner. I obviously knew they were dancers, who had traveled the world with their dance troupes, however I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. As I was writing this, I started to tell you all the things they've done, and I feel like I'm going to do them a grave disservice because I know that I'd be omitting so many things. However, here are a couple things that stood out to me...Marian's art was first published when she was 11 years old. A few years ago, she entered a national handwriting contest and won first place (now do you understand why I keep her envelopes)! All these years I was thinking that she was born in the mid to late 1930's (about my parents' age)--I found out on Sunday, that she is 92 years young!!! Look at the images I took of them dancing--I'll be lucky if I can do that when I'm 80! They actually treated us all to a tango, as well as a waltz. Dancing With The Stars could learn a thing or two from them. Ned was part of a group who was the first to create the semi conductor; he is a glass blower, musician, composer, author, and taught high school chemistry, as well as adult ed photoshop and photography. I was teasing him that I am going to send them a disc of images, but that he's not allowed to email me and say that I need to take one of his photography classes :)

Naturally, I go to very few events without my camera, and was so honored to help them to remember the day. I know that every single person who was in attendance felt just as special as I did--Marian and Ned have a way of making people feel that way. As I told Marian, I thank her for what she did for me when I was a child, but I'm even more grateful for the friendship she's given me as an adult. To all my new friends I met at the gala, please enjoy the slideshow below, and if you want any of the images, just let me know. As I told someone the other day, I walked into a room of two friends, and 200 strangers, and left with 200 new friends! When I was thinking about what song to use for the slideshow, I originally thought about using one of Ned's original compositions. However, Monday morning, I heard this song on my ipod. The words spoke to me and I instantly thought of Marian and Ned, and how the song talks about having a moment that lasts forever, and being lucky enough to do something that most people only dream of. If you want to see additional photos that aren't on this blog go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Brown-Photography/132190279226      

For Marian and Ned...words seem insignificant when I describe the two of you, and how you make people feel. Your gentleness, grace, laughter, knowledge and zest for life are things we all love about you. On Tuesday, I heard someone speaking about the Queen's jubilee, and they said that most wonderful tributes like that, sadly, occur after someone has passed. Marian, I immediately thought of you, and am so grateful that we all had the opportunity to tell you, and show you, how extraordinarily special you are. The fond memories I have from that singular year in the 3rd grade will forever be in my heart, but I have new memories of the two of you that are going to be held just as dear. Although I know I'm just a very small, and brief, portion of your life, I thank you for welcoming me on Sunday and allowing me to meet all the incredible people you love. You both will always be very special to me...AND THE WORLD! With much love and gratitude, Debbie   

What a full weekend it was a few days ago. As I put on my facebook wall, full was actually more like fulfilling. After my daughter's college graduation, I headed over to Lincoln High School for the annual Relay For Life celebration; and it was just that, A CELEBRATION!!!! Several times over these weekends, I always end up in tears, and then I end up in tears again as I put my slideshow together. If you're one of my blog followers, you know that I always want just the right song for the images. This year I selected a song by Soraya, called "No One Else". This was a song that this singer wrote and dedicated to the Susan G. Komen foundation and ACS. What you may not know is that Soraya, herself, battled with breast cancer and she passed away at the age of 37. When you understand that, you see how haunting the lyrics are of this song, and yet how inspirational they are.

Inspiration is something I always leave with at these events. From the people who donate their hair for "Locks of Love" to those who camp out for a 24 hour period, and others who plan monts and months in advance as they're working on the committee. One little girl who should be an inspriation to us all, is the one who is holding the sign in the bottom photo. During the weekend, she told her mom she wanted to go home and clean out her piggy bank, so that she could donate to RFL. She came back with over $100!!!!

May you take these brief stories, or ones you know yourself, or the images in the slideshow, and find the inspiration to make a difference in someone's life. For those of you who I've met, survivors as well as supporters, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this cause-I'm honored. Without events like these, and people like all of you, something enormous would be lacking in our lives...HOPE!

Messages were sent for, and about, survivors. Seeing all the names in the tents reminds us that each of these survivors has friends and family who love them, and how many people cancer affects.

