2000 through 2013 Official Team Photographer - ECHL Elmira Jackals Professional Ice Hockey Club
2000 through 2013 Official Photographer of First Arena - Elmira, NY
1999-2000-2001 Head Photographer - Elmira College Athletic Department
1998 - Through - 2009 LPGA Corning Classic Golf Tournament Staff Photographer

To date having shot Artists and Performers such as:
Chicago, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Beach Boys, Kenny Rogers, Barry Manilow, Anne Murray, Harry Chapin, Brad Paisley, Meatloaf, Hall and Oates, Blues Traveler, Mel Tillis, B.B. King, The Harlem Globetrotters, George Carlin, The Irish Tenors, Godsmack, Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, Staind, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, Willie Nelson, Otis Day & The Knights, AAron Tippin, WWF Professional Wrestling

Nationally Published Freelance Photographer:
Contributed Article Photograph - The Hockey News - May 11, 2009
Front Cover Photograph & Featured Article Full Page Photograph - March 2006 Issue
Featured Article Full Page Photograph - April 2006 Issue
The APMA News - The Magazine of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Front Cover Photograph - 2005-2006 United Hockey League Media Guide & Record Book

Contributing Photographer - Diocese of Rochester - Catholic Courier

Contributing Photographer "Just Hockey" Minor League Hockey Publication
FTD Association monthly "The Florist" November 2000
Front cover - Winter 2002 Issue - "Greyhound Gazette"

Internationally Published Sports Photographer:
Elmira Jackals Maxine Gratchev image was used in a featured article on NHL.com January 12, 2010
Sports Section - German Newspaper "OBERPFÄLZER" - July 5, 2004
German Ice Hockey Weekly - "EISHOCKEY" - July 6, 2004

Previously Shot for these Celebrities and Corporations:
President Barack Obama, Former First Lady, U.S. New York Senator, and Current U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer, Carrier Corporation, Corning Inc., Corning Museum of Glass, X-Gen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Hardinge Inc., Rockwell Museum of Western Art, Elmira Star-Gazette Gannett Newspaper, Wasson Guitars, Schweizer Aircraft Corp., Tommy Hilfiger, Dennis Rodman, Elmira Structures

"I wanted to share with you
some client testimonials.
For additional references,
please email me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or
contact me to get a referral list."

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Hey Rick-

Yes, we got it (FINISHED ALBUM) on Weds! I've been meaning to let you know. It's really beautiful! We were very happy with the pdf version but had no idea that the printed album would be a million times better. We love it! We can't wait to start showing our family and friends.

We want to thank you for everything. Thanks for being patient with us in getting this album finalized. We are very happy with how everything turned out and we enjoyed having you as a part of our wedding day. It was a wonderful day for us and we have amazing pictures to remind us!

Thanks so much!

All the best,
CAROLANN & CRAIG BERKOWITZ - WEDDING DATE - JUNE 19, 2010

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(Valerie Bush-Maloney posted on your Facebook Wall.)

"Rick- just got home and saw the album for the first time...simply amazing!!! Thank you so much for all of your talent and for making me something so wonderful to remember our Wedding Day! Thanks again!!"

VALERIE & BILLY MALONEY - WEDDING DATE - JULY 16, 2011

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"Rick,

We absolutely LOVE the pictures!  There are so many good ones, we can't decide which to put in the album. We have received many compliments from family and friends on your professionalism and pictures.   We wanted to thank you again for making our day just perfect. You were great to work with and you made planning a wedding from Florida so easy, especially with our crazy military schedules. Thanks again and we can't wait to place some orders!!!  "

JESSICA & ERIC BENNETT - WEDDING DATE - AUGUST 5, 2011

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"YAY!!! We LOVE the Pictures!!!  We were really impressed with how artistic they are. I don't know anyone else who has such amazing wedding photos. We look like models! I'm certain that the Museum, band, décor designer, etc. will all want pictures to represent their businesses. You caught so many great moments that I didn't remember/didn't see at the time. My parents had some friends over this weekend and spent hours looking at all the photos. Youssef and I spent an entire evening doing so as well. We are so delighted with the final product, and you were an absolute delight to work with.

Once again, I apologize for the delayed response; I just had a really crazy weekend. We DO Love You!!!!!

