So...if you live in Lancaster County, you know! You know that it has been ONE HOT SUMMER!! And our little corner of the globe gets ridiculously humid. "It's like a SAUNA out there!" So, in an effort to keep the kiddos in good spirits (and hopefully their Mama too...), we got a family membership to our local pool for the summer. All I can say is - lifesaver!! It has been a huge blessing to be able to head over to the cool, clear waters and colorful slides & fountains of the Ephrata Community Pool. And just last week I encountered another blessing at our beloved Pool in the form of pure happenstance...
I'll give a teeny bit of backstory. Several years back (at this very same pool), I struck up a sweet friendship with a mom, "Jen," who was also sitting by the baby pool watching her wee ones splash about. Turns out, this delightful lady was a missionary, home on furlough. We met up at the pool several times throughout that summer and since then have kept in touch through Facebook.
Last week, at this self-same pool, (for whatever weird reason), I saw a lady who reminded me of Jen. I approached her and asked if she was maybe related to my friend. It could've been one of those awkward moments where you are just way off base and the person kindly says..."No." But amazingly...she was Jen's sister-in-law, Sara!! We began to talk, and discovered our children went to the same school. We chatted some more and she told me she was the leader of this string quintet called "Vivace Strings!" "I know Vivace Strings!!," said I! One of the sweet higschool girls that rides the bus with my children is in that group! Small....small...world!
Vivace Strings is this amazingly talented group of women. They play for events of all kinds, including weddings! Since I am photographing my first wedding this fall, I was really excited to talk to Sara about her experiences playing weddings and how she advertises the group, etc. I am looking to expand into wedding photography more in the next year, so talking with someone who works weddings so frequently was SUCH a blessing! She was extremely helpful and kind. We excitedly chattered on with each other until a few dark thunderclouds had the audacity to interupt us, and send all the pool-goers fleeing for their cars. But what a "Happy Happenstance!" Thank you humidity, thank you Ephrata Pool, and thank you Lord, for giving me the opportunity to meet Sara!
If you need a string quintet, please check out their website: www.vivacelive.com
Just for fun...here are a few photos from the Bridal Shower of my first Bride. Stef & Even get married this October and this past May, I had the pleasure of capturing this first step toward her wedding day!