I want to take a moment and thank my second shooter, Carrie, for providing me some of the images while this mom was away at her daughter's college graduation. Thank you so much!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of us!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, as well as the single dads, who make their kids' lives worthwhile! Being a mom is the thing that I am the most proud of, and without a doubt my amazing daughters are my biggest accomplishment. When I don't feel that I've done the right thing, or feel badly about something, I just have to look at my daughters and know they are one thing I've absolutely done right in my life. I know that I would not be the mom I am without my mom, and some other incredible women who have taught me what I've needed to know (I love and miss you grandmas, and I love you auntie, and Mama K!). I love my mom, and hope I make her proud, and hope she knows how much she means to me and my daughters. Happy Mother's Day mom, I love you, and thank you for loving me ALWAYS. To my beautiful threesome, thank you for making being a mom the best thing that I can ever imagine.

This first photo of the girls will forever be one of my favorites. I remember hoping that they would grow up to be best friends...AND THEY ARE, as you can tell from Cass' graduation photo.

Mom, when I listen to the this song, "The Best Day", it always makes me think about our trip to Sedona...and was four days of "the best day". The song for this slideshow makes me cry almost everytime I hear it, and my oldest daughter, Ali, knows what some of these lyrics mean to the two of us! Al, thank you for giving me the gift of this song, and for making me a mom-I love you more than you can possibly imagine. My beautiful, sweet Kate, you are living proof how difficult it is for a mom to watch her child suffer on almost a daily basis. Your strength is what has gotten me through some of our difficult times-I love you Mooch. My baby Cass, how I love you so! Your infectious laugh and love of the little things makes me smile, and makes the world happy to know you! To everyone else, thank you for indulging this mom for a few minutes, and have a blessed Mother's Day!

Shirley and the love of her life!

I met Shirley about a year ago when we were both at the Relay for Life in Lincoln. Recently I photograph Shirley, her husband Ken and their beautiful 4 GENERATION family! What a spectacular time I had, and getting to know this group made my heart smile. Ken has Parkinson's and will soon be 89. He was such a trooper and Shirley adores her man!

A few more for Beermann's

Last week, I spent a couple more days photographing the most beautiful building in Lincoln. Here are a couple images of this spectacular location. If you haven't been there, you need to go enjoy a lunch or dinner, while you take in the beautiful surroundings.

Beermann's

If you're from Lincoln, or have spent any time in Lincoln, then you have heard of Beermann's. In the eleven years that I've been here, Beermann's has opened and closed about three or four times. This time, I'm positive it's going to flourish! I had the opportunity to work with the manager and owners, and am so excited that this business is back on the map!

Where have you been?

"Where have your been?" That may be a question you've been asking yourself when you've come to this blog in the last few months. Yes, it's been very quiet in the blogosphere of Debbie Brown Photography. The reason you haven't seen much activity is that I had rotator cuff surgery just before Christmas. What was supposed to be a very simple procedure, with about six weeks recovery, turned out to be surgery where the surgeon fixed multiple tears and I was in recovery for four months...no weddings, no portraits...nothing!
Now, if you know me, you know that I DO NOT do well with sitting around. I have to say that the entire month of January, and a good part of February was absolute torture for me-physically and psychologically.

In the end I went back to work about six weeks sooner than I should have (did some portraits, and some preschools-both of which allowed me to get back into the swing of things, but for short bursts at a time), but it all worked out well. In anticipation of this surgery, I turned down multiple weddings for the spring because I did not know what I would be facing--I knew that booking a wedding and then possibly having to send another photographer in my place, was not something I was willing to do. I take my relationships with my clients very seriously, and I knew it would not be fair to them, to send another photographer, when they were expecting me, at their big day.

It was a difficult choice to turn down weddings, but in the end I'm glad I did it, because I know that my prospective clients would find themselves in good hands with the photographers I referred them to. I also know that got the recovery time that I needed, to be able to come back at 100%!

Now, to blow the dust off this blog, and show you a little of what I've been doing in the last month! As you can see, the blog is taking on a new look. It's a work in progress, but didn't want to be away from all of you any more than I had to be, so please bare with me as I update it over the coming weeks.

Although I've only been back to work a month or so, I have lots to share with you. However, in the meantime, here are just a few images for you to take a look at. Check back periodically over the coming weeks, and I'll try to get you all caught up in the world of Debbie Brown Photography!

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Goodbye 2011 and Happy 2012!

Yes, in case you were wondering, I have been away from my blog for some time. I guess maybe some of it was laziness on my part, but a lot of it is that most of my clients really prefer that I post their images on facebook. If you haven't been kept up to date on what I've been doing the last few months, just hop on over to my facebook page and take a gander. There's a lot to see!

Can you believe it, 2011 is just hours from being history! I don't know about you, but so many people I've talked to have said they aren't sorry to see it go ;)

Here's to wishing you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2012. I know we are all looking for the light at the end of the tunnel ;)

At last...

