Flexibility is Key - Major Sawyer | Northern Virginia Photographer

Flexibility is key in the military.  When you've devised a fail save plan...it can turn out it's not so fail save.  Captain Sawyer contacted me to determine my availability to photograph her Air Force promotion ceremony at the Mount Vernon Estate.  We discussed how beautiful the venue would be and how she would be able to have some beautiful memories...as Mount Vernon Estate is a premier venue in Northern Virginia.  

However, if you live in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland area, you're well area that we've experienced a significant windstorm this weekend.  Unfortunately, the winds forced the closing of the estate, but they were still able to accommodate the reception at the Inn.  Once again because of the significantly strong winds, the electricity went out at the Inn.   This forced Captain Sawyer to locate an alternative location for her promotion ceremony and reception.  Thankfully, she was able to secure another location...Eggspectation.  Captain Sawyer's guests arrived during Happy Hour and it was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the strong winds and how everything had to be changed because of the intensity of those winds. 

The guests were full of smiles and they exchanges laughs and even poked fun at one of the guests traveling from Chantilly to Mount Vernon back to Chantilly.  

Captain Sawyer arrived and began greeting her guests and thanking them for being flexible. 

All the guests were called into the event room and thanked for making there way over to the new venue.

Welcome the Official Party...and then the singing of the National Anthem.

Major Priestly discussed Captain Sawyer's military achievements and how she was deserving of and Air Force Promotion to Major.  Her military career brought her through the steps of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).  Then the Promotion orders were "published".    

Captain Sawyer's parents, Mother-in-Law, Father-In-Law, and husband were called forward to pin on the rank of Major.  As you can see she was joyful for the moment.

Then Major Sawyer was administered the Oath of Office.  Reaffirming her commitment to the Constitution of the United States.

At the completion of Major Sawyer's promotion ceremony, they were served wonderful appetizers from the restaurant and served a slice of cake.

Major Sawyer, congratulations on your promotion.  I wish you continued success in your Air Force military career.

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If you are serving in the United States Military and live in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., or Maryland area, don't hesitate to contact Tamieka Smith Photography to photograph your promotion, retirement, or reenlistment ceremony.  I would be honored to photograph your memories.  I am also available to travel nationally and internationally.  I may be reached via telephone at (571) 250-5073 or by email at [email protected].