Our Little Beauty

Last weekend our daughter Anastasia was in the National Jr. Miss Pageant in Boston. I'll admit, I was worried that it would be somewhere between the "Little Miss Sunshine" and the "Jon Benet" type pageants where the little girls look like baby dolls and act precocious. I relented to let her be in it after I researched it thoroughly, and I found out what this particular pageant was like. It is based on helping the girls be well-rounded individuals, who are capable of modeling on stage, but also displaying interviewing skills, public speaking and self-introductions, good grades, volunteerism, poise, confidence and more. (There was, to my great relief, no makeup allowed in the pageant at all for this age group.) Well, anyway, she made it out of hundreds of applicants to be one of the 57 State Finalists. Then those finalists spent the weekend in various workshops, participating in the events, and being judged in the various categories leading up to the finale.

On the final night, they awarded ten girls with roses on stage if they made the top ten, and Ana made it!! My husband and I almost fell off our chairs! She didn't make it to the to the 1st or 2nd runner up, or the "queen" (this time!). However, she did an amazing job and really rose to the occasion in every way!! She learned a lot, made a lot of friends and had a really great time. We are of course so proud of her! She is already planning what she will do next year. Here are some images from the fun weekend..




Waiting her turn to do the personal introduction on stage with a microphone, speaking to about 700 people. She told her name, her hometown, and her future ambition to be a fashion designer in New York City.

This is Ana being escorted on stage by her oldest brother who is looking very handsome in his Marine uniform. I got goosebumps...


She takes a circle turn on stage to show her gown and grace in front of the judges, while he holds a bouquet of roses for her behind his back.

This is Ana doing a spunky runway modeling of casual wear fashion. She wore a tunic with leggings, along with a green bracelet and sunglasses.

This is one of the three trophies she received. This is the portfolio award for the Miss Photogenic contest. She won 4th runner up for this category.

This is the Pageant host saying goodbye to last years winner while the top ten girls in the finale await their fates. Ana is fourth from the right.

My little princess with the sparkling smile.





Besides the educational part of it, there was a pajama dance party the girls LOVED, & swimming in the indoor and outdoor pool. Many thanks again to all those who sponsored her, (your names were all in the program book too).


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Handsome Groomsmen

Often at weddings it is easy to focus on the beauty of the bride and the pretty bridesmaids, of course. But I also like to pay good attention to the groom and his ushers. Wedding photography today blends the traditional portraits with a more documentary fashion style. Here is an example of some good-looking guys from this summer's weddings.