Giving is Awesome Winner Announced!

This years deserving recipient of the Giving is Awesome Package is the Mantell Family who was nominated by Stephanie C.! The Mantells are awarded a $500 Photography Package for photography services, photos, albums etc. Plus as an added bonus, the person who nominated them decided to give them her $150 package!

The Mantell Family experienced the loss of their father, Donald Mantell, on December 12, 2008 in his fight against cancer. This left his wife Nicole to raise 3 year old triplets and a five year old on her own. The other thing about this family that struck a chord deep within me is that Donald was an Officer of the Lyndhurst Police Department. So he also served other people. From the articles and emails I read, he was a good husband, awesome father, a fighter, and also a hero to some. So I'm very happy to award this Package to the Mantell Family.

Thank you so much for all of the nominations! It was definitely a hard choice given the economy and the stories I received. For those people who did not win the Giving is Awesome package, I would like to offer them something also. So I will be contacting all of you very soon!

Package Winner Update!

I apologize for not announcing the winner yet! The Holidays definitely ran away with me. I will be posting & calling the winner tomorrow (Friday) evening! So stay tuned!

Giving is AWESOME!

You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $150 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside within 1 hour of Cleveland, Ohio. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : weddings@PlatinumPhotographyOhio.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Terry Michelle Goodman

Due to the private content of most of the emails I've received, the stories will not be printed. The name of the winner and their photos will be posted on the blog.


Platinum Photography volunteered for a website called Giving is Awesome. If you know someone in another state who deserves this gift, you can view the website for other photographers around the United States who are also participating. If you are a photographer, you can sign up to participate! http://www.givingisawesome.com/

Jon & Jill: The Reception!

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I normally don't say anything for a Part II slideshow but I was so overcome with happiness while I was editing the dancing photos that I needed to say so! Look at the love in their faces. I'm such a romantic!

November 15, 2008: Jill & Jon

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Jill & Jon were married at Michaud's in Strongsville. The theme of their day was "Snowflakes" which I thought was such a great idea! When I first met with Jill & Jon, I was awed at how beautiful their love for each other is. So I was thrilled when Jill hired me on the spot. Since then, we had a great time with their engagement photos and it was such a pleasure to be a part of their Wedding Day. We were treated like family. And you could feel the love in the air!

A few photos in this slideshow were taken by Jamie Vaquez.
Part 2 will show up tomorrow evening!

Edgewater & OSU Engagement Session.....

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Chris, Michelle, and I started out at Edgewater earlier in the week for some more formal/romantic photos for Michelle. And being the lovely woman she is, agreed to go to OSU Stadium for Chris over the weekend.

Edgewater was a fun time getting to know Chris & Michelle. They brought their cute little doggie too. And we captured one of the last days of fall.

Then over the weekend we traveled to Columbus to photograph at the OSU Stadium. It was FREEZING!! Chris acted like a little boy in a candy store! He ran the length of the field. It did meet his approval. At one point he kissed the field which I did get a photo of! And a few band members were out on the field so they allowed us to snap a few photos! Thanks for such a great time Chris & Michelle!

Gary & Danielle's Freezing Engagement....

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Gary and Danielle were referred to me by Gwen Damron an earlier engagement session this year. I had not had the pleasure of meeting them until their engagement session. Gary has a wonderful sense of humor and Danielle has such a great personality so I am so happy to have met you. And even more happy to be photographing your Wedding in 2009! And they brought their buddy along. A cute little Jack Russell Terrior!