We had a wonderful wedding ceremony and reception with Dan and Kacey Shaw Gormley in Wilton, Connecticut on October 6, 2012. It's a great thing to witness couples in love exchanging their vows and making a life commitment. 

Dan and Kacey were married at beautiful Wilton Congregation Church and celebrated with family and friends at the Wilton Riding Club with a fabulous reception that lasted well into the night! The church was built in the late 1700's. The reception was held in an old barn and decorated with a fitting rustic theme that honestly couldn't have been more perfect!

We were honored to have the opportunity to capture the moments of the Gormleys special day and we wish them the very best for their future together. 

CONGRATS Kacey and Dan!!!

More photos from the Gormleys' Connecticut wedding:

http://www.jamesedwardbates.com/p340537559/h4659219e#h4659219e

While on assignment with Samaritan's Purse in 2008, I had the opportunity to visit with SP volunteer Richard Brown and others as they helped rebuild Franklin Avenue Baptist Church with the church's pastor Rev. Fred Luter in New Orleans, Louisiana. The church and the community around it were heavily damaged by standing flood waters from Hurricane Katrina.

The church and Samaritan's Purse made it their mission to help rebuild many homes and restore hope to residents. Franklin Avenue Baptist was a base for volunteer operations. Rev. Luter was a kind man who was clearly loved by his congregation, residents around the church and by Samaritan's Purse volunteers. 

Rev. Luter was elected the first African-American president of the Southern Baptist Convention. As a life SBC member myself, I am proud of our members and leadership for electing Rev. Luter.

©2008 James Edward Bates.

See more photos of Rev. Fred Luter Jr. at work in New Orleans

Horses in the morning light at the Gulfport home of Peggy and Mayor George Schloegel. 

See more photos of the Schloegel horses.

The setting sun cast a gorgeous backdrop as cool spring temperatures filled the air during Florence Gardens' Live! On the Green outdoor concert. The sounds of musicians The Only Sons of Murfreesboro, Tennessee,  filled Town Green as adults enjoyed barbecue as they watched their children run, play and dance to the music. This was the fourth in a series of concerts at Florence Gardens in Gulfport.

See more images of Live! On the Green with The Only Sons

Engagement sessions are high on my list of favorite things to shoot. It's infectious to experience the love of couples who are deeply in love and excited about their approaching wedding day. We wish the very best to Ashley and Ryan as they prepare for an awesome future together!

More photos from Ashley and Ryan's engagement shoot

Mississippi Gulf Coast band Dirty Play rocked Hard Rock Cafe in Biloxi on Sunday, April 22, 2012, for Eco Rocks! 2012 on Earth Day.

See more images of Dirty Play at Hard Rock Biloxi

Our photo session with engaged couple Catrina Gibson and Jason Clough was a real joy. Shooting in Biloxi, we took advantage of the mild March temperatures. This shoot was later in the day, allowing us to make use of the evening light falling on the downtown buildings, creating nice highlights and areas of shadow.

This couple is clearly in love and that joy came through in the shoot. We wish Catrina and Jason the best in their future together and we look forward to their wedding ceremony and reception. Congratulations y'all!

See more of Catrina and Jason's session: http://www.jamesedwardbates.com/p112520850