Elle Films created this awesome time-lapse from the show last year and put together the highlights from the fun times we had at the show. Be sure to check out this incredible event. VIP night is today at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas!! General admission (free) is tomorrow and Saturday….hope to see you there!!

Purchase VIP Night tickets: http://babcdallas11.eventbrite.com/

Volunteer sign up: http://dallasbabcvolunteers.eventbrite.com/

This year’s sponsors….

Amy Karp Photography // Hilton Anatole // Sarabeth Events // Texas Wedding Guide // Stardust Celebrations // ES Events // many more exciting ones to be announced soon!

Check out the interview on CW33′s DFW Closeup with Sarabeth and me below.

:: You can use these links to purchase tickets for the VIP night and sign up to volunteer ::

Purchase VIP Night tickets: http://babcdallas11.eventbrite.com/

Volunteer sign up: http://dallasbabcvolunteers.eventbrite.com/

A little about the show …

“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE”

“Brides Against Breast Cancer^TM” gown sales continue to be important fund-raising events for Making Memories. Our more than 32 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men who are losing their fight against breast cancer.

The worldwide support of designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals (who donate a most treasured possession) make possible our Nationwide Tour of Gowns sales.  The proceeds from these events help bring a moment of joy into world of someone for whom a cure is too late.

“Brides Against Breast Cancer^TM – Nationwide Tour of Gowns”

This unique opportunity allows brides-to-be a chance to find the gown of their dreams at a remarkable price, while helping to make wishes and memory-making events come true.  Most gown prices range from $99 to $799*, including hundreds of beautiful new name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000.  *Exclusive designer and couture gowns valued up to $20,000 are also available at an incredible 25% to 75% savings. We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and debit cards.

REMEMBER – more than half the gowns presented during each event are NEW designer gowns that arrived directly from designers, manufacturers and bridal retailers.

Our Brides Against Breast Cancer^TM program has received more than 50,000 wedding gown donations, with an estimated resale value of over 4 million dollars.  This generous endowment is due in part to Making Memories national media coverage, including magazine articles in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Martha Stewart’s Winter Wedding, Time, Philanthropy World and Modern Bride, along with appearances on, Oprah Winfrey, CNN, MSNBC, Ananda Lewis and hundreds of television and newspaper interviews.

I had the absolute honor to be a part of something incredibly special. Rocky from Sara&Rocky sent several of us Dallas Wedding Photographers an email invitation to join him in documenting the Special Olympics. Many of you don’t know why I hold a soft spot in my heart for this. My sister was born with Down Syndrome and has defied many odds and is still as sassy as ever at almost 20 years older than me.

The day was filled with so many victories. Every participant was a winner. Each athlete who crossed the finish line celebrated with high-fives, smiles and huge hugs while I discreetly shed tears of utter joy behind my camera. Thank you all for such a wonderful experience and thank you Rocky for including me in such a great event.

The athletes oath was spot on….life should be lived like this:

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt

Mont Blanc has some of the most beautiful watches I have ever photographed or seen for that matter! I visited the North Park Store in Dallas yesterday with an invite from Jenn Sprinkle, Waxpaper Design House. I was able to meet Dallas Cowboy, Andre Gurode at the event. Grey Goose was there with a mixologist showing the guests how to make delicious cocktails themselves! YUM!

A portion of the proceeds from all of the sales last night benefited Center of Attention. Andre is the founder and CEO of the foundation. COA is dedicated to the advancement of underprivileged and at-risk youth through a safe, positive environment.  COA is committed to educating and increasing awareness of key issues affecting youth, including initiatives to aid children that have been homeless, placed in the foster care system, and those who are victims of abuse.

Super Bowl XLV Weekend in Dallas is upon us….two parties in two days and benefiting many great causes.

Without further delay, lets announce who won! It was Jen and Spencer for the grand prize of the engagement session with me and a bouquet for our session from DiFiori (she knows her stuff and her stuff is unbelievable!). They finished the contest with 470 votes total!

I had it in the back of mind the entire time the finalists would all be rewarded for making it as far as they did in the contest. They worked so hard and they all REALLY wanted to spend some time with me for their engagement session before their upcoming weddings. The two runners up will both receive a gift certificate to spend toward an engagement session with me.

About the awesome graphic above, You are welcome HA!

Ginann and Kevin were neck and neck the entire time with Jen and Spencer, they finished the night with 422 votes! That’s a lot in just two days! Jennifer and Michael really racked up some votes as well and rocked it in the facebook portion of the contest.

Every contestant is a winner in my book! You all have the grand prize…getting to marry your best friend!

