Thanks to Rob Hoppie and another loyal Cassville Democrat reader, I have learned that the term blog is short for "web log." So I guess my blog is sort of like an on-line diary.

I was hoping the definition of blog would give me a better idea of what I am to write about, but now I realize, blogging is just another form of creative expression that I will be dabbling with in the weeks and months to come.

Recently, our family returned from a beautiful beach wedding in Gulf Shores, Ala. The bride was the former Erica Fielding, a graduate of Cassville High School who also happened to work as an intern in my office at various times during her high school and college career.

I was asked by Erica and her new husband, Keith Warden, to serve as their wedding photographer. At first I was honored and then I became terrified at the prospect of being responsible for photographing this once-in-a-lifetime event. It was an extraordinary sight to watch Erica and Keith exchange vows with an endless ocean as a backdrop, so my job as photographer was made easier and I actually found it rather enjoyable.

As a photographer (and a journalist for that matter), you are placed in the role of observer. You get a chance to step back and watch events unfold in front of you, and often, you gain a lot of insight from just listening and watching.

At the wedding, I was able to capture several intimate moments between Keith and Erica as they spoke quietly to one another and laughed and just reveled in each other's company. Their love was evident, and I was overjoyed to see one of my favorite people so happy.

The wedding was also attended by several other Cassville High School graduates, including Mindi Rose Artherton, Robbie Artherton, Stephanie Wahlert, Katie Harris Johnson and Jo Beth Harris. Once again, it was really fun to watch them all interact and see how their friendships have lasted.

I think I've written about the fact that one of the favorite things about my job is getting to chronicle the success and achievements of our precious young people. This is a real treat for me. It allows me to get to know some of these teens a little better, and it is an honor that many of their parents clip out articles and photos from the Cassville Democrat for use in their scrapbooks.

Erica, Stephanie, Robbie, Mindi, Katie and Jo Beth got plenty of newspaper coverage during their high school days. I remember what they were like as young students, and it is exciting to see that they've taken full advantage of all their gifts and abilities to grow into exceptional young men and women. Cassville High School should take pride in the caliber of graduates it is producing - plus they're a lot of fun to be around.

I want to use my blog space to wish Erica and Keith all the very best life has to offer. Keep God first in your lives and your marriage will flourish. Here's wishing you many more long walks on the beach and gorgeous sunsets over the ocean.