State of the Art Soccer Fields Dedicated In Northeast

Four new soccer fields were dedicated Friday evening... two grass and two synthetic..  all are state of the art.  The fields, parking lot, amphitheater and concession stand/restrooms are on the site of the old bus/trolley barn at 9th and Van Brunt.  This view is looking south from the parking lot on 9th Street.

 Several teams put on an exhibition before it was time for the ceremony.

 When it's 101 you make your own shade if necessary.

 Above, the Northeast News was there interviewing Nick...

 The Mayor also arrived as did Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza Ruiz, her husband Genaro of the Mayor's staff and many from the City Council and Parks Department.

 Left to right,  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver,  Major James,  John Fierro , Jean Paul Chaurand, President of the Parks Board, Parks Board members McClain Bryant and David Mecklenburg, Scott Wagner 1st District at Large Councilman, and Jermaine Reed, 3rd District Councilman.

 Mark McHenry, Parks Department Director was the Master of Ceremonies.

 The Soccer Park was officially opened with first a ribbon cutting.

 Then a ceremonial soccer ball kick by the dignitaries.

The fields are fully lit for nighttime use as well.   Cost was around 2.6 million dollars.

Kaw Point Summer

 I've blogged Kaw Point before.  It's one of my favorite spots.  June 26th, 1804 Lewis and Clark landed near here (about a 1/4 mile up the Missouri) and stayed for a few days.  It's now a park, well maintained and easy to get to.  One can walk right to the rivers edges...  the Kaw is on the right and the Missouri is on the left.

 The above view looks Southeast toward the city.  Below, looking north from the same spot.

 I took the above photo for the grammar police.   Tracy?

Skyline Summer

Nice clouds today and less heat which means less haze and nice shadows.   Went to the Summit Street Bridge to capture the skyline.  Nikon D800 F11, ISO 100, multiple shots sandwiched (7)....  slight enhancement in the blues.  Nikon 14-24mm lens at 14mm.

An Officer And A Doctor And A Wedding

 Mary and Scott were married on June 9th at Our Lady of Sorrows at 31st and Gilham Road.   Mary takes her Boards next week for both MD and DO and is a student at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences here in Northeast.   Scott is a former Marine, Iraq War veteran and currently a member of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department working out of Metro.  

 The day began at the Bride's Uncle's house where the family got ready.  Her colors were gorgeous.  

 Next stop was at the church to do family pictures with the Groom's side and, of course, the full Mass.  A beautiful string quartet provided music in addition to the great organ they have there.

 After Mass some posed pictures inside and outside the church and then off to Kauffman Gardens.

 The wedding party was a great group of individuals... family and friends.

 The bride and groom received close to 900 shots along with the rights.   We also shot video all day and that has been edited into a 2 1/2 hour DVD......two Sony cameras were used, one stationary in the church balcony and one hand held throughout the day by my excellent helper Leslie.

 Rama Sola made the cake.   Rama and I went all through school together starting with kindergarten at Gladstone.

 The Ballroom at the Embassy Suites KCI was elegantly decorated with drapes.  The use of LED lights allowed the changing of colors throughout the evening and even in time with the music.

 Above, cocktail hour from 6-7pm... before the grand march, first dance, cake cutting, and plated dinner.

 It was a beautiful presentation in the hall.

 Above and below, the first dance and cutting the cake....

 Above, the head table and below the toasts.....

 Above, Mary sister Lisa was not to be out stretched for the grabbing of the bouquet.

 Above and below.... the garter was equally contested.

All shots taken with either the Nikon D3  (ceremony shots)  or the D800.. all remaining.    ISO set on AUTO.   File type varied depending on what I was shooting... RAW for posed shots and jpegs for the rest.  Jpegs were shot in Nikon Portrait mode.