Thank you! "

KELSEY EL FASSY FIHRY - BRIDE - WEDDING DATE -  SEPTEMBER 3, 2011

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"Rick,

Thank you SO much for coming out today! We had a great time and can't wait to see the final product. Wade has said multiple times that it was painless and you made him feel very comfortable (he actually told me that he had FUN!)- we are very much so looking forward to the wedding and sharing our big day with you!

Thanks again, Rick, for a great day!"

KELLY & WADE - My Future, May 26, 2012 Wedding Couple after their Fall Engagement Shoot on 10/10/11

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Rick- The pictures are fantastic, not that I am surprised by this! Thank you!!"

KIMBERLY NORWOOD-COLWELL - BRIDE - WEDDING DATE - SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

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"Rick was our first choice photographer from the moment we saw his proof book at our reception venue. He was one of the only photographers who took great pictures of the people, and didn't get so "artsy" that the bride and groom became an afterthought. We were so happy with all of the great shots of our wedding day, from the posed altar pictures to the "Top Gun" serenade candid shots. He worked hard and captured every special moment and memory.

Rick also took some very unique engagement photos for us. He drove to D.C. where I was living and spent an entire day trekking the city for great shots. The results were some amazing pictures in the White House, at all of the monuments, and in front of the Capitol Building. These pictures were extra special since Dave proposed to me in the Blue Room of the White House.

We would definitely recommend Rick to any future couples. He gave us fair prices and took great pictures. He was friendly but kept us all moving so we didn't get behind on our wedding day. His experience showed as he posed great shots, stuck to our schedule, and gave us a great final product."

DAVE & MARY CLARK - WEDDING DATE – JULY 3, 2010

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"This one is a bit unusual, as it is not from a client, but from a Bride who wishes that she was a client!
This note touched me so greatly, that I wanted to post it for others to see, and the writer was kind enough to allow me to do so." Rick

"I apologize in advance if this is a strange e-mail, but I couldn't resist writing to you after seeing your work. I really wish I had come across your website before my Wedding at Cornell this past August.... If I could only go back in time and have you capture our
special day...

'Your work is truly artistry. Makes me want to cry and smile simultaneously at how colorful, expressive and creative the photographs you take are - they all tell such beautiful and happy stories, and your enthusiasm and love for what you do are present in every shot!!'"

Wishing you all the best!

Signed, A****** (She wished to remain unknown to her own Photographer)

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Rick,

"Thank You so much for shooting our Wedding! You were an absolute blessing for Ben & I! We got nothing but compliments about you from our guests. Good things come to good people, and you my friend are one of the better people! I never dreamed we would get to work with such a great person, and photographer! I haven't even seen the photos yet, but I know they will be amazing.

You did Ben & I such a huge favor and I hope you know how much we appreciate what you did!...You were an absolute pleasure to work with, and never once did I feel that you interupted our day,...all you did was enhance it! That is exactly what I wanted, and I would recommend you to anyone! Thanks again for your amazing work, and we can not wait to see the photos!"

BEN & ERIN WHEELER - Groom & Bride - WEDDING DATE AUGUST 6, 2011

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Rick:

"Just wanted to thank you for helping to make Erin's day absolutely perfect! We have heard nothing but wonderful comments for those who attended, and we can't wait to see the pictures! Thanks again!"

BARBARA & WALT JONES - Parents of the Bride - WEDDING DATE AUGUST 6, 2011

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"Rick: Just a quick note of thanks for all your hard work during Mardi & Michael's Wedding and Rehearsal Dinner. We had a wonderful time, but I was worried about you and the (105 degree heat.) Next time we do this, wear a tee shirt and shorts!

Bob and I would like to take you and Shelly out for dinner as a thank you. I know you are crazy busy, but you find a good week, and we will take it from there. Just let us know. It was really a pleasure working with you and meeting your lovely wife.

Again Rick, we haven't even seen the pictures yet, but we know they will be terrific! Thank you. "

MIMI & BOB PETRILLOSE - Parents of the Bride - WEDDING DATE JULY 23, 2011

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Rick,

"I was at work and everyone has been asking about them so I went to your website to pull up your blog to show the sneak peek and there was the full album! I have only been able to make it through about 25% of them tops but so far they are absolutely beautiful. It was so much fun to look at the pictures and re-live each special moment. I can't thank you enough for not only taking amazing photos but also being so wonderful and a special addition to our day. I can't wait to see the rest after I get some sleep today!"

