~He didn't drink the Kool Aid.. He bathed in it!August TR~12/13 PG45 The End

[pkondz]

Oh, wow. Where to begin! The pictures are amazing. I especially liked the one of Josh saluting. I'd never seen the flag ceremony so it was nice to get a glimpse of the ceremony. I thought the 'Caitlin proposes on her knees' shots were cute, although the one where Josh has his hand on his mouth is hysterical! Especially after the way he looked so serious in the previous shots.

Okay. On a more serious vein...

A little background is needed here, so bear with me.

I'm a semi-pro photographer (sold some pics, shot a few weddings, but it's more of a hobby) and like everybody else, I've gone digital. I used to shoot rolls of film on a subject and no matter how much I prepared, I always hoped to get that one shot. If I got one (IMHO) good picture out of one roll (36 pics) I considered myself lucky. One good shot in 2, 3 or 4 rolls and I was happy.

In my opinion, a really good shot isn't the one that is technically perfect... it's the one where you can capture something that is normally hidden or fleeting. That rare glimpse into someone's soul. When you take a picture and it's in focus and flattering to the subject, Hooray! But... but... if you can catch that one moment? Pure magic.

I think this is one of those shots.

I couldn't even look at the picture while I typed this. That's how strongly it affected me. Was it technically perfect? No. It's out of focus, that looks like Dawn's arm on the left, colour tone is off and it needs to be cropped... who cares. Love it.

Thanks for the update!

 

[rndmr2]

Love the Flag Retreat pics! I wanted to have my Dad (Army 20 years retired) do this then we went in May but we got to MK too late and I figured someone would have already been picked. The Bride and Groom ears were a great bonus, and the engagement pics were so cute too.

 

[dawnbu40]

Oh, wow. Where to begin! The pictures are amazing. I especially liked the one of Josh saluting. I'd never seen the flag ceremony so it was nice to get a glimpse of the ceremony. I thought the 'Caitlin proposes on her knees' shots were cute, although the one where Josh has his hand on his mouth is hysterical! Especially after the way he looked so serious in the previous shots.

When we went to choose Josh's free pics we were overwhelmed by the number of pictures that the photographer took! Josh took the ceremony very seriously and since in the military they are not supposed to smile during the flag ceremony he abided by the rules.

Okay. On a more serious vein...

A little background is needed here, so bear with me.

I'm a semi-pro photographer (sold some pics, shot a few weddings, but it's more of a hobby) and like everybody else, I've gone digital. I used to shoot rolls of film on a subject and no matter how much I prepared, I always hoped to get that one shot. If I got one (IMHO) good picture out of one roll (36 pics) I considered myself lucky. One good shot in 2, 3 or 4 rolls and I was happy.

In my opinion, a really good shot isn't the one that is technically perfect... it's the one where you can capture something that is normally hidden or fleeting. That rare glimpse into someone's soul. When you take a picture and it's in focus and flattering to the subject, Hooray! But... but... if you can catch that one moment? Pure magic.

I think this is one of those shots.



I couldn't even look at the picture while I typed this. That's how strongly it affected me. Was it technically perfect? No. It's out of focus, that looks like Dawn's arm on the left, colour tone is off and it needs to be cropped... who cares. Love it.

What a beautiful description of the meaning behind photography!

I love that picture too!

Thanks for the update!

Thanks for reading and commenting!

 

[dawnbu40]

Love the Flag Retreat pics! I wanted to have my Dad (Army 20 years retired) do this then we went in May but we got to MK too late and I figured someone would have already been picked. The Bride and Groom ears were a great bonus, and the engagement pics were so cute too.

I'm sorry your dad didn't get to do the ceremony. Maybe next time?
Disney really gave them the magical treatment that day! I am so thankful for all the Disney CMs who helped make our trip so wonderful!

 

[MEK]

OK - Am I psychic or what??????? I must have posted a plea for this update seconds after you posted it!!!!! Too funny!

Now I must say - this was one of your best updates ever! I don't even think I've ever seen the flag retreat ceremony. I've heard about it, but never seen it. Awesome! The pictures are wonderful - Josh with his salute, Caitlin in awe, Caitlin proposing, and the whole clan marching done main street. Oh - and the ears - do they have them all boxed up waiting to be used again.

So awesome! Amazing day!

 

[dawnbu40]

OK - Am I psychic or what??????? I must have posted a plea for this update seconds after you posted it!!!!! Too funny!

