Congratulations to Andrew Vick of Vick Photography

One of my inspirations for I Do Vow To came from Andrew Vick of Vick Photography with whom I share studio space at Living Room Studios. Andrew has been volunteering generous hours of his coveted time to underprivileged kids camps across Minnesota, building homes in Guatemala, mentoring through Big Brother and sponsoring orphaned children through World Vision.

I am happy to say that last week Andrew received one of the highest honors bestowed in the wedding industry...he received Minnesota Bride's 2009 award for best photography. The competition was tough but Andrew came out on top and I say congratulations - you deserve it.

One of my goals with I Do Vow To as it relates to Fete Perfection is to increase global awareness to couples while planning their wedding. While I understand and recognize their wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime-event, it comes and goes too quickly and sadly, couples are left wishing their wedding day could live on and on.

With I Do Vow To wedding planning services, it can. For example, Andrew donates the annual cost to sponsor a child through World Vision, in the name of each couple who hires his photography services. At the first anniversary, couples can choose to continue the sponsorship of their child. So although the wedding day has passed, one child is fed, clothed and offered basic needs for an entire year and all because someone hired Andrew. To me, this is one way to honor the commitment a couple makes to each other and sharing that commitment with others.

I have said this before, but I see benevolence and selflessness playing important roles in wedding planning in the near future. Ask me how you can make a difference with your wedding. I am here to help.

Humanitarian Award

If I were to give a humanitarian award to one person in the wedding industry, it would go to Andrew Vick of Vick Photography. Andrew is a man with deep convictions and unending faith and love for people. He travels extensively shooting destination weddings but what makes him an inspiration is he spends at least four weeks a year traveling to impoverished countries building homes and schools.

His wedding photography business keeps him booked almost year round, however he always carves out time in two week increments to travel to third world countries to live among the citizens, get to know them and help any way he is able. One of these ways is through building.

I share studio space with Andrew at Living Room Studios so I see first hand the intricacies involved in scheduling and planning these trips. Often the journey just to arrive to the location takes over 24 hours and for most, that would be discouraging but not for Andrew. He thrives on the challenge and gains energy from the experience and from what I hear, the lives of those he touches will never be the same. Check out this blog posting from one of his most recent trips to Guatemala.

Andrew you are truly an inspiration and if the opportunity ever presents itself, I nominate you for the Humanitarian Award.