Entertainment
People LOVE photo booths! While you might be having a blast with your own couple shoot, most of your guests back at the reception are wishing for you to get back sooner. The photo booth is a great way to entertain your guests while they wait for you. We always have a queue to get into our booth and when guests come out they are always smiling. Your guests will come in again and again to take more photos. Your guests will be raving for weeks about all the fun they had!
Favors
Why give a traditional box of candy when you give a fun photo from the day that guests can look back on for years to come? Many of our couples use the photo booth as replacement for guest favors.
Memories
One of the coolest things about the photo booth is that almost all of your guests will be in it taking pictures. They will create lifelong memories that will not be captured by your photographer. Your photographer will be busy focusing on you and not all of your guests. You will be able to print, share them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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The men and women who wear a badge made a courageous decision to dedicate their lives protecting people in their community.
Behind every badge is a human being, just like me and you. A real person with emotions, feelings, families, likes, dislikes and even their very own flaws. All too often, society seems to forget that.
A small, but growing, part of the public sees law enforcement officers as just a badge, a uniform, a superhuman, and unfortunately sometimes an enemy. A big reason for this... influence from movies and media. Most civilians have very little knowledge of what a police officer actually does on the job.
While I don't know everything that happens on the job, I can tell you that most of them have seen unimaginable things, things that no human being should ever have to see. They sweat, bleed, and even cry for people that they don't even know. They wear a badge to serve a public that at times can appear thankless and ungrateful. Despite that, they still answer every call for help.
My purpose in this post is to remind you that these police officers are not just a badge or a uniform. They are not superhumans. They are just regular people that go above and beyond to keep peace in our community. They are your neighbors and friends.
I ask that you please take the time to say thank you. Honor those brave selfless individuals. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting you.
Officer Garden & K9 Officer Brak
He's more than just a police officer.
I met Brett when I transferred to SIU to finish up college, he was already a police officer. I knew nothing about LEO life. Over the last 8 years we've gotten married and have been blessed with two amazing kids. He doesn't just get to go to work and come home and that's it. It follows him everywhere, but some how he manages to make it work. When we go out he gets to face the door, he has to sleep through our three year old singing(screaming) "Let it go, Let it go!" in the morning and he's only been in bed a few hours, sometimes the only way he gets to see the kids is through video messages for days at a time, but we make it work. Our daughter responds to K9 commands and I'm sure our son will too when he is older. I've gone to plenty of holidays, parties, ect. without him. I don't brag about him like I wish I could because I don't want to get into a debate about the police, and I wouldn't dare wear a police wife shirt out of the house most of the time. We have date nights on weekdays, sometimes we go days without seeing each other awake, and I sleep alone four nights a week. I have a dark place in the back of my mind where I lock away my worries about his job. I chose this life and I wouldn't change it for the world. So next time you see an officer know that he or she is so much more than that. - Kacey Garden
The men and women who wear a badge made a courageous decision to dedicate their lives protecting people in their community.
Behind every badge is a human being, just like me and you. A real person with emotions, feelings, families, likes, dislikes and even their very own flaws. All too often, society seems to forget that.
A small, but growing, part of the public sees law enforcement officers as just a badge, a uniform, a superhuman, and unfortunately sometimes an enemy. A big reason for this... influence from movies and media. Most civilians have very little knowledge of what a police officer actually does on the job.
While I don't know everything that happens on the job, I can tell you that most of them have seen unimaginable things, things that no human being should ever have to see. They sweat, bleed, and even cry for people that they don't even know. They wear a badge to serve a public that at times can appear thankless and ungrateful. Despite that, they still answer every call for help.
My purpose in this post is to remind you that these police officers are not just a badge or a uniform. They are not superhumans. They are just regular people that go above and beyond to keep peace in our community. They are your neighbors and friends.
I ask that you please take the time to say thank you. Honor those brave selfless individuals. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting you.
Sgt. Baxter
To some he is a uniform. To some he is a news headline. To some he is the calm in a storm. To some he is the ride to jail. To some he is the voice of calm.
