Granting a Wedding Wish: Photography Package Giveaway from Michael Maler Photography

from jacin:  I am so honored to have Michael and Marcie Maler guest posting today about an amazing opportunity for a very deserving couple during this holiday season.  I am all about paying it forward and trying to do what I can to help others, and today’s post encompasses all of that.  Michael and Marcie are a husband and wife photography team based in Connecticut (check out their work!) and they are not only some of the most talented photographers I’ve worked with, but also amazing people and I am so lucky to call them friends.  Inspired by personal experiences and the season of holiday giving, Michael and Marcie are giving away a photography package (worth $3,500+) for a couple in need.  Want to help (I am!  Stay tuned for more on this Friday when I reveal my new name!)?  Keep reading, and please feel free to re-post this (and link over to Michael Maler Photography) to pass the word; together we can work to make an amazing impact! 

from Michael Maler: Once upon a time there lived a little boy and a single mother. The mother worked tirelessly to provide for her son and constantly sacrificed her needs for his.

At the time, the mother and little boy did not have a home to call their own. Sometimes they would stay at a relatives, and other times at a family friend’s. This did not matter to the little boy. He loved being around his family and could find adventure no matter where they were.

One day, the mother sat the little boy down. With a tear in her eye, she told him that she had lost her job and they needed to move to a shelter temporarily. The boy didn’t quite understand, but no matter where his mother was he knew things would be ok. While at the shelter, the little boy enjoyed playing with puzzles, eating family style dinners with the other residents, and sleeping in a bunk bed close to his mother. Life to him was normal.

Soon it was Christmas and the mother and little boy left the shelter to spend the night at the boy’s grandparents house. When they arrived, the little boy was so excited to see presents under the Christmas tree. Christmas Day was very special to the little boy. Not only was it when Santa came, but it was also his birthday.

To his amazement, Santa had brought him two gifts. A pair of Ninja Turtle Gloves, and a new football. To him, they were the best presents ever.

That little boy was me.

Not many people have heard this story and I will forever be grateful for my mother, family, the volunteers at the Spooner House in Derby, Connecticut, and the Toys for Tots program.

The Promotion

My experience in life has taught me to always give back. There are so many people in need, and even the smallest contribution can make a difference. So with that, Marcie and I are proud to announce a promotion we are calling “A Wedding Wish.”

Times are tough, and for some they are barely making ends meet. This promotion will grant one couple who really need assistance, a free wedding photography package. The package will include full day wedding coverage by both Michael & Marcie, a DVD of the high resolution images, and 100 4×6 prints.

To enter, please submit a short story explaining how this could help you, three digital photos of you and your fiancé spending time together, and your contact information to weddingwish@mmaler.com. The winning couple will be chosen by January 31, 2011.

Here are the fine print details:

Entries must be submitted between December 15th, 2010 and January 15th, 2011. The promotion is open to those who’s wedding will be held in CT, MA, RI, or NYC Metro Area. The wedding date must be before January 14th, 2012 and cannot not interfere with a date that has previously been booked. Finally, the selected couple acknowledges that their story and photos will be shared upon selection.

Want to Get Involved?

If any vendors would like to contribute to this promotion, feel free to send an email to mmaler@mmaler.com with the details.

Not a vendor but still want to get involved? We are accepting donations in which the money you contribute will be used towards additional products and services for the chosen couple. To contribute, simply click the donate button below.

We look forward to helping someone in need this holiday season – and with that we cannot do it alone. Please help us by reposting, sharing, blogging, tweeting, etc. Together, we can make a difference.

Happy Holidays!

Love,

Michael & Marcie