Sneak Peak of The Dudley Family

I did a photo shoot this morning for the Dudley Family. Brian is on his way to Kuwait on Saturday for his 2nd deployment. Stayed tuned for more pictures and their slideshow!

Riverbend Prep + Home Depot + Kaboom + Kurt Warner = Success!!!!

So Tuesday I really did have the honor of volunteering my services to take pictures at Riverbend Prep. Kaboom!, Home Depot , the NFL and Riverbend Prep all teamed up to volunteer and build them a playground. Unfortunately the weather was not ideal but everyone was a trooper and I was so amazed at how many volunteers showed up on their day off to build something wonderful for these students.
Most of you men out there are going to love this post because yes I was feet away from Kurt Warner. He was pretty amazing as well. He showed up in the rain, (no ball cap) and did everything they told him to do. He mixed cement, he helped build a rock wall, he helped transport some mulch, then went in to sign autographs for a line of fans, took a ton of pictures, did interviews, and cut the board at the closing ceremonies. All of course in the rain.
The whole day was totally awesome- Even without the sun!
Here are some pics from the day- there is a lot. :)

Each team lead had a very unusual outfit on.... :)

The lot they were building on....

Some kids came out for the opening ceremonies

This was the district manager for Home Depot- he definitely got in and got his feet wet- amazing!

Starting to rain harder after lunch

The poor smiley face is being washed away.-Boo hoo!

Even the balloons couldn't take the rain anymore

The kids came out in groups through out the day to see the progress and they were soooo excited

A sweet note for all the workers to see

Almost done!

Mr. Kurt Warner himself!

The cutting of the board- no fancy schmancy ribbons in the Home Depot world

Thank you to everyone who volunteered! What an awesome experience!

Sneak Peak of Tuesday's rain

So on Tuesday I got to go out and volunteer with about 150 other volunteers from Home Depot and parents of the Riverbend Prep in Laveen. They were all there along with Kurt Warner to build a playground for the kids that attend the school. Unfortunately it wasn't the best weather to do such a wonderful project.
It rains about 2 days in Phoenix every year and this was one of those days. Everyone there was such a trooper- no matter how much it rained or how soaked everyone looked, no one complained. It was so much fun to be a part of something so special for the kids and so different from what I normally shoot.
I wrapped my camera in a trash bag all day and I wanted to show you want my pants looked like. This picture was actually taken earlier in the day- they actually were worse by the time I drove home.
I'll post some more images of the day hopefully soon- :)

I am so excited about this post! A few weeks ago I found this website called Operation: Love ReUnited through another photographer Erica May. It's a way for photographers to donate their services to the wonderful brave soldiers and their families. As a photographer you might be picked to capture a family session before the solider is deployed. You might capture the homecoming or maybe take pictures of the family at home waiting for the solider to return. And you'll send an album to the solider where he or she is stationed to have adorable family photos with them while they are away. I felt like it was such a rewarding thing to be able to give to someone who is so brave and that is overseas fighting in the war, Or to the family who has to be so strong waiting for their safe return home.If you are anyone you know is in the military you can visit the website and sign up for a family session. When you sign up, please request me.I am really looking forward to my first session to post.Please check out the website when you have some time. It brought tears to my eyes to see these families. And then I had tears of joy to see the pictures of the homecomings. I pray they all come home to their families.I am also able to cross off another 101 goals in 1001 days!#66-Check- Volunteer for a Charity!!

Just a reminder.......

You all need to get your letters in- you only have about a month.....


Big News!!!! Yes you heard it here, we have an exciting announcement at Mandy Hank Photography. In honor of my 5 year wedding anniversary this year to my husband Michael I have decided to start the First Annual Free Wedding Photography Contest Giveaway, by Mandy Hank Photography!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's right- all free, no hidden charges, no hidden fees, nothing, nada, zilp. Here's the deal-

*You must submit a letter explaining why the couple is so deserving. Any obstacles they have overcome, any adorable love stories, unique ways of meeting each other- anything extremely romantic- I want to know. I'm a true love story nut and I need to hear about it.

*You can write in for yourself or a deserving couple that you know. Make them good letters. I want to laugh and cry..

*The contest starts today and you have until March 28th, 2008 to get your letters in. The couple will be announced on my 5 year wedding anniversary. - March 29th, 2008.!!!!!(awww)

*The wedding must be either in 2008 or before March 29th, 2009 and of course the date can not be a day that I'm already booked. :(

*The wedding can be anywhere in the United States.

