Life...

I know, I know... what a title. A few things have happened recently that have caused me to ponder just that... life. In a matter of 10 days, people around me have lost 4 people they loved. One dear friend and lost her father-in-law last week and is now faced with the coming death of her mother-in-law as well, or so hospice tells the family. This poor family just buried one parent and are now contemplating burying another. I just cannot imagine the toll the stress has taken and continues to take on this one family. Unfortunately we face death many times throughout our lives, but two parents so close... I just cannot imagine. Please, please keep Tiffany, Robert, and the entire Hughes family in your prayers. The are facing what surely seems an insurmountable obstacle and I know they would appreciate any help they can get.

It truly makes me realize how precious each day is that we all have together. Be sure you tell the people that you love how you feel today. Unfortunately, we never know when it might be our last opportunity to do so.

Bloggin' 'bout a Blog

One of my friends that works for Southern Bride with me recently sent me a link the blog of a fabulous new wedding publication, Southern Wedding Style. Now magazine-wise I'm a little partial to the SB, but the folks over at SWS sure can put together a blog. It is FILLED with some of the most amazing photography and most beautiful weddings I have ever seen. When you get a chance, check out their blog at: http://www.swsmag.net/

I might also inspire you to check out this blog: http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

We're less than 24 hours away from the "official" grand opening and ribbon cutting at our new location in Blank Canvas Studios at 137 West Main Street. As part of the celebration we're hosting a "Business After Hours" event from the Chamber of Commerce. In our usual laid-back style we're serving a low country boil filled with fresh shrimp, corn, new potatoes, sausage, and Tiffany's famous bread pudding. If you pass by tomorrow evening and see me out on the sidewalk downtown, stop by a visit!

If you can't join us... I've attached a great shrimp boil recipe from Southern Living Magazine. Enjoy!!
Timmy's Boiled Shrimp

New Site

Well, the new site went live today! It's far different than any of our other sites. I'd like to know what you think about it! Leave me a comment on my blog and let me know.

A New Sense of Purpose

So much of this blog has been useless up until this point, but I've decide to start making it a little more useful for those two or three folks that read it on a daily basis. Hopefully I will be able to offer some insight into the event planning business and offer some fun and interesting tips and suggestions to help make your event one-of-a-kind. A few things of note:

Preston Bailey is coming to Birmingham! I know this is only exciting for those freaks like me in the event industry, but Preston is truly a visionary in the special event world and the chance to meet him comes rarely. If you're interested, contact Dorothy McDaniel's Flower Market at 205-871-0092. It's a bit pricey though. There's a VIP Cocktail party on September 7th for $250. Then the following night, Preston will be at the Stardome. Tickets for that are $85.

Learn more about Preston and his amazing work on his website at www.prestonbailey.com

Only 3 Months Left!

I'm not sure that I believe this, but the calendar tells me I've only got a little more than three more months before our little Jack arrives. 3 Months!!! I'm spending much of this weekend working on preparing the nursery for my little guy. It seems like it was only a few weeks ago that I saw that glow on Heather's face when she told me she was pregnant. It's just amazing how time flies.

A year ago I never would have imagined that I would be in this place in my life now. And though it scares the absolute crap out of me that I"m about to be a dad, I wouldn't change it for the world. So ready for my little guy to be here...

Thanks for the Thoughts and Prayers!

I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks to everyone for all of the thoughts and prayers for my Mom over the past few days. The doctor removed her gallbladder last night and she is doing remarkably well, all things considered. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming for me and my family. We greatly appreciate all of the phone calls, visits, prayers, and well wishes. At this point we're not sure how long she'll be in the hospital based on the severity of the surgery. Normally it takes about 1 hour to remove someones gallbladder, but it took the surgeon nearly 3 hours with Mom's. But she's in good spirits and feeling much better. I'll keep you all posted...

The King is Alive!!

Folks, I would have never imagined that I would ever say anything as ridiculous as this, but... the King is Alive! I have pictures. He is alive and he lives in a man named Scot Bruce.

My best friend, Laura, and her family took Heather and me to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival tonight to see Scot Bruce as Elvis. I've heard Laura rave over this guy for years, but could never understand the infatuation. I'll be the first to say that I have never really been an Elvis fan, but this guys is AMAZING! He sounds just like the king of rock and roll and looks a lot like him too.

We had an absolute blast despite being some the youngest people in the audience. Our little Jack must be a fan too. He spent the whole time jumping around inside of mom.

If you ever have the opportunity to see this guy, GO! He truly brings the hip-shaking, pelvis-thrusting king to life. Even if you're not big Elvis fan, you will be impressed by how much he truly looks and sounds like him.

To Laura and Fam- Thanks for the INCREDIBLE opportunity! It was an awesome experience!

Learn more about Scot Bruce on his website at http://www.scotbruce.com/

Saturday's Events!

Join us for the much anticipated grand opening of The Blank Canvas located at 137 West Main Street in Historic Downtown Prattville. This creative space is the home to the studios of child, family, and lifestyle photographer Tiffany Hughes, wedding photographer Spring Bruner, and wedding and event designer Stacey Little. The boutique studio will also house the central Alabama office of Southern Bride Magazine. In addition to functioning as a creative studio, the Blank Canvas offers a variety of frames and unique gifts items. The Blank Canvas is the only place in central Alabama to find world-renowned Second Line Frames exclusive line of custom pictures frames. These spectacular frames are handmade from remnants of structures destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The studio also offers a variety of other handmade and custom frames, monogrammed wooden and acrylic trays, bowls, and gift items, and features some of the incredible artwork from local artists.

Saturday, the Blank Canvas invites everyone to stop by and enjoy a glass of ice cold lemonade and a snack and register to win a variety of items including one of the highly-sought after Second Line Frames pictures frames. All three studios will be offering great discounts and exclusive deals during the grand opening celebration. Form more information, visit http://www.blankcanvasphoto.com/

We Made the Paper!!

Check out this article in today's Montgomery Advertiser about the fabulous "Photoships" that Tiffany is offering to excelling high school seniors.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806040338

Grand Opening Special

As part of the grand event that is our grand opening we all will be offering specials and discounts. Book an event with me during the entire month of June and you'll receive a $500 discount on our event design services. For info on the discounts and specials Tiffany and Spring are offering, visit www.BlankCanvasPhoto.com and check out their blogs.

Stop by and see us!

Grand Opening

Tomorrow the studio will open with all the pomp, circumstance, and trumpet fanfare. It's your first real opportunity to see what all Blank Canvas is about. We've got a huge selection of beautiful frames made from the remnants of houses damaged during hurricane Katrina, awesome handmade frames in great, fun colors, and a variety of customizable wood and acrylic gifts. It's really a neat space that you all should take the chance to stop by and see. I'll be in the shop on Saturday so stop by and let me know what I can do to make your event a success.

Blank Canvas
a boutique studio
137 West Main Street
Prattville, Alabama
http://www.blankcanvasphoto.com/