We were saddened this month with the passing of Marty Roenigk.  Marty and his wife Elise and their dog Aine were involved in a car accident.  Marty did not survive the impact, nor did their dog Aine.  Elise was injured pretty badly but is recovering now here in Eureka Springs. 

There are many times in our life that each of us must face the painful death of someone we love.  While no death is easy, losing ones partner in life has to be one of the most significant loses.  My heart aches for Elise and for Marty’s family as they struggle to find meaning during this difficult time.  Our community is struggling to find words of comfort to say to Marty’s companion.  Yet, I am sure that our words fail to fill the void in her heart.  Words are never enough.  What we seek are ways to make the inevitable struggle, the pain, and the suffering to end swiftly and quickly for our friend Elise.  Instead, we must wait.  Wait for our emotions to embrace this loss. Wait for our hearts to listen to our anger.  Wait for our minds to rid itself of all bargaining and confusion.  Wait for our eyes to lift from depression.  Wait for acceptance. 

In times like these, a hug does more good than anything.  A stroll down a long path reminiscing is priceless.  These are the things we must do.  And we will do them together here in Eureka Springs.  If there was one thing that Marty loved it was preservation.  Marty wanted us to remember our past by preserving it and I for one will preserve his memory in my heart.  Thank you Marty for everything you have done for our community, for my friends, and for me.

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We are so please to announce we officially opened our studio at 157 North Main street last month.  It’s still a work in progress, but for the most part it is complete.  Despite the fact that the labor on the building almost killed us…we are so happy with how it turned out.  Now potential clients and past clients can drop in to see what a wedding in Eureka Springs REALLY looks like.  Stop by and have a glass of wine with us.  We do suggest you call before coming by as we have begun taking sessions and we would like to visit with you and give you the time you so deserve.

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The daffodils showed up just in time for the Luker’s wedding a the Thorncrown Chapel on March 12, 2009. 

144luker2009purdyartco1After the wedding we went around town and captured a few of the yellow bell bushes that were in bloom that weekend too.

 

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Little Cash Armstrong had his first portrait made with us last month.  At only weeks old, he is changing rapidly.  So we decided to document the “little things”029armstrong2009purdyartco1

Call me crazy…we will be renovating a new building to expand our studio in 2009.  We’ve had such a wonderful time over the last few years operating out of our home, but the time has come to reclaim some space in my personal life…so the only way to accomplish that was to get my work out of one of the guest bedrooms.  I’m excited and a little nervous..but with my business growing so rapidly, I was running out of space in my home.  I had thought about doing this several times, but the timing never seemed right.  I also didn’t want to move into a place that would create too much overhead…which would cause me to make my services run higher for my clients.  We found a building that was priced just right and just needed a little elbow grease to get ready.  I’m proud of the fact that I waited and that I can keep my prices the same as I have for the last two years.  Our new location is at 157 North Main Street in Eureka Springs.  We should be completely moved in by March 2009.  This is a before photo.  Stay tuned for the AFTER photos.

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So what do you do when your tux rental company doesn’t get your shoe size “just right”…well…..

Erin and Ben didn’t let a little discomfort get in the way of their good times!

The Neel’s were united in marriage at this scenic lake overlook this past July.  The spritual center hosts many weddings for those who are drawn to their unexplainable karmic energy.  I was impressed greatly by the words spoken by Yao, who performed their ceremony.  A beautiful colorful sky lingered just long enough for the promises to be made, just before the rains came down. 

 

A carriage ride is just the right touch for a beautiful wedding at the Crescent Hotel.  Call and ask for Ada, at 870-749-2665 to arrange for your romantic getaway.

Every now and then, I meet a couple who are not only are sweet beyond belief, but their family is too.  I know without one doubt Ashley and Matt are going to have a long happy life together.  This is just one of the many couples this year who I consider to be some of the finest people I’ve ever met.  It’s weddings like this one that reminds me that it is often me who walks away with the fondest memories and not just my clients.

New shoes, new wife!  Ali and Jeff were married July 13th at the Thorncrown Chapel.  They put a new twist on everything!

Cute as a bug…and full of life!

Did I mention the impromptu tailgate reception?