Nashville Wedding Photographers | Jen & Chris Creed » Giving Back

Memorial Ride in Honor of SSG Shane J. Angell | With Love

Jen — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:59:24 +0000

Last weekend, September 11, I was on my way to Bardstown, Ky to second shoot a wedding. Such a joyous occasion, yet all morning during the drive my head was filled with thoughts of previous September 11ths. First, of course, was 9-11-01. A day that all of us remember, and can look back on as though 9 years were actually yesterday.

But that’s not what I’m here to write about today. A year ago September 11, 2009, an amazing man was taken from this world after a tragic motorcycle accident. SSG Shane Angell was an incredible husband, father, and soldier who had come home safely from several deployments.

I remember waking up that day or the next to see a record number of views on my blog, on the post I had done for Shane, Ashley, and Skylie’s OpLove photo session. My heart immediately sank and I searched for a news article on what happened. Ashley asked me to come to take pictures at the funeral, so that her daughter Skylie (who was too young to attend) would be able to look back and see how loved her daddy was. Chris and I had felt such a connection with the Angell’s, and the day of Shane’s funeral was difficult to make it through, to say the least. But at the same time I was so glad to be there and feel as if I was able to do something that might help the healing process some day.

Fast forward a year…Ashley’s strength is absolutely incredible. I haven’t talked to her much, but she and Skylie are often in my thoughts and prayers. They are beautiful and wonderful and strong…and loved by so many people. Ashley has organized a memorial ride in memory of Shane for next Saturday, September 25, 2010, with the proceeds benefiting the Logan County Humane Society in Russellville, Ky. (Read news story here)

It’s a wonderful cause, and a great way to express appreciation for all that Shane did for our country, as well as a show of support for Ashley, Skylie, and their families. I unfortunately will be out of town, but I really encourage any of you reading this to try to make it out!

*Huge hugs* to Ashley and Skylie…I know words can never be enough, but you all always have our love and prayers!

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The WKU Music Department | Giving Back

Jen — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:33:28 +0000

Today I’m super excited to show you some images from a personal project I’ve been working on since last fall. As many of you know, my degree is actually in music, from Western Kentucky University. Music was a huge, huge part of my life for a really long time. So even though I decided about half way through college that I didn’t want to teach music, it was kind of hard just to stop being around music all together. I wanted to do something to give back a little bit to the community, and particularly to the music department. For the part it played in my personal life, Chris’s life (he’s also a musician…a man of many talents ), and the many ways they enrich the lives of the people of Bowling Green. There are really some phenomenal musicians and people that are involved with the music department, and I am proud to know many of them!

So, it became my goal to document activities through the music department so they would have some updated photos to use for recruiting and promotion (instead of pictures of people who graduated before I even started at WKU haha). I had so much fun, and highly encourage you to check out some performances, and support the arts. Arts education is SO SO important…I could talk about it forever. But I won’t here haha.

Presenting some of my favorites…featuring (in no particular order) the Big Red Marching Band (directed by Dr. Jeff Bright), the WKU Symphonic Band (directed by Dr. Gary Schallert and featuring Lee Blakeman), the WKU Chorale (directed by Dr. Paul Hondorp, and featuring Dr. Wayne Pope and Dr. Liza Kelly), the WKU Jazz Band (directed by Dr. Marshall Scott, and featuring Vince DiMartino and Dr. Wayne Pope), the Bowling Green-Western Chamber Singers, Chorale, and Chamber Orchestra (directed by Dr. Paul Hondorp and Dr. Bill Scott), the lovely ladies of the Treblemakers, and the handsome men (including my husband!) of the Redshirts! Whew! Enjoy (Click thumbnails to see images larger)

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Capacity, Inc. | Naturally Chic Event | Lorillard Lofts

Jen — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:46:14 +0000

A few weeks ago I had a wonderful opportunity to donate photographs to the charity Capacity Inc., and their Naturally Chic Event fundraiser at Lorillard Lofts in Lexington, Ky. Capacity Inc. is a fairly new organization, founded by Jessica and Sherry Piersol to better the lives of women locally and globally. (From their website): “Our mission of transforming the women of today into the weomen of tomorrow paves the way into the far future. Through fulfilling this mission, we aim to create a deep cultural change necessary for solving the obstacles that keep women, girls and children worldwide from obtaining the highest quality of life.” They have many long and short term projects on their list, from helping local women find better jobs for a better quality of life to stopping human trafficking.

Jessica and I graduated from the same high school, and reconnected through Facebook, and I was so honored to be able to photograph their Naturally Chic Event held at Lorillard Lofts in Lexington. Naturally Chic was Kentucky’s first eco-friendly decorator’s showcase, with four different lofts decorated by designers from Ethan Allen, Scout Antiques and More, Environmental Decor, and Urban Sanctuary. Proceeds from the event went to Capacity Inc’s career advancement initiative for unemployed women of the Bluegrass project, which is just awesome

Here are a few shots of all the INCREDIBLE lofts! These were really absolutely fantastic!

“Urban Contemporary” | by Ms. Kerry Crosby and Mr. Chad Salyers | Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen is the only corporate, commercial furniture and design firm currently producing a new “green” initiative. They are quickly becoming the nation’s leader in the eco-friendly department. Ethan Allen’s loft is designed and furnished as a comfortable, modern, yet hip and cool urban space. It is a forward thinking pretty, sexy, cool space. [All descriptions from signs at the event]

“Eclectic Bachelor’s Retreat” | by Boo Blakely | Environmental Decor

A one bedroom loft unit exclusively decorated with previously loved furnishings and decor from local re-sale and consignment shops. The interior is a creative mix of warm masculine elements, crisp contemporary colors, and quirky decorative elements conducive to a fun and casual urban lifestyle. A 70′s harvest gold pool table, faux moose head and dining bench made from water skis blend in nicely with the vintage leather chairs and contemporary artwrok. FUN can be FUNctional!

“Urban Sanctuary” | by Sherry and Jessica Piersol | Capacity, Inc.

Sherry’s second passion is decorating; her first is the advancement of women. Jessica is an anthropology major and loves the outdoors. They plan to serve as mentors for women who are unemployed and interested in the decorating and design business. Ask them about decorating a room for you. proceeds benefit the career advancement initiative for women. Imagine an elengant veranda, indoors, and expect the unexpected!

“Repurposed Retro” | by Greg Feeney and Jeff Perkins | Scout Antiques and More

Greg and Jeff’s goal was to create a unique, eclectic space, offering a beyond the ordinary experience. Their loft will reflect a love of history, and create a sense of home with special objects they “scouted” about to find. You will find their loft to be a visit back in time…today! Their store is also an adventure, please visit them.

The following is a list of some of the wonderful businesses that donated to this wonderful event!

Central Baptist Hospital, HOT 102.5, Environmental Decor, Ethan Allen, Scout Antiques and More, Sherwin Williams, Rooster and Rose, B&B Interiors, Creative Kitchens and Baths, Salvage Nation, Another Man’s Treasure, Lucia’s World Friendly Boutique, Bella Blooms, Kentucky Ale, Lover’s Leap Winery, ChiroOne Wellness, Natural Awakenings Magazine, Tops in Lex Magazine, Kentucky Kernel, LEX Channel 18, Channel 36, Jennifer Creed Photographer, The Mad Potter, The Morris Bookshop.

Thank you so much for organizing this wonderful event, and inviting us to be a part of it Jessica You all are wonderful and we can’t wait to work with you all again!