CHRISTINA ROSATI - Bride - WEDDING DATE JULY 15, 2011

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Hi Rick,

"The pictures are amazing. Phil and I had so much fun going through the photos. We're not even done yet either. You did a wonderful job!"

LUCIA & PHIL ROSATI - Parents of Bride - WEDDING DATE JULY 15, 2011

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"Thank you Rick for the most beautiful picture of my granddaughter Shaelyn when you did the dancers alley ones. That is incredible and you caught her beauty and she shines. Thank you, your talent is far beyond words. Laurie"

LAURIE DUNN-RIBBLE - DANCER'S ALLEY MOM - JUNE 2011 PERFORMANCE

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"It was so great to work with you, you have an awesome personality and great talent :) oh and Five Guys ROCKS but you have to try Glenwood Pines sometime :)... We absolutely LOVE the (engagement) pictures! Thank you so much :) You will definitely be hearing from my "secretary" tomorrow,LOL!"

JESSICA MOHR & MIKE HOLLENBECK - WEDDING DATE - JUNE 11, 2011

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"Thank you so much for a fantastic day! These look so fantastic! I'm so excited to see the rest! We'll be back from Jamaica on the 17th and I can't wait to see the rest of the shots! The entire bridal party thought that you were so much fun. And that's a lot when 20-somethings kept telling me that! Have a great holiday weekend!"

CHRISTINE QUINN & RYAN TAIT - WEDDING DATE – JUNE 26, 2010

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"We wanted to thank you for being such a great partner in our big day. You were very courteous and easy going, which made the day less hectic than it could have been. We can't wait to see the pictures. Hope you had a good time and look forward to talking to you soon!"

BETSY KELLY & J.B. BRAND – WEDDING DATE – JANUARY 2, 2010

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"Hey Rick! I just wanted to let you know that my Dad shipped us our album after you two ran into each other and we got it recently and absolutely LOVE IT!! It came out perfect and I just wanted to thank you again for being so wonderful throughout our entire wedding. We couldn't be more pleased. Take care!"

BETSY VAN DEN BLINK & JOE LODICO – WEDDING DATE – DECEMBER 19, 2009

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"Jen and I have been feverishly going through every picture on the wedding DVDs and printing like crazy. I'm going to have to take out a second mortgage for the ink for our digital printer! I wanted to let you know that our pictures turned out incredible. We really couldn't be happier. You got so many great shots and we're both indebted to you."

JENNIFER JOHNSON & VINNIE WATKINS – WEDDING DATE – OCTOBER 31, 2009

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Good morning Rick. Just want to thank you again for all the fun and the wonderful pictures I am sure we will be getting. You do such a marvelous job and can see why you are in the profession you are in. Putting all the people at ease is such a talent. We appreciated all you did to make the wedding such a success too. Thank you again. An appreciative customer and friend, Jana Bollman." (Mother of the Bride)

MEGAN BOLLMAN & TODD FOSTER - WEDDING DATE - JULY 30, 2009

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Rick,
Nick and I have spent HOURS looking at the pictures. We are getting tired, and will look more tomorrow but they are absolutely beautiful. We keep commenting on the fact that we are SO thankful for having you as part of our day. We can't wait to order more photos from you for our wedding party and families. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STEPHANIE HERZIG AND NICK JOHNSON - WEDDING DATE - JULY 25, 2009

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Rick-

"Hi from Australia!!! Jonathan and I finally got a speedy internet connection and were able to look at some of the shots from our wedding. We are SO pleased!! They are fantastic! We have been talking about how great it was to have you as part of our day – how you seemed to truly enjoy the photography and spending time with us. Just wanted to send you a quick thanks now – we look forward to getting the DVDs once we are back in the country. Thanks again and hope you are enjoying the rest of your scheduled weddings this summer!"

SARAH (SCUDDER) & JONATHAN HEDDLESTON - WEDDING DATE – JULY 11, 2009

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Hi Rick,

I got an e-mail from Dad yesterday saying that he checked out your website on a whim to see if our wedding pictures were posted, and sure enough, they were there! Ray and I went through them last night and kept saying "That's a cool picture. That's a great picture. So is that one! And THAT one!" Thank you SO much for being such a big part of our wedding weekend and capturing so much detail and emotion. As Ray said, anyone that looks at those pictures will see what a fun weekend we all had, from start to finish! All of our guests commented on how great you were, too, spending as much time with us as you did. It certainly did allow for some fantastic pictures!