What a way to end September!!!! Nicole and Aaron's wedding was really something special!

I've known Aaron and his mom, Diana, for a number of years. When I heard a couple of months ago, that Aaron had proposed to his girlfriend, I knew this was going to be a wedding I wanted to photograph. If you know this family, you know how full their hearts are of love. They are some of the most special people I've ever known. It sure was nice to move into this town ten years ago, and meet people like them...actually this whole town is full of people like this-I love our "little" town ;)

Normally, I'm accustomed to seeing Aaron at his family's restaurant, so it's been fun getting him out of his "element", and having him be a "model"! Nicole had NO problem being in front of the camera. What a natural beauty! The day was about as fantastic as any couple could ask for. The location was beyond spectacular, the weather was picture perfect, and the love that filled the outdoors was indescribable. Periodically throughout the day, there were touches of sadness, when everyone thought of Nicole's late mom, and Aaron's late dad. However, through the occasional tears, came smiles of amazement, love and gratitude; amazement that this wonderful couple had found one another in rather unusual circumstances (it's a cute story), love for everyone who is a part of their lives-here on Earth, and in Heaven; and gratitude to God for everything He gives us.

Nicole's dress was exquisite, and as she walked down the aisle, you could almost see the excitement on her face as she walked closer to her groom. I attend a lot of weddings, and I can assure you that I've never seen a dress like Nicole's. It was elegant, whimsical, and (I think), captured her personality. In some of the photos, you can see a special ring that she was wearing on her right hand. The ring belonged to her mom, and I know how important it was for Nicole to have a piece of her mom with her that day.

The wedding location was the home of some of their dear friends. Yes, this was a PRIVATE HOME! Can you even imagine living here? I LOVED all the personal touches of the day. All the signs were made by hand, the table cloths were all plaid with a really cute story behind them, friends and family contributed to the favors, decorations and everything else that made this one of the most unique weddings I've ever attended.

The toasts and parent dances had me in tears-from crying and laughing. When Aaron's stepdad came up and made his toast there wasn't a dry eye in the place. Aaron, sure knows how to cut a rug and he proved that when he took his new bride for a spin on the dance floor, as well as each of his moms. Take a look at the photos near the end of the slideshow, and you'll see what I mean.

Scroll through their photos, and really look at the specialness of this day. There are more photos in their slideshow, so don't forget to take a few minutes to see that, and maybe leave them some well wishes.

Aaron and Nicole, thank you so much for inviting me along for the ride on the first day of the rest of your lives. With your families standing behind you, I know you will have a wonderful life filled with love, support and laughter.

Didn't I tell you she is a natural beauty?

These are two of my favorite images of the day. Aaron and his mom, Tery, share a quiet and special moment. The day would not have been complete for Aaron, if he didn't have both his moms standing next to him. What a lucky man to have such marvelous women in his life!

These guys were clowning around all day...and it was a blast!

Couldn't resist doing something next to this old barn.

I just am amazed this this is someone's backyard!

The second I saw this light in the barn, I knew I needed to put it to use!

This is one special young man, and he ADORES his new bride!

This is the golden light that every photographer hopes to get!

Better the second time around

A couple of weeks ago, Julie and Tony declared their love for one another on a beautiful sunny morning, with their three children by their sides. This couple found true love the second time around. I haven't known this couple as long as most of my brides and grooms, however I COMPLETELY ADORE them!!

Tony looks like a tough guy, but after spending some time with them, and listening to the toast he gave, I realized he is a wonderful, gentle, loving guy-whose family means the world to him. He said in his toast that before he and Julie dated one another, they worked together years before. Their relationship consisted basically of "hi, how you doing?" conversations as they passed each other. He said, little did he know that he was working with the love of his life. Now tell me, how can you not believe a man like that is a gem!


I can't even describe who gorgeous Julie looked on her special day. From her tiara, to her black heels, she looked extraordinary! However, the piéce de résistance of her wedding attire, was the diamond watch Tony gave her as a wedding gift.

To watch these two exchange vows with their three kids next to them brought tears to my eyes (I think I'm getting sentimental, the older I get). This blended family is something special, and I know these kids are lucky to have such wonderful parents.

Take a peak at some of their images, and then look at how beautiful this couple is, as you view their slideshow.

I can never resist getting photos of the kids as they marvel at the rose petals on the ground.

The table honoring Julie's late dad.