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 cotillion began with introductions of the debutantes and younger Rose Petals.  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 Photography 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

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.

Thanks to all who attended the annual Cox Employee Gala on last Saturday. I had a blast creating portraits of the employees and their guests throughout the night. Thanks to Kimberly and Tiffanie for allowing me to be a part of this occasion. Also, BIG thanks to my assistants who worked tirelessly to keep the paperwork organized and the line moving. The Virginia Beach Convention Center hosted the event, with hundreds of people in attendance. Here’s an image of the ballroom I managed to capture, just before the doors opened. The room was nicely decorated with a winter theme.

On December 7th, the Ivy Foundation hosted their annual Tea Rose Ball at Washington Navy Yard in DC. This event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Xi Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Congratulations! A few presentations were made, including a salute to the chapter’s charter members. Thanks to The Soul Patrol for keeping the party going with their live music.

Xi Zeta Omega charter members

Special presentation