Justin & Lauren's Wedding - May 22, 2009 - Wilmington, NC

For those of you who don't have any idea who Justin & Lauren are, let me briefly explain. Most of you know that we have made 2 movies in Blakely during the last year. Justin is a Producer with Fearmakers Studio. Justin, along with his partners Bo and Christopher, produced the two movies, DISMAL and SAVAGE. When I first met Justin, Lauren was his girlfriend. When we wrapped DISMAL, Justin made a little trip to purchase a ring and said, "If Lauren calls don't tell her where I am". You see it would be typical for Lauren to call my cell phone, because Justin has a little trouble with his (not charged, not on, can't be found, etc.) So when Justin went back to Wilmington a few days later, he proposed. As they say, "the rest is history". A year later, I was at the wedding.

The picture below is (L to R) Bo, Me & Justin at a party hosted by Justin's parents the night before the wedding for the wedding party and out-of-town guests.



I had reservations in Wilmington at the Hilton which was right on the river and just down the River Walk from where the wedding was being held, thanks to a "Justin-movie connection hook-up". Thanks Justin!





On to the wedding, which was Friday afternoon at 4:30, at The Cape Fear Riverdeck. This picture below needs a little explanation. This is Justin, Bo and Justin's brother, Trevor. Upon my first introduction to Trevor, I didn't really think that he and Justin were that much alike. However, as time went on, I decided they were carbon copies. This is not a bad thing, but for those of you who know and love Justin, it adds humor value to know that he and Trevor are just alike.

During the rehearsal, as usual, there had been discussion of dropping the rings or losing the rings. Now dropping the rings would REALLY be a problem since we were on a Riverdeck and there were cracks between the boards. Earlier in the day on Friday, there were several of us at Justin and Lauren's house helping to get things done. Everyone went their separate ways and soon enough it was just me there finishing the flowers and Trevor speaking of the importance of him not dropping or losing the rings and getting a little nervous about the fact that he didn't know what he was gonna say for the best man's speech. However, it was still 2 or 3 hours until the wedding began and in the Soponis world, that's PLENTY of time. All that to say, this moment below is in fact the very moment that Trevor realized he had lost one of the rings. The limo was pulling up with the girls, Trevor was freaking out, Bo was laughing hysterically and in typical Justin form, he was doing his little signature head bob and laugh. Just so you know, the ring wasn't lost, Trevor had a hole in the lining of his tux pocket, so he just had to dig a little deeper.




OK....Crisis over....















The First Dance....



Eric Jones, Me and Bo. Eric was our 1st A.D. (Asst. Director) for SAVAGE. He and his wife Sara live in Wilmington as well.



A little entertainment on the water....



Closing out the night with a few last dances. We all had a great time and it was a beautiful afternoon and night for a wedding.






Since Justin & Lauren weren't leaving until Monday (i think), the party moved on to Elixir. Justin had taken all the serious pictures he could handle in one day, and by this point, it was back to the typical Justin. :-)

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Congratulations Justin and Lauren! Thanks for asking me to be a part. I wouldn't have missed it for anything! It was a great time to see many friends all at once! I was so glad to get to see the two of you and Bo as well as Lydia & Jason (why did we forget a picture?), Eric & Sara, Zach, Shawn & Rachel, as well as many "new" friends that I met during the weekend.

Justin, I had no clue, a year ago, when you guys came to town that you would end up being great friends for life. Your laugh is infectious, and I can never look at you laughing and not laugh with you, even when I don't WANT to laugh at you because for just 5 seconds I want you to be serious. I could go on and on with Justin stories, but most wouldn't do to tell, ha. Just know that I think you have the kindest heart, that is as big as the world and I am so happy for you! You deserve it! You know I love you, Soupie!

Fat, Fat, Jehoshaphat - FBC, Blakely

Sunday Night, May 17th, was the end of the year programs for the Children's Choirs at First Baptist Church. The Little Notes sang several songs and then the older choir presented, "Fat, Fat Jehoshaphat". They all did an amazing job.

Kamryn Carver

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Now sometimes when the CD won't work right and the kids are waiting on the right song, there has to be a little comic relief..... Cullen Houston handled it perfectly!

