We came and we conquered Sea World’s newest attraction Aquatica.  This is not the ordinary water park.  From sand beaches, wave pools, a rapid not so lazy river, slides and more slides - including one that goes through a pool filled with dolphins.   This park opened only a few weeks ago and it is VERY popular.  If you are going I recommend that you book your tickets online.  By doing this - you will get in an hour before anyone else.  This is good because the park opened at 10AM and by 11AM they were at capacity and no one else was allowed in.

The park is beautiful and there is certainly fun here for everyone.  One very nice part of the park was they heat the water to 86 degrees.  Even with Florida’s cool nights this time of  the year - the water was perfect.

  I experienced a first for me at Disney today - something those who know me well are going to be very surprised by - we made it to the park BEFORE it opened.  We were there early enough to see Mickey and Minnie officially arrive on his train and officially welcome all of us.  We then boarded the train and headed into the park where we had an opportunity to meet with Minnie and Mickey.  The first thing they noticed were Edie Grace’s new croc’s and her Mickey and Minnie jibbitz’s.  We met with many of the crew, rode lots of rides and headed to the castle.  On special invitation from Cinderella herself we joined a few new friends for a fabulous meal and special wishing ceremony in her dining room in her castle.  After lunch we rode and rode, watched a great Disney parade and rode a double Decker bus out of the park. That was pretty cool riding the bus through the crowd.  I have always wanted to be in a Disney parade - so we just had our on parade down Main Street.  What a day!

In 21 years, I have NEVER photographed more sessions in March and April as I have this year.  With more photography choices than ever I am busier than I have ever been.  What can I say but THANK YOU!  This has created some challenges for many of you who have not been able to get an appointment.  My schedule is still a little crazy through May but things are beginning to open up a little.  If you would like for me to photograph you or your family this summer - please DO NOT WAIT call 912-764-7274 now and get on my schedule.

Last year when we were at Sea World’s Discovery Cove they told us about the new Sea World water park Aquatica which opened a couple of weeks ago.  This gave us a great excuse to sneak away to Orlando.  We were fortunate to get reservations at the Rosen Shingle Creek.  This rather new 1,500 room FIVE star hotel is a great place to re-engergize.  We arrived tonight and WOW - this is one of the most incredible hotels I have ever had the opportunity to visit.  We arrived this afternoon after a stop in Glennville at Strickland Pharmacy to shop for new crocs for Edie Grace.  Strickland Pharmacy is owned by a great LGP client and friend Dennis Strickland.  He has the LARGEST and MOST creative selection of crocs in the area at GREAT prices.  Edie Grace picked out a pink sparkly pair and a Mickey and Minnie Mouse jibbitz for them.  I am sure Mickey and Minnie will really like those.  We are off to Disney World tomorrow.  We have an early meeting with Mickey and Minnie and lunch with Cinderella in the castle.  A busy schedule but somehow we will fit it all in.

Statesboro Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Larry Hubbard has uniquely personalized his office with portraits.  For years, we have created portraits for the lobby introducing his entire staff.  Now two wall portraits bring a special message to greet you when you come into his office.  These portraits happen to feature Dr. Hubbard’s favorite grand daughter - Edie Grace.  It is one more example of how portraits can personalize any office - even a dentist’s office.

Next time your in to see Dr. Hubbard - make sure and tell him how much you enjoy the portraits.

This Saturday do not miss the first of what will hopefully become a monthly event - a downtown Farmers market.  The market will be held in the Sea Island bank parking lot beside the studio.   The market begins at 9AM and will last until everything is sold.  This weekend is the kickoff of Celebration South hopefully which will become an annual festival.  The festival will feature great entertainment and a barbeque cook off!

Hope to see you downtown!

Everyone remembers cooking with Grandma in her kitchen.  There is no relationship more special than grandparents and grandchildren.  My parents tell me if they knew being a grandparent was so wonderful they would have skipped forward directly to being a grandparent.  There are so many wonderful memories of visiting my grandparents.  I wish I had many of these times documented.  One of the favorite things this grandmother does with her granddaughter is cook in her kitchen.  She commissioned me to come out and spend the afternoon in her kitchen photographing them - doing what they do best.  Here is a couple of images from the afternoon.  When the album is designed I will share it with you here.

With mothers day coming up wouldn’t this be a great gift for your mom?  Maybe you should drop your dad a hint about getting a gift certificate from me to do this for them!

  Edie Grace enjoyed swimming with friends this weekend in her pool at her grandparents.  She asked Papa Larry to heat it for her - so he did.  Can not believe that she is swimming in April in Georgia.  No she is not a little spoiled…she is VERY SPOILED…but some say it is a long running family trait.

How many photographers do you know that travel to your session with a paramedic and a life guard?  The paramedic is normal - but the lifeguard is optional.  I know I should have been a girl scout - I always prefer to be over prepared for whatever.  This week it came in handy.  I was photographing this beautiful family on a dock when their two year old decided to go for a swim.  He momentarily forgot that he could not swim - so in goes my lifeguard/assistant.  His cell phone was safe - so life is still good!

