Donnella Cranford, founder of Women After God's Own Heart Inc., is the visionary of the Atlanta's Debutantes for Christ (D4C) program. The 2011 Debutantes 4 Christ event took place at Eagles Landing Country Club about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Georgia. I assisted Atlanta-based photographer Djamal Balbed with portraits for the evening while he captured the event's candid images. From the moment I entered the clubhouse, I instantly knew where portraits would be made that evening.  The double staircase served well as a photography backdrop and made it easier to pose larger family groups. Congratulations to all the young ladies who participated in this year's program. Thanks to Donnella and Cathy for making Debutantes 4 Christ such a great experience for these young women after God's own heart.

The Ivy Foundation of Washington hosted its biannual Tea Rose Cotillion this Spring.  The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda in the presence of the ten debutantes' closest family and friends.  The theme was "Cultivated PEARLS: Presenting Extraordinary and Refined Ladies to Society". The evening began with an formal group portrait of the young ladies and their escorts.  After their formal introductions and a curtsey to greet their parents, the program continued with several dance routines with their dads and the escorts.  The Rose Petals (in pink) performed a special routine called "Scented Memories". It symbolized them growing up and becoming the debutantes.

As with all events, it takes a lot of behind the scenes work to help everything run smoothly. I'd like to thank the cotillion co-chairs and committee for their efforts preparing for this event. Also, thanks to Donnamaria for backing me up with additional photography coverage. Congratulations to Candace, Miss Tea Rose 2011!

The Ivy Foundation's Tea Rose Cotillion was a success!  The event took place on May 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda.  Thanks to all of the committee members and parents for all you've done to help this year's event run smoothly.  This year's theme was "Presenting Our Pearls: The Next Generation of Hope". The young ladies Waltzed with their fathers, then did the Tango and Grand Promenade with their escorts.  Several awards were presented, including best scrapbook, highest GPA, and debutante spirit.  At the end, one debutante was crowned… Congratulations to LaShae, Miss Tea Rose 2009!  Thanks to Precious of Precious Perspectives for assisting with candid photography.  Also, thanks to the string quartet for providing music for the guests throughout the evening.

On Friday May 16th, I had the pleasure of photographing the JET program’s Annual Black Tie Gala. The event was held at Hampton University’s student center ballroom, where Wavy 10 (NBC) news anchor Don Roberts served as emcee. City of Newport News mayor Joe Frank was the recipient of the 2008 JET Visionary Award. Congratulations to all of the JET program participants! Also thanks to Gary for helping with the photography, and Myrtle for assisting with on-site portrait orders.

Don Roberts, Wavy 10 (NBC) morning news anchor

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank w/ JET program director Don Rose

On Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of taking group portraits of the Epsilon Delta chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity. Congratulations to the new members who were recently inducted. Their spouses also posed for a formal portrait.

Last weekend, I traveled to Atlanta GA to assist a fellow photographer with a debutante ball. I was primarily on portrait duty for the evening, photographing all of the debutantes with their friends and family members who attended. Thanks to the families and my assistants for helping to keep the line moving smoothly. This Debutantes 4 Christ event was organized by the Women After God’s Own Heart Ministry. To Donnella and Cathy, thanks for such a wonderful event for these young ladies. After hearing their testimonies during the program, it was clearly a positive life-changing process for them all.