Tonight was a fun event photography project when we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Celebrate Arkansas magazine! There was a HUGE turnout at the Ledger and the staff of the magazine went all out. There was a Blakeman's Jewelers Champaign wall, several delicious cakes by Rick's Bakery, Brock Entertainment with music, full out decor and MUCH MORE! Invited friends, supporters and guests came from all over NW Arkansas to be a part of the celebration and show their support for the magazine.
20 years ago, I remember the late Greg Ogden (with Athletic
World Advertising) and Mauri Taylor coming to my studio in Fayetteville and
telling me about a new magazine - Celebrate Arkansas. I was honored to be
the photographer for the cover of their second issue (their holiday issue) featuring JB &
Johnelle Hunt, such down to earth great couple, so thankful I had the chance to
meet and photograph them. We met them at a small and crowded flower shop full of christmas decor and found just enough space to photograph them next to a christmas tree.
Fast forward 20 years and the magazine is very successful with a great staff, content and features! In that time I was honored to have photographed 17 covers, dozens of content feature articles, photograph 9 Masquerade Ball events and well over a dozen galas. The greatest part was all the incredible people I was blessed to meet, chat with and photograph, from Governors, CEOs, Coaches, Corporate Executives and so many Philanthropist and hard working behind the scenes people! Because of Celebrate Arkansas magazine, I've had the chance to build relationships with some great people of NW Arkansas and make incredible memories. SO thankful for those opportunities with Celebrate, as Wyley said tonight "We did it together"!
Most of all, I'm VERY thankful for the friends and relationships made through the magazine and especially Wyley and Stephanie Elliot.
See more of our event photography.