Mom and I agree that her two year old is cute even wet - don’t you think so?

I photographed mom and dad’s wedding and have photographed their guys since birth.  They have made lots of trips to Statesboro - but this was my chance to travel to them.  They have a beautiful new house and we were creating portraits - since obviously wall space is no longer a problem.

Thank goodness we had some great images before the adventure began.  Tyler - my assistant photographer did not think a second - before he was in the water.  Maybe I should relax the dress code for future outdoor sessions near water!  In 21 years - I must say this is the first time we have had to dive in after someone.  But we were prepared.  Chalk it up to yet another Lori Grice difference.

We met John Patterson first at a private gathering on Sea Island at the home of  Bill and Sally Jones.  His Scottish accent, quick wit and commanding confidence struck me very quickly.  I knew at that moment that Jennifer would have a hard time walking away from this one.  I must admit it did take John a few more years than I imagined to finally get her to say I DO.  If you know anything about Savannah - then you know Mr. and Mrs. Savannah - John and Jennifer.  Even though they are not native to Savannah, there is no question that Savannah is their home.  We have known Jennifer Abshire much longer than John and have always been impressed with her winning smile and can do attitude.  No matter what your project, Jennifer is definitely someone you need by your side.  We really become to know Jennifer and watch her in action when we went through Leadership Georgia together (just a few years ago).  She had just helped impress the world as she and many others put Savannah on the world stage with the Olympics.  She is a true leader with a very creative side.  I think that is why we clicked so well!  Since the Olympics every worthwhile effort in Savannah has had Jennifer’s fingerprint on it.  Now with her continued partnership with John I know the journey and impact on this great city will be even more incredible.

DeWayne tells our friends that before Edie Grace was born he set up three investment savings accounts for her.  The first is her college education fund, the second her wedding fund and the third her political exploration fund.  Well after attending this unbelievable event tonight - I am thinking we may have to merge all three into one and then hope that we win the lottery!  I have photographed hundreds if not thousands of weddings before I took a sabbatical a few years back in order to spend time with the greatest gift God has ever given me - Edie Grace.  I can say that few weddings I have photographed or attended matched this event.  The wedding ceremony was at the beautiful Isle of Hope United Methodist Church and included beautiful music and a few surprises.  “Girl power” was everywhere — including the minister.  She conducted a very inspiring and thoughtful ceremony.  When the new couple was announced, the audience and the couple were serenaded by a full African-American choir “hidden” in the balcony.  They sang “the Best is Yet to Come.”  I LOVED IT!

The reception was held at the Telfair Museum and in tents under the square.  We all gathered initially at the museum to enjoy some great hors d oeuvres and enjoy more live music.  While the guests were visiting, the new couple had dinner alone under the tent in the square.  Shortly after they arrived at the Telfair, they were serenaded again by a children’s choir (that they are benefactors of) which then led the couple and guests across the street to the reception.  LGP client and friend, Ranco Tents, had tented the entire square.  When you entered the first tent they had set up a casual area complete with white leather sofas and framed snapshots of the couple.  The band was wonderful and the food was terrific and plentiful.  Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson gave the first toast and John ended the toasts with touching remarks about Jennifer and her family. 

Best of all it was a great night to catch up with friends old and new.  Thanks to Frankie Brooks for making us a “great deal” on her husband Michael’s seat - we were able to make room for old friends Angela and Wade Crance.  Angela and Wade are fellow alums of our Leadership Georgia class.  Angela is VP of Economic Development for Valdosta Technical College and they are very PROUD grandparents.  Wade - like DeWayne - simply a proud and supportive husband who seems to flourishes being married to a beautiful and successful woman.  Frankie and Michael are wonderful “new” additions to the Savannah scene.  They own and publish the incredibly popular “the South Magazine“.  It is one of my favorite magazines to read.  I can not wait for the next edition to arrive.  They are a creative duo who have done a remarkable job of telling Savannah’s story from an insider’s view as only an outsider could appreciate and understand.  The magazine is filled with beautiful photography which is always edgy and creative.  We learned that we share many friends since they are from Albany.  Yes, they are friends with the Taylor family in Albany.  DeWayne, Edie Grace and I have been long time friends of the Taylors and we all worked very hard on Mark’s Lt. Governor and Gubernatorial campaigns as many of you know.  

Leave it to Jennifer that even at her wedding she is putting together great people - always networking!

This was truly a night that Savannah royalty - new and old - will be talking about for years to come - no doubt!

I have photographed beaches all over the world during my short 21 year career as a photographer.  No beach presents more artistic options than Tybee Island, Georgia.  I know I am a little biased since I could have created this portrait from my veranda.   I love Tybee for many other reasons than that just happens to be the location of my “on location” bungalow.  This family must agree since they traveled from the beautiful beaches of Florida to Tybee for me to photograph them. 

God really shined down on them with perfect weather and a beautiful sunset.  The main image here is a large canvas gallery wrap portrait which will become the centerpiece of their beautiful home.  We are booking beach portraits now at Tybee or of course at the beach of choice that is most special to your family.

Look forward to seeing you at the beach soon!