The Winners of the Wedding Day Bless-a-Way!!

First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone who participated in this give-a-way!! It has been such blessing to see all the people rooting for their favorite couple!  I probably made the contest last a little too long so thanks for putting up with that...OOPS!  This was my first big giveaway and I am still learning the ropes!

So....without further adieu here are the results...and you might want to pay attention closely!! ;)

Because....the runner's up for the wedding day give away get 60% off my normal wedding package that INCLUDES an engagement shoot, full wedding day coverage, digital negatives, and two wedding photographers or 30% off an engagement shoot!!!  (Traveling fees apply for out of the area clients and I must be available for their date; please contact Melissa at takenbygrace@hotmail.com for official info).  Congrats to the runners up: Carissa and Ryan Carter as well as; Meghan Cummings and Billy Holmes!!

And now to announce the first place winners of the Wedding Day Bless-a-Way..with over 1,000 VOTES!!!....Angie Dunn and Ronnie King!!!  Angie and Ronnie receive an engagement shoot, full day wedding coverage, two photographer's, and all final digital negatives from Taken by Grace and Glory Photography!!

 Below is Ronnie and Angie's story and I must say they sound like an amazing couple!!  Congrats you guys!! (Oh and a big thanks to Ashley Senka for entering ya'll into this give-a-way!!  Ashley receives 20% off any package!)

My boyfriend and I have been together for 6 years. We have truly gotten to know each other better than anyone on Earth. When we met we were both going through a difficult time in life. I am raising my three boys and he is raising his son. The boys are our life. We are looking forward to getting married very soon....

 Although we don't have a date set, we know it will be soon. We want to have a day that is special for all 6 of us and joins our two families as one. Raising four boys, ages 15, 12, 12, and 9 can be very difficult at times. My oldest son has survived a heart transplant, Hydrocephalus and Asperger's (a daily struggle). Now, one of our 12 year old sons is struggling with his own health issue. Walking with The Lord is the key to our relationship and our life. Having a beautiful wedding day with beautiful photos would be an absolutely amazing gift for all of us!

Free Wedding Bless-a-way!!! :)

So today is Cyber Monday and while everyone is having some sales I felt like giving something away!  I thought it would be cool to give away a free wedding!!!  I call it the Free Wedding Bless-A-Way and yes I did make up that word! :)

It really is better to give than receive and that is part of what Christmas is about right?!?!

So here are the "rules"....

I am looking for a couple who truly deserves free photography on their wedding day.  I would like to hear their story, how they met, why they deserve the gift.  I must be available the date of the wedding and the wedding must take place in 2013-January 2014.

You can nominate yourself or someone you know by doing the following:

1. Like my page Taken by Grace and Glory Photography.
2. Add a picture on my page's wall of the couple and give at least a short version (long version if you want) of their story and why they should be nominated.
3. Additionally, you CAN email any other details (your long story version) if you want to include more info; please email takenbygrace@hotmail.com but you must put the info on my facebook page and like my page to be entered (that way I can get ahold of you better :)

Please submit your entry for this contest by December 21st on my facebook page and finalists will be announced the following week and then voting will begin!!! :)

How do you win?  After the finalists are announced the voting will begin on my facebook page.  You can vote once a day on my facebook page until January 7th. The finalist couple with the most votes will win free wedding photography within the Tampa Bay Area or if the wedding is out of the area the couple will only need to pay for traveling fees and a hotel stay. What does this "freebie" entail.???..Well let me tell you...an ENGAGEMENT SHOOT, FULL day wedding coverage, two photographers, shared rights, all images downloaded to your computer (like a CD), access to affordable prints from a third party printing company or option to order from me, and a gallery for friends and family to view and download....WHEW!!! :)

So good luck ...can't wait to hear all the inspiring stories out there! :) But for now here are a few of my favorite wedding shots...

April's Wedding

April is a friend from school, we just graduated together!  The day before graduation she got MARRIED!!!  Could you believe that she got the job from her first interview??  Well, I wasn't really surprised but it is really tough out there for new teachers...GO APRIL!!  Back in May, she had an intimate and romantic backyard wedding at her house with her friends and family gathered around to celebrate.  I was honored to take some pictures of the evening.

 Her cake was so cute and went perfectly with her theme.  About 2 hours before I got there the top fell off and they had to take it back to get redone.  You wold have never known and April was so calm about it!!

  April's son was one of the ring bearers or should I said "Ring Security." 

I've said it before and I'll say it again...these two are just too cute!

 For the first time...Mr. and Mrs. Maitner!

They are so funny!

 Time to celebrate!

 Me trying to be creative without the flash...the light was so pretty and these two are just timeless.

Congrats again April and Jason!!!