Thank you all for keeping this a friendly contest and lets congratulate each other and be happy for everyone

Over the weekend, I was fortunate to be able to document something so incredible. I was asked to shoot a CEO Netweavers charity event at The Ryan Manor in Dallas benefiting ALS. The first couple of hours, we did portraits and printed them on-site to benefit the charity. Shortly after the portraits were finished, the excitement started! A group of young men, based out of Fort Worth, amazed the crowd as they played their drums. I often forget my camera takes video (and be forewarned…I am not a videographer!). I ONLY do still photography. The video below was just for fun, but it lets you see the incredible performance.

2nd UPDATE :: DiFiori is joining us by providing a beautiful bouquet!

I love photographing weddings. I absolutely adore everything about them! I also love working very closely with couples for engagement sessions, so I have a task for you all. Are you engaged and want to enter to win a FREE engagement session? Do you know someone who is getting married and has an unbelievable story? It could be how they met, what they enjoy doing, you can even nominate someone who just deserves to see how beautiful everyone else sees them. Yes, the session is 100% free – absolutely NO STRINGS attached. They will even be able to walk away with a disc of electronic files. If they purchase any products or prints after our session (or you can purchase for them), I will donate 100% of the profits to a charity of their choice.

To sweeten the deal even more, DiFiori will be adding a bouquet ($300 value AND it is bride’s choice!) for the session! This gal is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

You may recognize the name from D Weddings and the Purple Reign bouquet.

If you would like to know more or sign up, please click here. I am leaving all of the voting in the hands of our Facebook Fans. The finalists will be judged by readers here on amykarp.com….I am leaving it completely up to YOU ALL

Take 1000 wedding gowns (yup, that was THREE ZERO’s), put them in a trailer, get an awesome tour director (Brenda), and hundreds of happy brides finding the wedding dress of their dreams and what do you get? You get the Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Gown Tour! They stopped through Dallas recently (actually Arlington at the Hilton) and we were honored to be a part of such a great event. The charity benefits Making Memories. This was our first year to be part of the show, and our committee was a great group of awesome wedding professionals. Our sponsors included :: Hilton – Arlington | Amy Karp Photography | Texas Wedding Guide | Sarabeth Events | The Creative Touch Events by Lauren | DiFiori | es Events | Romano’s | Elle Films | Something-You | GroomSoldSeparately

The gown sales this year for 2010 were 4 times as much as last year. We are already planning how to make 2011 even more spectacular! Thank you all for your support to spread the word and brides for coming out to find your dream wedding gown and make some wishes come true.

The committee members just couldn’t help themselves…the show was wrapping and we needed some wedding dress therapy!

And if dressing up in wedding gowns wasn’t enough for you….we also put on crinolines and did the Can-Can.

I had a fun time taking brides out to the lobby at the Hilton to model the dresses and see how they would photograph. Makenzie (below) is not getting married, but we had a blast dressing her up and putting her in the couture wedding gowns from Stanley Korshak.

CHECK IT OUT!

General Sale – Free Admission
Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pre-register at http://makingmemories.org/bride_preregistration.html

Proceeds benefit Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes to men and women battling stage IV breast cancer.

Sponsored By:
Hilton – Arlington | Amy Karp Photography | Texas Wedding Guide | Sarabeth Events | The Creative Touch Events by Lauren | DiFiori | es Events | Romano’s

2401 East Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, Texas, United States 76006-7503

THIS WEEK!! We need more people to be a part of our volunteer team.

Below are the volunteer shifts that we need to fill.

We can work around your schedule if these times don’t work and you are welcome to work multiple shifts and days!  Please arrive 10 minutes before your shift.

Thursday, July 22

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.  – SET UP

Friday, July 23

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (10 a.m. – Noon are special Power Hours!)

Noon – 4 p.m.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 24

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – TEAR DOWN

What to Wear

Please wear dressy attire, such as khaki, black or brown pants or skirt.  You can wear jeans as long as there are no rips or holes!   Each volunteer will be given a Brides Against Breast Cancer t-shirt to wear at the event – if you are a returning volunteer, please bring yours from last year!   Don’t forget comfortable shoes!

Parking

Complimentary parking is available at the hotel.  Hilton Arlington is located at 2401 E. Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006.

Bring Friends!

Invite your friends, family and colleagues to join you!  We need men too, especially for set up, tear down and to help return gowns to the racks during the sale, so invite your boyfriend, fiancé and brothers to help!

Please let us know what shifts you would like to sign up for.  Thanks again for your being a part of our volunteer team and being a part of Making Memories. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at the sale!

