The Wedding

Good reminder for us all.... 

 
The wedding.
Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick, 21 yrs old. Next to her is her fiancé, Nick, 23. This picture was taken prior to their wedding January 11th, 2005.  Katie has terminal cancer and spends hours in chemotherapy. Here Nick awaits while she finishes one of the sessions...

Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine, Katie took care of every single part of the wedding planning.  Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to Katie 's constant weight loss.

An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception. The other couple in this picture is Nick's parents, very emotional with the wedding and to see their son marrying the girl he fell in love when he was an adolescent.

Katie, in a wheel chair listening to her husband and friends singing to her.
In the middle of the party, Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath. The pain does not allow her to stand for long period of time.

Katie died 5 days after her wedding. To see a fragile woman dress as bride with a beautiful smile makes you think... Happiness is always there within reach, no matter how long it lasts.  Lets enjoy life and don't live a complicated life.   Life is too short.

Work as if it was your first day.  Forgive as soon as possible.
Love without boundaries.  Laugh without control and never stop smiling.  Please pray for those suffering from cancer.

Giuliana Rancic

I have had the opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people so far this year, and one of my favorites has to be Giuliana Rancic from E! News and her own reality show, Giuliana & Bill.  She is a truly inspiring individual, who takes the time to get to know all her fans.  Giuliana was very genuinely intrigued by the Mrs. United States pageant system and wanted to learn all she could about it in the time she had.  I hope our paths cross again someday and wish her and her husband the best in love and life!

Clothes Tree Fashion Show

Another fabulous fashion show!  The Clothes Tree by Deborah truly has some of the most beautiful and trendy clothing I have ever seen!  Whether you are wanting a casual look, suit or formal gown-this is the place to go! Deborah also sponsored my photo shoot with Frank Carnaggio and allowed me to wear some outstanding dresses and jewelry.  A must stop shop if you are in the Birmingham area!

Children's Hospital Visit

My visit to the Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL was one of the most memorable moments of my life.  After a morning of tears and prayer trying to prepare myself to be strong in front of the children and families, I sat in the limo that was sent for us, next to Rena Lantrip (my state director), Jennifer Beaver (Mrs. Alabama) and Savannah Boyd (Miss Teen Alabama).  We met race car driver, Ricky Byers just down the street from the hospital so that we could arrive behind him as he drove his race car to Children's for the kids to see.  I spoke with so many inspiring children and their families and tried to provide some level of comfort to them during these difficult times.  The kids were amazing!  I could have stayed there all day just to talk and play with them!  As our time was coming to a close, we were able to help one of the girls into Ricky's race car to rev the engine.  Her smile said it all!  She hugged Ricky and told him that he was "her hero" and "today is the best day of her life".  Ricky smiled back at the little girl and said, "I'm not a hero.  I just drive a car around a racetrack.  You are the real hero and are the reason I am inspired to do what I do everyday."  Even though the day was filled with emotions, it was definitely one of the best days of my life!

Johnathan Kayne Fashion Show

Someone pinch me!  I had an incredible experience modeling one of a kind dresses for a Johnathan Kayne fashion show!  He even had me wear a sassy cocktail dress with feathers on it!  Johnathan is not only an amazingly talented designer, but he is also one of the nicest people I have met!  Ladies, check out his new line-there are going to be some phenomenal new additions!

Joyce's Formals Make-Up Demo and Fashion Show







The ladies at Joyce's Formals sure do know how to make a girl beautiful! The day began with make-up demonstrations on stage at The Southern Women's Show in Birmingham, AL.  Melissa Moore Bogardus and her team of professionals showed the tricks to looking beautiful to all the guests of the Women's Show.  Afterwards, I had the opportunity to model some fabulous cocktail dresses and evening wear for Joyce's fashion show and finally meet the knockout Jessica Black, Miss United States 2010!  She is even more gorgeous in person!









Racing For a Cure Photo Shoot

What a gorgeous day for a photo shoot!  Mrs. Alabama (Jennifer Beaver), Miss Teen Alabama (Savannah Boyd) and myself have the wonderful honor of being the national spokespersons for Ricky Byers racing team, Racing For a Cure.  Ricky is a two time cancer survivor who has made bringing awareness to all forms of cancer his life's mission.  The Racing For a Cure team donates all the money they make to children's hospitals around the country.  The girls, Ricky and his team, country artist Tim Dugger and I met for a photo shoot with the Racing for a Cure race car.  The pictures turned out beautifully and will be coming soon!

Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway

Local celebrity Hope Hines

The evening of Saturday, October 2nd had many festivities in store for the race fans of Nashville, TN.  Before the races began I assisted in the induction of 10 driver's into the Racing Hall of Fame, where I was able to meet local celebrity and inductee, Hope Hines.  Following the inductions, I spoke to the audience about the Mrs. United States Pageant and then personally greeted each driver with a handshake and a "good luck" wish for the race ahead.  My favorite part of the evening was awarding the winning driver with his trophy, which was a beautiful guitar!  I had such a wonderful evening and LOVED hearing those engines roar!