Debbie Unrau Photographic Images Blog

Today was the day… going home to be with family. It was Katelyn and Vanessa’s Graduation Day.  We had found the place to take their pictures several weeks earlier. I waited out at the old farm yard for Katelyn and her family to arrive.

It is a beautiful June afternoon. A car is coming down the road leaving a trail of dust. It stops at the side of the road and Katelyn gets out… I smile as I see her walk down the old road. I think about how her mom and dad must be feeling, seeing Katelyn on her last day of high school. It’s her Mom’s smile and her Dad’s laugh that tells me they are so proud of her. And her two brothers think she is wonderful. It’s her Graduation Day!

“I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you. ”

The princess shop is a non-profit organization that provides a graduation experience for those young women that would not otherwise have the same experience as their classmates.  The girl’s hair and make-up are professionally done.  They get to choose the dress of their dreams. Everyone donates their services and time……..

I had the privilege of meeting and photographing some of these girls. It was a cloudy cool morning. It looked like rain. But these girls with their infectious smiles, laughter and absolute enjoyment would have brightened anyone’s day…

“When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change
Cause you’re amazing, just the way you are.
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you’re amazing, just the way you are.”

Ten minutes after they drove away it poured!

Here are a few of this year’s graduates.

Two grew up across the street from each other. The third one lives three doors down. They have been friends since they were little. As we walked and took pictures we talked about their greatest moments in high school and of the friends they will never forget. They told me about some of their dreams and aspirations for the future.

“It’s your tomorrow right now.”

Congratulations!