*The couple should be sincerely deserving of this prize. We would appreciate it if we didn't receive letters for couples just looking for a free ticket.

*The couple must be comfortable with having their entry letter posted on this blog.

*The details of the package The Deserving Couple will receive 8 hours of coverage Engagement Session and slideshow Online Gallery for viewing and ordering images 1 High resolution CD of all wedding images 1 8X10 20 page flush mount album All travel included for me (if applicable)

You may send all entries to mandy@mandyhank.com Subject: Contest Entry So there it is everyone- get your letters in as soon as possible- Ready, Set- GO!!!!!

First Annual Free Wedding Photography Contest

Big News!!!!

Yes you heard it here, we have an exciting announcement at Mandy Hank Photography. In honor of my 5 year wedding anniversary this year to my husband Michael I have decided to start the


First Annual Free Wedding Photography Contest Giveaway,
by Mandy Hank Photography!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


That's right- all free, no hidden charges, no hidden fees, nothing, nada, zilp.


Here's the deal-
*You must submit a letter explaining why the couple is so deserving. Any obstacles they have overcome, any adorable love stories, unique ways of meeting each other- anything extremely romantic- I want to know. I'm a true love story nut and I need to hear about it.
*You can write in for yourself or a deserving couple that you know. Make them good letters. I want to laugh and cry..
*The contest starts today and you have until March 28th, 2008 to get your letters in. The couple will be announced on my 5 year wedding anniversary. - March 29th, 2008.!!!!!(awww)
*The wedding must be either in 2008 or before March 29th, 2009 and of course the date can not be a day that I'm already booked. :(
*The wedding can be anywhere in the United States.
*The couple should be sincerely deserving of this prize. We would appreciate it if we didn't receive letters for couples just looking for a free ticket.
*The couple must be comfortable with having their entry letter posted on this blog.
*The details of the package
The Deserving Couple will receive
8 hours of coverage
Engagement Session and slideshow
Online Gallery for viewing and ordering images
1 High resolution CD of all wedding images
1 8X10 20 page flush mount album
All travel included for me (if applicable)

You may send all entries to mandy@mandyhank.com
Subject: Contest Entry
So there it is everyone- get your letters in as soon as possible-

Ready, Set- GO!!!!!

Chop Chop!!

So yesterday I had a hair apt- I was just running in really quick for a trim to the salon I used to work at. Some of you that know me know that I used to have another passion- Hair! I was a cosmetologist. I really love cutting hair, styling hair, playing with hair and best of all gossiping all day for a living. But when I had kids I kind of had to find something a little more stable. When I was just starting out I used to do so many funky things to my hair, I once had a pixie cut and it was jet black. I've had all colors of streaks, cuts and styles.

Anyhoo, I was just going in for a trim because I'm leaving tomorrow for Mike Colon's workshop in Newport Beach. Well when you walk into a place and just mention you MIGHT be thinking of cutting your hair in the future, those stylist jump at the chance to cut off more than "just an inch." I remember loving it when someone would come in and be up for anything. So Dena who does my hair convinced me to cut it then instead of waiting. So I did- and it's short. My hair was down almost to the middle of my back and the back of my hair is barely at my neck now.

I'm truly loving the new me. And although I will miss doing stuff to my hair, I have to remember it's only hair, it will grow back.

I actually am donating my hair to Locks of Love and I'm so happy I can give that to someone who doesn't have hair. It's a great website, you should check it out.

Either way I encourage you all to dare to be different. If you have had your same hair do for more than 2 years it's time for a change. Give yourself bangs or color it a different color, add layers or cut it all off and donate it! You will be happy you did.

Here is the end result- please give me some blog love in the comments and tell me what you think- I need some feedback and some help adjusting! :)

Irish Mist Golf Scramble

I had a great opportunity to participate in a charity event on Saturday for the MS research Foundation. It was the 1st Annual Irish Mist Golf Scramble. The Scramble started at 8:00 am and we had over 110 players. A great turnout. The round of golf ended about 1:30 and we had a lunch and raffle to close out the afternoon. There were many contests involved on the holes, including longest drive, best score and although no one won it there was a "hole in one" contest to win a car. We all had a great time and it was for a great cause. I'm sure there will be many more great years for this golf scramble to get bigger and better and raise a ton of money. If you are interested in it please e-mail me and I will be sure to send out the e-mail next year for you to sign up.