Jackson Allred and Ashley Phillips

Karsyn Carver, Alex Warr, Davia Allen, Andrew Smith & Caleb Williams

Savannah Hall, Victoria Nolen, Jackson Allred and Ashley Phillips, and below, Alex Warr

Katie Lyn Carver, Addie Phillips, Shanna Suggs & Courney Grace DeVane

Ethan Still, as Fat Fat Jehoshaphat....

Savannah Hall singing her solo....

Morgan Slappey

After a little fasting, Fat Fat Jehoshaphat turned into FLAT FLAT Jehoshaphat!

It's getting about time for some fun "friend" posts...... I want you all to meet my movie friends...coming soon!

A Sneak Peak at Football.....

It's time for some FOOTBALL..... Today was Early County's Spring Practice Game. It was a GREAT afternoon. I've uploaded alot of pictures in case you missed it. This blog is somewhat lengthy, but the boys have worked hard and they deserve it! Hope you enjoy!

There was excitement in the air this afternoon as the Bobcats finished up spring practice. So, they got their practice jerseys on and hit the field to show us what is in store for the fall. Obviously, after only 2 weeks of practice, there are many things to work on, but I must say, it looks like the Bobcat Football we are all accustomed to enjoying is well on its way back to Standifer Field!

Dillon Driver, as quarterback, with the carry.

It's always fun to see former Bobcat's back to check out the new crowd. Josh Storey and Walt Lightsey.

A little instruction from Coach Mo. I always love to hear his "explanations" of their screw ups, but on the very next play his praise for their great plays and hard work.

A special "shout out" to our great coaches. Before my involvement in athletics, I don't think I fully understood the role that a coach played in the lives of these young men. There are many players who need these coaches as a father figure, a counselor, a friend, or maybe even need a hero. I see, week in and week out, the time and love they put into each kid. Thanks guys for your time and your leadership. Even on the days you think you're basically getting nowhere, you're making a huge difference in many lives.

What would a spring game be without food afterwards? No fun at all! I have the greatest bunch of parents and boosters that are willing to do anything it takes to make the boys feel special!

Thanks Jimmy for taking the lead on the meal and making it all happen! Thanks to your crew that helped too! I appreciate all of you!

OOPS! A little minor injury. Unfortunately, we had one shaken up on the play.

Such is the life of a Head Coach's Daughter..... Miss Alissa hanging out with us

on the sidelines. However, I'm pretty sure she was right where she wanted to be!

Hard work deserves praise.....and that is exactly what they got. Coach Woolf told them this was the best spring practice he's had in years and shared a few reminders of how playing as a team is what will win ballgames.

And look who was with us..... a surprise. Brother Mark happened to be here for the weekend and was able to be at the game and love on the boys a little and pray a prayer of encouragement to finish out the afternoon. I think he'd steal a player or two and take them back to Florida with him, but we're holding on tight to all of them!

These might be 2 of my favorite pictures. "Reach out and touch somebody. " It's just a reminder that there is so much more to Bobcat Football than what happens during the game. It's about the changing of lives.

1 -2- 3....STATE CHAMPS!











He ain't heavy....He's my brother......

The Famous......STRAWBERRY CAKE.....just a little reminder of what a win will get you!

For those of you who don't know, years ago when Mr. Ric was coaching, "Miss" Kaye started the tradition of "Victory Cake". If Friday night brings a win.....then Monday after practice, everybody gets Victory Cake. I would just like to know how many boxes of strawberry cake mix we've been through. However, I cannot tell you what a great impression a little gesture like this makes. I see former players all the time, and "Miss" Kaye says the same, that say "I sure wish I had some Victory Cake!" .

Dinner is served. One thing I don't think we've EVER done is fill them up! I can't begin to imagine how much food it would take to fill them up. But we attempted tonight with Ribs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Rolls, and of course, Victory Cake.

Coach Woolf and his biggest fan!

Jacori getting a taste of Victory Cake.

The Heath Boys

Jordan and Jarrett

Bobcat Fans..... Get excited! Bobcat Football is back. Although last year was a rough year, there's a new spirit in the air. The boys have been working hard and they are pumped about the upcoming season. It is our job as fans to keep their spirits high and encourage them always.

This last picture is always my favorite. I think I probably take this same picture after every game.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 18:20

" I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,

'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. " Matthew 17:20

Good Luck this fall Bobcats! We Believe in You!