cindy cieluch photography . blog

Briann: senior

Hello from Florida!!!  Here’s a snapshot of my first week on the beach: Matt’s best friend visited, Tropical Storm Ida made an appearance and we took a road trip.  I’ve also been living up to my promise of relaxing and spending lots of quality time with Matt.

I’d like to start blogging more again, so I’ve been debating on what to make my first post from Florida.  I didn’t have to think long.

Briann is the absolutely deserving, smart, funny, hard-working, thoughtful and beautiful “winner” of this year’s Senior Giveaway.  I announced the contest on the blog back in January, asking blog readers to nominate a senior who they think is deserving of receiving a $1,000 photo package.  Senior Giveaway posters were also tacked up at all of the schools.  The nominations came rolling in from parents, siblings, friends, teachers and counselors.  Each and every letter touched my heart.  I knew I was in trouble because it was nearly impossible to pick just one senior.  Then one afternoon, my husband and I were going through our mail and I opened up the letter nominating Briann.  The person who nominated her had some moving words, but it was the letter that Briann wrote herself that moved me (and my husband) to tears.

Briann is someone I consider an “old soul.”  She is mature beyond her years and nothing ever brings this girl down.  I don’t have her letter right in front of me, but her story and words were so poignant that I don’t need to read it again.  I remember everything that she told me.  Despite the tough times she’s been through, Briann said that family always comes first.  That’s why she has a job after school to pitch in.  She studies her butt off because she knows that her hard work will pay off one day.  Proof: a GPA of 3.9.  She also adopted a dog and cat from the shelter because “everybody needs a little help.”

This young woman has been through a lot in her life already and she knows that it has made her better in every way.  That’s why she plans to become a nurse or doctor, so she can continue to help other people.

While planning for our photo session, some friends/local business owners heard about Briann and wanted to be part of the photo shoot!  Tracy at The Blue Rose donated an outfit: Citizens of Humanity jeans (HOLLA!!!), a burnout cardigan by Velvet, a super soft dark purple tank top and a classy silver necklace.  Tracy = The Bomb!  Another humongous thank you to Tamara of The Living Room.  My girl Tamara hooked Briann up with a haircut, highlights, hairstyle, makeup AAAAAND products.  Are you kidding me?  THIS right here is why I LOVE Great Falls.  People look out for people and want to help out.  The Blue Rose and The Living Room made Briann’s photo shoot experience over-the-top special.  Thank you a million times!

And thank YOU Briann for opening up your heart to me.  I’m looking forward to our lunch date!

Thank you Tracy for this fabulous outfit!

HELLO GORGEOUS!  Thank you Tamara at The Living Room for your amazing job on her hair and makeup.

Posted in announcements, portraits, seniors |