Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington

This weekend, Washington, DC is getting ready to commemorate the March on Washington. As we remember the March, I want to remember one of the men at the center of this gathering - the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am an alumna of Boston University's Graduate School of Theology, and knowing that I walked on the same hollowed ground upon which he did when he earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology from Boston University is humbling, yet energizing. And it makes me wonder if there is some current Boston University student who will be inspired to work for social justice.

Photograph by Shannon Finney, August 24, 2011, Washington, DC

Photograph by Shannon Finney, August 24, 2011, Washington, DC

Photograph by Shannon Finney, August 24, 2011, Washington, DC

Photograph by Shannon Finney, August 24, 2011, Washington, DC

Beach Blanket Memories: Good Morning, Spring Lake

Spring Lake, New Jersey has become a second home for my family. With its pristine beachfront, gorgeous homes, and charming B&B's, it's little wonder. I can't pick my favorite time of day in Spring Lake, but early morning is a strong contender. The stately homes that line the streets of Spring Lake are quiet, beautiful monuments to summer days that end all too quickly. And the sky - the early morning sky in Spring Lake is at its most intense, with blues that reflect the waters below, and streaks of yellowy-orange. 

Beach Blanket Memories: Bright Blue Breakers Beauty

When it comes to the beach, any day is a good day, even when it's a cool, crisp day in early spring. I photographed this at The Breakers Hotel and Resort, that lovely iconic property that makes brides-to-be and golfers, alike, swoon. But, on this day, it was all about the blues - of the sky and of the water - and the bright snap of yellow of the flag mounted on the lifeguard stand. 

Photograph by Shannon Finney, West Palm Beach, Florida, March 2013

Beach Blanket Memories: Sea and Shadows

As we approach summer's end, and the first anniversary of super storm Sandy, it's nice to think back to memories from summer's past, especially to those summers I've spent in Spring Lake, New Jersey. After a day on the beach, the setting sun marks the start of another favorite beach past time - walking the boardwalk. And while Sandy left its marks on the Spring Lake boardwalk, it can never destroy these surf side memories.

Photograph by Shannon Finney, Spring Lake, New Jersey, August 2010

Getting Wed With a Little Help from My Friends: Foul Weather Friends (Yes, There's a Happy Ending:)

Neither snow, nor sleet, nor derecho with drenching rains, nor downed trees and power outages could keep this bride from having an incredible wedding day! Brittany and her BFFs braved the aftermath of a brutal storm to pull off a beautiful wedding day. With friends like these, I'd be all smiles, too:)

Getting Wed with a Little Help From Their Friends: Bethany and Cam Go Back to School

For Bethany and Cam, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC served as the backdrop for their wedding celebration, and their friends pitched in, doing everything from catering the wedding feast, baking the wedding cake, providing music for the ceremony and reception, and making this a too-cool-for-high school wedding day!

Getting Wed with a Little Help From My Friends: Kate and the Delta Zetas!

For Kate's Old Town Alexandria, VA wedding, there was no shortage of well-wishers - from family and church members to classmates, you could feel the love. But, the most fun group of all were Kate's sorority sisters from Delta Zeta. Dressed in fun jewel-tone dresses, the ladies hit the dance floor with their newly-married BFF, proving, once again, that your big day is big fun when your friends are there to share it with you:)