This session was close to my heart! I've had the honor of watching Allyson grow up! Her family happens to be close friends with my family--the type of friends who become family. My father was best man at her parents' wedding and they come to most of our family gatherings. I'm leading off with a photo taken one Christmas many years ago. Allyson is the one in red, with the impish smile, sandwiched between my daughter and niece who is holding her. I took her brother's senior photos four years ago and it seems like I blinked and all of a sudden it was her turn! How did that happen? I still remember her toddling around my parent's house. Seems like it wasn't that long ago!
Anyway, Allyson traveled a few hours to have her senior pics taken here in Wooster. After some socializing and lunch, we headed to the arboretum, first visiting the pond--a favorite spot of mine! Her sporty outfit of jeans, tennis shoes, and white crop top was perfect for that setting. As we continued to explore the grounds, I wondered if the flower blooms would be slowing down since summer was winding down. But, nope, there were flowers everywhere! In fact, it was absolutely glorious! Especially the huge--and I mean HUGE-- pink hibiscus flowers that framed her as she sat on a wooden bench. They looked so lovely with her pretty pink floral dress that she had changed into. I could have stayed the whole evening shooting at the arboretum, but we wanted to change things up a bit and get more variety in, so we headed out to downtown Wooster before the sun set.
I love downtown Wooster in the evening, when the twinkling lights come on. I'm happy we were able to catch the twinking lights in some of the shots. I kept on clicking until dark and thought we were finished. But as we headed to the car, I saw a storefront lit up with a fancy chandelier. She was carrying her purse and I told her to keep the purse on her shoulder and then posed her in front of the window. I wasn't sure if it would turn out--it was a bit of an experiment--but it ended up being a successful experiment. I was so happy with the way it turned out. Not a traditional senior photo, for sure, but a beautiful and unique shot!
After that last photo was taken, I talked to Allyson about what a hot and humid day it was, and though I know she had to be feeling the heat --especially at the arboretum earlier--I mentioned how she somehow managed to not look like she was a melting mess. She looked so lovely and fresh in my viewfinder. She jokingly deadpanned, "I don't sweat, I sparkle." I laughed (Allyson has always had a great sense of humor), but I had to agree. Allyson certainly did sparkle in front of the camera!
Allyson is quite an accomplished student. She is part of student council at her school. She is also on the tennis team and swim team. She aced her ACT, which wasn't a surprise as I've always known she was a smartie! I'm sure there are some nice scholarships headed her way. I'm curious to see where she ends up. She has plans to study biology, leading to pre-med. She has an Ohio school or two on her list, but is adventurous enough that she wouldn't mind being out of state. No matter where this determined girl lands, I know she will do just fine. In fact, I'm sure she will excel.
Ally, I hope you have a fabulous senior year and I wish you all the best. So glad I was able to take your senior pics. I'm sure I will see you around at family get-togethers. Looking forward to hearing about your college decision and keeping up with your adult life in the years to come! I know you are headed for great things!