Thank You so much for all you did at our Wedding. The pictures are outstanding and you were by far, the MOST responsive vendor I worked with. You made my life so easy on my Wedding Day. Thank You so much!

Thanks again, Rick. You were fantastic!

SHARI & RAY RIDEOUT - WEDDING DATE - AUGUST 31, 2008

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Hi Rick!

I'm writing to thank you for all of your help at the wedding. AJ and I truly enjoyed working with you at our Wedding. I'm so happy we chose you to be our photographer. You made everything very easy and that helped us to relax and have fun at our Wedding and Reception.

Sincerely,

SARA & AJ KLIMEK - WEDDING DATE - AUGUST 8, 2008

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Hi Rick!

I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful wedding photos! You were so wonderful to have around-easy to work with and everything turned out perfect. Anyway, there are so many photos I can't even recall alot of them-but I know you got pictures of all the special people to me-and captured some looks and moments that I'll have forever. Mike and I were laughing though because in some pictures he looks more like the groom-we always get a kick out of that because everyone used to think Mike and I would get married. Thank you again and I hope you're having a good end of the summer.

Best,

KATHANNE FIELD CUNNINGHAM – WEDDING DATE – JUNE 14, 2008

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Rick,

I just had the pleasure of viewing the amazing pictures from Ryan's Service. Another outstanding job! You captured everything in a most tasteful manner and secured a memorable tribute for his family & friends. For what it's worth I want to compliment you for all that you have done to help celebrate the lives of our fallen brothers. I know your works are and will be appreciated by all those that view them.

Thank You

MICHAEL J. BARTON - PAST-PRESIDENT HORSEHEADS FIRE DEPARTMENT

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Hi Rick,

I just want to tell you that our publisher and others (but he's really the guy that counts) raved about your photo of Kit that we used for the cover of Goodlife. It just went to the printers Monday; I'll make sure you get copies when it publishes. I'll file your voucher this week. The publisher asked about why the photo worked – content not technique. I told him it was because when I gave specific instructions to you and Martha regarding the model's hair, jewelry, etc. – you all were on board and gave me just what I wanted. I hope this doesn't sound patronizing – my point to him has always been that One: It's impossible to choose a model for a cover when you can't actually see what she looks like. Two: What seems like a good idea to me might be a bad idea for the circumstances you're working with. Your photos nailed the content of the story.

DIANA N. BEAN - CUSTOM PUBLISHING EDITOR - PRESS & SUN-BULLETIN - JANUARY 09, 2008

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Rick:

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much we LOVED our wedding photos. They're absolutely amazing.

When I got engaged I told my mom and dad first, my best friend second and you third. I didn't care where the wedding was, when it was or who was there - as long as you were there.

You exceeded all of my expectations (and they were pretty high) and I couldn't be happier with how the proofs came out - you definitely captured all of the emotions of our wedding/rehearsal without being obtrusive. I couldn't be happier- thank you so much!

Love,

MARY & NICK BARNES - WEDDING DATE - JULY 20, 2007

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Hi Rick,

I am writing to say thank you so so much for a wonderful job on our wedding pictures!

When I first asked you to photograph the most special day of our lives I had no worries at all. I knew, based on your past work, that you have a great eye and could capture moments like no other. What I didn't realize is howmuch you would exceed our expectations. Chris and I were literally blown
away at what moments you captured and how you chose to capture them. Of our many, many pictures we honestly love them all!

Your ability to capture the emotion and special characteristics of so many of our friends and family is phenomenal. And thanks to you, we will have
those pictures forever, reminding us of what a wonderful day it was.

On top of the quality and unique pictures you gave to us, we appreciate your professionalism and helpfulness throughout our wedding process. You went
above and beyond to make our rehearsal and wedding day the best that it could be.

Chris and I live in Syracuse and are spreading the word about how phenomenal you are at what you do. My co-worker has a daughter that is getting married next August and she asked me about you compared to other photojournalists in the Elmira/Syracuse area. I told her that, hands down, you are the best in the southern tier and quite possibly in central New York.

Thanks again Rick....we will be calling when the time comes for some of those great pregnancy shots that you do!