To his family and friends he is love. To his children he is the beginning and end of everything. To his community he served them with integrity and compassion for 20 years.
He is one of many of his kind. Everyday he puts on a uniform and a bullet proof vest and with a I love you and I'll see you later he goes on duty. Everyday the last thing he hears before leaving home is I love you Bacon, see you later.
Words that for most are routine. For us it's could this be the last time? For us it's holding your breath for a 10 your shift. For us it's sleeping alone so you can sleep safe. For us it's what we run in our heads a thousand time every time when we hear of an officer down somewhere. I love you, three words that he knows mean we need you, please come home safe, goodnight, goodmorning, please try to eat something other than a drive through tonight or drink water not only coffee all night. Three words that mean everything.
Our family is no different than any other Police officer or first responder out there. Our story is that of many. Our story is a blue family. Our story is love. - Brandy Baxter
The men and women who wear a badge made a courageous decision to dedicate their lives protecting people in their community.
Behind every badge is a human being, just like me and you. A real person with emotions, feelings, families, likes, dislikes and even their very own flaws. All too often, society seems to forget that.
A small, but growing, part of the public sees law enforcement officers as just a badge, a uniform, a superhuman, and unfortunately sometimes an enemy. A big reason for this... influence from movies and media. Most civilians have very little knowledge of what a police officer actually does on the job.
While I don't know everything that happens on the job, I can tell you that most of them have seen unimaginable things, things that no human being should ever have to see. They sweat, bleed, and even cry for people that they don't even know. They wear a badge to serve a public that at times can appear thankless and ungrateful. Despite that, they still answer every call for help.
My purpose in this post is to remind you that these police officers are not just a badge or a uniform. They are not superhumans. They are just regular people that go above and beyond to keep peace in our community. They are your neighbors and friends.
I ask that you please take the time to say thank you. Honor those brave selfless individuals. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting you.
Patrolman DeMattei
I never thought the police car I would pass and frantically look at in my rear view mirror (to see if it would turn around because I was speeding) would make me feel relief when I see it in my driveway. I grew up with a Correctional Officer as a father and an Illinois State Trooper as a neighbor. It never crossed my mind that my future husband would also be involved in law enforcement.
I met Bryan when I was 20 years old and he was attending college in the law enforcement program. After graduation he was lucky enough to be hired by the Marion Police Department where he has excelled in such a short amount of time. He is a Field Training Officer and part of the Emergency Response Team. Officers face countless obstacles throughout their careers and Bryan is no exception. He has already faced a great deal in his first 6 years on the job. I constantly worry about him when he is working. When my phone rings in the middle of the night I don’t know if he’s calling to tell me there is a hostage situation or telling me he is staying over because someone called in sick. Those middle of the night phone calls always make my stomach drop. So many scenarios run through my head from the time I hear the ring to when I say hello. An LEO’s job never ends just because their shift is over. They have court, classes, training, and special events in the city that they are mandated to work.
Thanks to the media, some citizens have a negative opinion towards police officers. Due to our conflicting schedules, Bryan and I will occasionally meet for dinner on his break. There are certain places he refuses to go to in uniform due to the employees that work there. He is constantly scanning the room and never sits with his back to the door. I am very proud of my man in blue. We wish we could be more vocal about his career without public ridicule. Since becoming a police wife, I have become more observant of stories in the news. It is so easy for people to blame the police officer and feel sorry for the criminal. People do not want to think about what was going through the officer’s mind. They are quick to say “well I would have done this,” or “I would have done that,” when in reality they have no idea what they would do. They don’t have the training and knowledge that these officers have. Some people think that cops are out to get them and they don’t have feelings, when in reality they have a job to do and want to make it home safely to their families.
I am very thankful for the police family I have. I know I can trust the other officers to have my officer’s back. They are all friends outside of work and I know I can depend on any one of them along with their significant others. If one day we choose to have children, I know some of their best friends will be fellow “police kids”. I have become very close with some of the other wives and girlfriends. It is great to have someone to talk to that knows what you are going through and can relate on a more personal level. I will always stand behind the blue line and support the men and women in blue. - Kellee DeMattei
The men and women who wear a badge made a courageous decision to dedicate their lives protecting people in their community.
