And the winner is …

I want to start by sharing a story.  Not too long ago I was sifting through my mail and came upon an envelope from a local publication – Madison Magazine.  I opened it and then my jaw hit the desk.  “Madison Magazine wishes to congratulate Sweeney Photography as the Gold Winner in the BEST Photographer category for 2013!”  (Okay, just typing that got me a bit choked up.)  My first thought was – wow that’s so wonderful!!!  Followed by – I wonder who the big winner is?  I quickly went to their website and realized that the big winner was indeed me.  A smile formed, a tear fell and a silent WOOHOO rang out. Why silent?  I had to keep this fabulous and truly unexpected news to myself until today.

Today I finally get to share it and say THANK YOU Madison Magazine!  THANK YOU Madison Magazine Readers and Voters!  THANK YOU Family and Friends for your support the past 11 years!  And above all – THANK YOU to the Brides and High School Seniors and Families and Babies and Professionals that have allowed me to share their special moments, days and events!

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http://www.madisonmagazine.com/Madison-Magazine/July-2013/Best-of-Madison-2013/Best-of-Madison-2013-Arts-Entertainment/

The most wonderful time of the year … for me

Share Random Photos Wednesday

Festival season officially began for me last night with the kickoff meeting of the Summerfest Street Team.  Anyone that knows me knows that I have a love of music that is somewhat … passionate.  And my love of the World’s Largest Music Festival is a part of what keeps me going through the long, cold winter here in Wisconsin.

I’ve been part of the Summerfest Street Team for several years – a team leader for the last two.  I’ve had such a blast getting to know the people that organize the festival and the fans that love it.  I can’t imagine not being a part of it.  Why do I love it so much?  There are many reasons – the music, the food, the people I meet.  The diversity of all of those things.  There truly is something for everyone at Summerfest.

If you want to know more about the festival go to summerfest.com and follow me on Facebook and Twitter (links below).  I will post updates, photos and let you all know where the Street Team will be so you come by and say Hi!  We always have some free tickets to give away.  Plus, this year we are hoping to have some events here in Madison.  Woohoo!

I’ll be sharing photos I’ve taken over the years on Wednesdays from here on.  Let me know if you recognize anyone on stage or off.

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Share wedding photographs in Madison WI

Friday is Share Wedding Photographs

I love taking wedding pictures inside the Capitol building.  It’s architecture just screams for a bride and groom to pose.  On this particular day I had the luxury of time with my couple so we played.  On our way down from the third floor an idea for a mini photo story popped into my head.  I asked the bride and groom to stand in the middle of the elevator doors and kiss.  This is what happened …

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Hand in hand

Friday:  Share Wedding Photos

I took this photograph more than a handful of years ago.  The wedding was small and intimate and every moment was filled with love and happiness.  This photo was one of my favorites of the day because it signified taking their first steps into the future – together, hand in hand.

The second image is what I saw in my head today.  Sometimes I just like to play.  By the way, the carpet was not blue.  🙂

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