Amy Karp PHOTOGRAPHY is proud to be a part of a very special tour of gowns. Brides Against Breast Cancer is coming to Dallas and you should GO!

******ADMISSION IS FREE!******

Join us at the stop on the Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns in Dallas, TX on July 23-24.

Local brides-to-be will have an opportunity to find their dream gowns while making wishes come true for metastatic breast cancer patients.

The charity wedding gown sale features hundreds of beautiful gowns donated by manufacturers, designers, retailers and individuals. Specific gown prices range from $199 and up, including hundreds of brand name and designer gowns valued up to $8,000. Tiaras, veils, crinolines and other accessories will also be offered. Bridal gown donations will also be accepted for gowns 2006 and newer.

Power Hour Preview Shopping Spree – $20 Admission per Attendee
Friday, July 23 from 10 a.m. – Noon
Order tickets at http://babcdallas.eventbrite.com/

General Sale – Free Admission
Friday, July 23 from Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pre-register at http://makingmemories.org/bride_preregistration.html

Want to Volunteer? Register at http://makingmemories.org/registration.html

The Mad Hatter is READY for Alice in Weddingland!!! Have you registered yet? Please go to our registration page to get your name on the list….you will not want to miss this event! We are only HOURS from unveiling this incredible event to you all!

Alice’s heart is in the right place as event proceeds benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes, including memory-making events, for stage IV breast cancer patients, while continuing to support, educate and increase awareness of breast cancer.

Won’t you join us? Don’t be late on April 1st, 2010 at the Ryan Manor at 6905 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75209 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.

top to bottom :: Robin, difiori.com Sarabeth, sarabethevents.com Damany, i-entertainment.net , Chris, theryanmanor.com

top to bottom :: Daniel, lynnfilms.com Lauren, mycreativetouchevents.net Rachel, jimleeevents.com , Jennifer, Alice

top to bottom :: Brad, es-events.com J Dorian, www.jdorian.com Kristie, inchorusmarketing.com , Katy, www.campisis.com

The folks you didn’t see above are :: donmamonephotography.com , breadwinnerscafe.com , cleverlyinvite.com , www.posta-bella.com , deaniemichelleevents.com , dallasweddingplanner.com , studiomoviegrill.com

Groom Sold Separately is proud to present Alice in Weddingland

In 2008, Chris + Lynn Photographers started a fun tradition to help raise awareness about helping out those in need. Read all about it here.

Each comment we receive on this blog until 12-12-09, we will donate 1 can to the North Texas Food Bank. This will help eliminate hunger in North Texas, but think of all the other places this can help out. Get involved blogstalkers! All we need is some comments and our part starts. Now won’t you do yours and leave some love?

Who else is involved:

Think Photographics, Redding Photographers, Andrea Murphy Photography, Kristel Wyman, Chris + Lynn, Lori Miles, The Bebbs, Blue Olive, CJ Scott, Erin Gilmore, Amber Hughes, Jamie Delaine, Tracy Heppner, Michael Wachniak, John Heil, Christine Tremoulet, Runway Boudoir

If you want to get involved in this as well, please leave a comment and let us know your link. We will be sure to add you in a jiffy!

::::EDIT::::

website: cansforcomments.com

still working some kinks out…so stay tuned (go ahead and add a bookmark)

Oh, and whats a blog post on a photographer’s blogsite without a picture?

Thanks so much everyone! Happy Holidays and let the blog love begin!

Cans for Comments

we had face painting!

Megan was awesome! She was about halfway out when she decided she needed some reinforcements.

and the valliant guys on stand-by (the Pantego FD) were there to step-in and help her to safety.

YAY for Megan…you made it!

The camp grounds were huge…I managed to get around by listening for the fun around the corner, there was so much to do there!

Let’s get on the Easter Egg hunt. All of the kids were able to decorate their bags.

I hope I can convey this as it happened. She asked him, “how many eggs are you going to get?” He said, “a lot”. She said, “like 15?”….he said, “NO, I said A LOT!!!”

my favorite picture from the day! This pretty much sums up how awesome it was.

and they’re off!!!

oh my…is this kiddo the cutest??? I kept following him around. I love his hair!!!

Hot chocolate was near by to warm me up! yummmmmmy.

Hi Jennifer….that’s super-model hair!

check out the rock-climbing wall.

and the zip-line!

this last picture is where I almost bit the bullet! I was hoping to get some long-exposure shots of them coming down and seeing some movement….what I almost got was a bulled over. I was looking through my lens when I saw this guy rapidly approaching. I stepped back and ker-plunk (is that a word?). I tried to be graceful about it and hope no one saw me. I might have failed in that mission.