Behind every badge is a human being, just like me and you. A real person with emotions, feelings, families, likes, dislikes and even their very own flaws. All too often, society seems to forget that.
A small, but growing, part of the public sees law enforcement officers as just a badge, a uniform, a superhuman, and unfortunately sometimes an enemy. A big reason for this... influence from movies and media. Most civilians have very little knowledge of what a police officer actually does on the job.
While I don't know everything that happens on the job, I can tell you that most of them have seen unimaginable things, things that no human being should ever have to see. They sweat, bleed, and even cry for people that they don't even know. They wear a badge to serve a public that at times can appear thankless and ungrateful. Despite that, they still answer every call for help.
My purpose in this post is to remind you that these police officers are not just a badge or a uniform. They are not superhumans. They are just regular people that go above and beyond to keep peace in our community. They are your neighbors and friends.
I ask that you please take the time to say thank you. Honor those brave selfless individuals. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting you.
Patrolman Lannom
In the public’s eyes, the life of a LEO and their family is just like any other, when in reality, it’s a little more complicated than one would think. It’s not seeing them for days at a time because they work different schedules, not being able to attend their children’s school functions, missing out on baseball and soccer games or whatever sport their children might be involved in, missing family dinners, birthdays, and holiday celebrations. When it comes down to it, I am a married, single mom. I deal with boo boo’s, temper tantrums, doctor’s appointments, and grouchy, tired kids all alone. I get the look of disappointment when asked if dad is going to be home or able to come to his game, all to find out the answer to those questions are no. Our children will grow up wanting their parents around for everything, but from an early age will understand that if their parents could be there, they would be.
As far as an LEO being off duty, I’m pretty certain that doesn’t really exist. There are days of phone calls with other officers pertaining to certain offenders that they are all dealing with, phone calls for moral support, days where a LEO is trying to sleep but has to get up for court, days where they get called out for extreme situations, and training and classes that they have to attend. When we go out in public, my LEO has a constant eye on our surroundings. Watching every single person who passes by in a store or comes in the door at a restaurant (especially since he never sits with his back to the door). LEO’s see and deal with situations that the rest of us don’t want to and that makes a bigger impact on them than even they notice. Sure, the physical effects of the job are obvious. Sleep patterns are always different so there are days when they are exhausted and crabby. The constant back and knee pain from wearing their heavy vest and duty belt. It’s the emotional toll that can even affect their family. There are days when I have to remind him that he’s home, he’s not dealing with the same type of people as he does at work and he kind of needs to switch gears a bit. There are days where he hardly speaks or days when he is very short tempered. This could be because he’s just tired or he’s still feeling the effects from his shift the previous night. Any instance, anywhere, can instantly remind him of a certain situation that he’s had to deal with and the emotions all come flooding back. I have seen my husband have about every type of emotion that you can name, all from his job. All of this can be here one day and gone the next. You never really know what type of a husband and father that you are going to come home to every day.
Some would ask why, as a mother and wife, I would want to live a life like that? In my eyes it’s a simple answer. There is more to my husband that him just being an LEO. He’s a wonderful husband and amazing father to our two children, Ethan 11 and Declan 1, he’s a loyal friend and confidant to many, he has a kind heart, and he works hard for our family and is willing to help all those who need it. We make the best of the time that he is home. He enjoys playing with the kids and taking Ethan hunting and fishing. The best advice that I have ever received about sharing a life with someone involved in law enforcement just so happened to come from my LEO. Early on in our relationship he told me, "Always believe that I have received the best training for my job and that my fellow officers have received the same training. They will always have my back and keep a watchful eye out for me, just as I will always do for them." In a time where a LEO is hated and targeted just for wearing the badge, I am constantly reminding myself of his words.
