Mr. & Mrs. Howell

I am so thrilled to share photos from Chris + Kelsey's big wedding day. Their ceremony was held on October 13 in Dry Ridge, Kentucky at the beautiful Jean La Beth.

I was with the couple for about four hours and let me tell you, it may have been the best four photography hours of my life. The entire wedding party was ready to go when I arrived which gave me three hours to just pose and snap. Check out that greenery backdrop, a total dream!

Last year, I took Chris and Kelsey's engagement photos and quickly discovered how in love they were. Before the ceremony I was reminded of that love, as they exchanged their vows in private — a special moment I got to share with them. As you scroll through some of my favorite shots, I think you'll instantly realize how in love they are too. They made my job so easy.

Here's to many years of happiness for the Howells!

The Vows

The Groom + Groomsmen

The Bride + Bridesmaids

The Bride + Groom

The Whole Gang

The Main Event

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Alyssa Wins 2018 AOF LEAD Scholar Award — You Go Glen Coco

Earlier this month, Alyssa and I traveled to the West Coast — blog post here. While we had fun in the San Diego sun, we were really there because my sister is the winner of the 2018 AOF LEAD Scholar Award. She was honored at the American Osteopathic Foundation's 2018 Honors Gala on October 5.

The AOF LEAD Scholar Award is funded by Karen J. Nichols, DO, and recognizes outstanding osteopathic medical students whose Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication are proven in the classroom and community.

For those who don't know, my sister is a fourth-year medical student at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine-Dublin. As a leader, she has worked to promote mental health awareness, represent medical student perspectives at national physician meetings and advocate for the unique value of osteopathic medicine. She has served terms as a National Public Relations Representative on the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents and as President of the OU-HCOM Student Government Association.

Alyssa feels particularly driven to help increase diversity in health care teams, especially women in leadership positions. "By saying 'yes' to leadership opportunities, celebrating the successes of others, and mentorship of the next generation of physicians, I hope to contribute to the breaking down of barriers for minorities in the medical field," she says. She also prioritizes service, making time to give back to her community and fellow students.

"Throughout my medical school career, one of my greatest pleasures has been being a mentor for the next generation of physicians. It reenergizes me and sparks the interest of those who will be the bright, future leaders of our profession."

Alyssa volunteers with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, local community garden, and Ronald McDonald House. Her prior awards have included OU-HCOM's Outstanding Group Leadership Award and Celebrating Women's Female Leadership Award.

"Being a servant leader, in my opinion, is a trait that holds the most value, as it can and will radiate into almost all other facets of life," says OU-HCOM Vice-Dean Wayne R. Carlsen, DO. "Alyssa epitomizes the words servant leader."

As a proud sister, I only have four words to say: "You go, Glen Coco!"

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Cookie dough craze comes to Lexington, don’t mind if I dough

In case you haven’t heard, NoBaked Cookie Dough opened a new location this month in Palomar Center. That’s right locals, the cookie dough craze has come to Lexington!

NoBaked is dishing out cookie dough by the scoop. Dessert lovers can choose one, two or three scoops of the following flavors: Chocolate Chip, S’mores, Brownie Batter Chip, Confetti Sugar, Peanut Butter, Cookies n’ Cream, Cookie Monster, Cinnamon Roll, Red Velvet and limited edition Pumpkin Spice. Toppings can be added for 50 cents each and in addition to cookie dough, they sell drinks, milkshakes and a half-baked sundae (warm cookie dough with two scoops of ice cream and chocolate syrup on top).

The first time I tasted edible cookie dough was last year at DO, Cookie Dough Confections in New York City. It was love at first bite. So, imagine my excitement when I found out a similar shop was coming to our city — gimme some sugar!

To satisfy our cravings we popped by NoBaked’s grand opening. Scott ordered peanut butter (of course), the boys chose Cookies n’ Cream and I had Confetti Sugar. They were all delicious, but the Cookies n’ Cream was my favorite. The cookie dough is very rich so I recommend no more than a scoop for adults and even less for kids — Maddox and Alex actually shared a scoop.

If serving up the Lexington community with cookie dough wasn’t sweet enough, the shop is decked out in dazzling decor. Think pink walls, signage and ice cream cones. They also paint each shop’s location on a white brick wall and there is an Instagram station — a neon pink “don’t mind if I dough” sign. Take out those phones and show us your sweet treats — dough it!

We will definitely be going back and next time we’re getting the half-baked sundae! Don’t mind if I dough.

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