Miss New York 2008 | Leigh-Taylor Smith

Ok so remember that fabulous skyline from Jon & Keri’s wedding? Also perfect for Miss New York in her crown and sash in her Miss America evening gown. Leigh-Taylor Smith and I headed out to Long Island City while Jon was out at a softball game to take some photos to remember her year, where she lives and what she has represented. And then to capture the “real” LT, we jumped around to some pretty random places in an Anthropologie dress and cowboy boots. I think we got the real deal. At least Lisa (mom) says we did.



The Miss New York Organization was excited to see the photos as well and used them in the program book for the 2009 pageant. Maybe we'll make it a tradition...when's your shoot, Alyse?


View Leigh-Taylor’s Miss New York Photoshoot

WEDDING | Jon & Keri

You never know when you’re going to need a business card.

As I was frantically trying to figure out how I would get back to Indianapolis in November to photograph a wedding, and as my flight was cancelled, some guy kept asking me about wedding photography. I tossed a card his way, yelled “Nice to meet you, call me!” as I ran to my gate….and 5 months later, he called. Jon & Keri are awesome people and wonderful new friends in NY. They have the penthouse apartment on the water in Long Island City – perfect for photographing their wedding party with the entire NY skyline in the background. We did all of their wedding photos before the ceremony, so instead of Jon seeing Keri walk down the aisle for the first time, he saw her coming around the corner on the same rooftop to the place of his proposal and their engagement dinner. Pretty perfect. On May 23, 2009, some very tall people – there were NBA, MLB, NFL group shots taken – filled the West Side Loft in Manhattan to watch these two get married in a very unique and special ceremony. As it was the goal, this wedding was a party. Cheers!

View a few highlights from Jon & Keri’s Day – May 23, 2009

WEB DESIGN | Miss Duneland

As you can see, the Miss America Organization has benefited my professional network as well as my social and pageant aspects of my life. When I began in this organization back in Indiana, my title was Miss Duneland 2007. I developed a website for them years ago and I'm still maintaining it as my way to give back to the organization that has shaped my life. It's a simple iWeb site, but would be a perfect, easy, and inexpensive way for me to get you started and maintaining a website for you!

Some fun stories about Miss Duneland successes including Miss America 2009, Miss Indiana 2008-2009 and Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen 2008-2009 can be seen on my Miss Jubilee blog.

Visit www.missduneland.com here!