Love,
Chris & Sarah Wojnarek

SARAH & CHRIS WOJNAREK - WEDDING DATE - APRIL 28, 2007

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Rick,

Just wanted to let you know pat and i saw the albums. Super job,great shots. Our sincere thanks for making this wedding memorable for the kids and for us also. You captured some great moments never to be forgotten. Do not hesitate having people call us if you need any reccomendations or references.

Thank you so much.

PONCHO AND PAT ANDREWS (PARENTS OF THE GROOM) AMANDA & MIKE - WEDDING DATE - NOVEMBER 25, 2006

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Rick,

Weddings....months in the planning, a heartbeat in time.... I can't even begin to tell you how special the pictures of Jason and Heather's wedding are. Seeing the pictures for the first time was like living the weekend all over again. This was such a precious time for all of us and you captured all of it perfectly. We can't even begin to pick our favorites.....you caught all of the laughter, all of the tears, all of the joy. You saw so many things that we didn't...and we thank you for it. We spent so much time on all the little details so that everything would be exactly the way they wanted it, and now we can remember those details thanks to the pictures. Please know that these pictures will be well loved and widely shared, as will praise for your work. You have such a gift for getting to know the people you are working with for such a short time and letting everyone see the uniqueness of a special time-it's especially nice to know that the pictures you created for us are unlike anyone else's. We loved working with you, getting to know you....you are truly an artist, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

EMILY AND MIKE REED - PARENTS OF THE GROOM - HEATHER AND JASON - WEDDING DATE - NOVEMBER 11, 2006

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Hi Rick,

Marco and I loved the pictures as did everyone else. Everyone has commented on what a great photographer we had. Some of our favorites are the ones you got during the best man speech. Thanks again Rick! You really held up to your promise that I would not even notice you and you should know that when I tell people about you I call you the "Ninja Photographer." You were not intrusive at all and got some really great pictures. Marco and I are very pleased with your work!

KERRY AND MARCO GONZALEZ - WEDDING DATE - AUGUST 19, 2006

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Rick,

Words can't express how thankful we are to you and the wonderful job you did taking pictures at the Wedding. Many people have said that these photos should be in a Magazine! Thank You!"

MELANIE & RYAN CIOTOLI - WEDDING DATE - JULY 15, 2006

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Hi Rick,

I am sure the bride and groom will send you their own little note, but I wanted to be first to say - The photos are fabulous!!!! We couldn't be more thrilled with the results. You truly have a unique eye in which you view things and it shows in your photography. The pictures are larger than life. Thank you again for all your professionalism and I look forward to working with you again in the future!

Warmly,

BETTY HOLMAN - MOTHER OF BRIDE - PENNY AND CHRISTOPHER HAHN - WEDDING DATE - MAY 28, 2006

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Hi Rick,

I just wanted to send you an email and thank you for all that you did for our wedding. Even though we haven't seen the pictures yet, I'm sure they'll be terrific. We can't wait to see them.

We had a great wedding and we hope you had good time too. Ryan and I had a fun time with you and I know my parents enjoyed talking with you.

Thanks again for all your help - and for the fun kayak idea! I'm glad I did it. Those pictures will be something else!

Talk to you soon.

Best,

MELISSA & RYAN BERRYANN - WEDDING DATE - JUNE 10, 2006

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Dear Rick,

How can we Thank-You for giving us a "Permanent" Memory of the Wonderful Tribute given to Dick (Horseheads Fire Chief Richard G. Sullivan). The DVD will always remind us of all the wonderful, caring people who supported us, and shows us our last times with Dick. Thank-You, for Our Memories."

Sincerely,

CAROL, KEVIN, BRIDGET & PATRICK - FAMILY OF HORSEHEADS VILLAGE FIRE CHIEF RICHARD G. SULLIVAN - FUNERAL DATE - APRIL 8, 2006

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Hi Rick,

"The Wedding pictures are fabulous! We had so much fun looking at them! We love all of them especially the impromptu pictures.

You were everywhere and we had no idea! Thank You! You and Maria captured every special moment of Jenn & Matt's Beautiful Day. We can't thank you enough for your professionalism, patience, caring manner and genuine concern for all of us. The Albums are truly a treasure! We also had a great time viewing the slideshow on the web! It certainly tells the story of these two people! "

"Again, our deepest appreciation for all you have done for these two special people! "

Warmly,

Wayne & Sharon Lambert (Parents of the Bride)

JENN & MATT MCCANN - WEDDING DATE - FEBRUARY 25, 2006