Now I must say - this was one of your best updates ever! I don't even think I've ever seen the flag retreat ceremony. I've heard about it, but never seen it. Awesome! The pictures are wonderful - Josh with his salute, Caitlin in awe, Caitlin proposing, and the whole clan marching done main street. Oh - and the ears - do they have them all boxed up waiting to be used again.

So awesome! Amazing day!

Yes you are

Aww thank you!
The flag ceremony is really moving and I think you'd really like it
I could not have been happier with all the wonderful photopass pictures we had taken that day. They did a great job!

Yes the ears are packed away and waiting for their return to Disney World. We did use them as decorations at the engagement party though

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, you certainly had a magical day! The flag retreat ceremony looks really cool. What a great experience for Josh (and all of you!).

 

[dawnbu40]

Wow, you certainly had a magical day! The flag retreat ceremony looks really cool. What a great experience for Josh (and all of you!).

Yes we did! It was a wonderful experience for all of us and it totally helps to explain how Josh fell in love with Disney so quickly

 

[IheartDDuck]

You guys definitely got some great pictures. I'm sure you're very happy you prepurchased the photopass CD.

That must have been a truly awesome experience. I think the picture on the monorail wraps it all up perfectly.

 

[declansdad]

Excellent update! Some great pictures and I'm sure some even better memories.

 

[JolllyHoliday]

Wow!! What a absolutely over the top day y'all had!! I have tears in my eyes just looking at the pictures of the flag ceromony. I have never seen it, but it will be a must do the next time we are in Disney. I love the last picture you took of the happy couple. Like you said, it sure sums up the day! Looking forward to hearing more of your trip.

 

[dawnbu40]

You guys definitely got some great pictures. I'm sure you're very happy you prepurchased the photopass CD.

That must have been a truly awesome experience. I think the picture on the monorail wraps it all up perfectly.

Thank you! Pre-ordering the cd ended up being a great decision!

It was an awesome experience! Thank you!

 

[dawnbu40]

Excellent update! Some great pictures and I'm sure some even better memories.

Thank you

Absolutely! It was a day we'll all always cherish!

 

[dawnbu40]

Wow!! What a absolutely over the top day y'all had!! I have tears in my eyes just looking at the pictures of the flag ceromony. I have never seen it, but it will be a must do the next time we are in Disney. I love the last picture you took of the happy couple. Like you said, it sure sums up the day! Looking forward to hearing more of your trip.

It was an incredible day! Very emotional and of course very memorable!
I'm glad you're going to check out the flag ceremony. I hope you enjoy the experience!
Thanks

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hey ladies

I have struggled to get this post together because I really have no words! The pictures are amazing and actually brought a tear to my eye! Josh looks so handsome and although he isn't wearing his uniform, he doesn't have to be! He is standing so straight and tall and proud!

I am so glad that pkondz wrote those words about that picture of Caitlin....absolutely could not find the words. That is love in those eyes

 

[dawnbu40]

Hey ladies

I have struggled to get this post together because I really have no words! The pictures are amazing and actually brought a tear to my eye! Josh looks so handsome and although he isn't wearing his uniform, he doesn't have to be! He is standing so straight and tall and proud!

I am so glad that pkondz wrote those words about that picture of Caitlin....absolutely could not find the words. That is love in those eyes

Well we are even because your words brought tears to my eyes

I agree that Josh looks so handsome and so very "military".

Didn't pkondz do a great job summing that up?! And yes it is

 

[katt789]

That looks like quite the emotional day!! But a great one at that, there are definitely some great pics throughout that. I don't know if I've ever noticed the ceremony going on, but I may take some time to check it out next trip.

 

[pkondz]

Didn't pkondz do a great job summing that up?! And yes it is

Hey! What're ya trying to do? Get me to blush?

think man stuff... think man stuff... think man stuff...

 

[dawnbu40]

That looks like quite the emotional day!! But a great one at that, there are definitely some great pics throughout that. I don't know if I've ever noticed the ceremony going on, but I may take some time to check it out next trip.

Yes it was!

The flag ceremony happens with very little fanfare so it is easy to miss. If you want to check it out show up just before 5pm and it only lasts maybe 15 minutes. It is short but sweet

 

[dawnbu40]

Hey! What're ya trying to do? Get me to blush?

think man stuff... think man stuff... think man stuff...

Sorry about that. Post something about power tools next time and your rep will be safe