These men and women put on a uniform every day, by choice, to go out and fight the evils of the world. They will quickly step in to protect the people who make it widely known of the hate they have for law enforcement. LOEs should be respected, appreciated, and honored! They are real men and women, who love what they do, no matter who or what they deal with in this crazy world! - Kelly Lannom
The men and women who wear a badge made a courageous decision to dedicate their lives protecting people in their community.
Behind every badge is a human being, just like me and you. A real person with emotions, feelings, families, likes, dislikes and even their very own flaws. All too often, society seems to forget that.
A small, but growing, part of the public sees law enforcement officers as just a badge, a uniform, a superhuman, and unfortunately sometimes an enemy. A big reason for this... influence from movies and media. Most civilians have very little knowledge of what a police officer actually does on the job.
While I don't know everything that happens on the job, I can tell you that most of them have seen unimaginable things, things that no human being should ever have to see. They sweat, bleed, and even cry for people that they don't even know. They wear a badge to serve a public that at times can appear thankless and ungrateful. Despite that, they still answer every call for help.
My purpose in this post is to remind you that these police officers are not just a badge or a uniform. They are not superhumans. They are just regular people that go above and beyond to keep peace in our community. They are your neighbors and friends.
I ask that you please take the time to say thank you. Honor those brave selfless individuals. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting you.
Sgt. Francis & K9 Officer Loeki
"I am a mother, teacher, daughter, friend, and wife of a police officer. I was never a girl who swooned over the man in uniform (until now). I certainly never saw myself marrying one. In the past they were the guys who had written me a fair share of speeding tickets through high school and college and who I kept an eye in my rear view mirror for. While they did cost me some money and ultimately slowed me down in my early driving years (probably saving my life), I always respected them, I respected them in a normal, appreciative citizen kind of way. But then when my high school sweet heart (who had aspirations of becoming an electrician or Physician's Assistant) took a part time job as a police officer working nights to attend college during the day something happened. He accidentally found his passion- police work. He's changed departments, been promoted, handled the K9 (who now loves in my house and is part of our family), been awarded, been disrespected, solved cases, seen things nobody should have to see, and continues to make the city of Marion proud. He continues to make his family proud too. Together we have a 2 year old, Maxwell. Being police family isn't easy. Justin works all night, sleeps all day, works holidays and weekends, suffers from constant worry (locking the house up like Fort Knox and never having his back to the door in a public place), has high blood pressure, chronic back pain (related to the duties of the job), and deals with constant public scrutiny and blame. Yet somehow, "turns the cop off" when he walks in the door, takes his gigantic duty belt off, and puts on his husband and daddy belt (so to speak).He is an amazing husband and takes such excellent care of his family, he goes above and beyond in all he does. When frustration sometimes sets in (about his schedule most times) and I feel like we've both had enough of the lifestyle this career entails and ask him about pursuing a different job or degree the answer is always the same "I love my job, I don't want to do anything else." I can't say I feel the same way- loving his job....but at the same time I do my best to support him always. It is hard going to sleep at night with an empty side in my giant bed while my husband is inserting himself in dangerous situations. It is harder hearing sirens screaming through town and then him not answering his cell phone that I'm frantically calling to see if he's ok. But the hardest part I think for me is knowing how hard he works, knowing how much he cares, knowing how much danger he's put in...for the public and media then to constantly ridicule, criticize, and spread inaccurate information about cases/circumstances they have no clue about. My man in blue has my heart- he's a husband, daddy, son, friend, and police officer. Max and I will be behind him no matter what. All police are just people...regular people....who happen to be braver, stronger, and more passionate about their communities and safety than most. But they are also a brotherhood, one that is strong and that trickles down into the families. I know the personal phone numbers of 75% of the officers and staff Justin works with (I could call them for anything), our kids play, we get together on days off, and they are a huge part of our life and social circle. LEOs and children and wives of LEOs are in this together. We bleed blue, we kiss our daddies and husbands in uniform goodbye every night (or day) and just pray for their safety while they are gone, to their.....JOB" - Sarah Francis
