I photographed a birthday party last month. This wasn’t just any birthday party though. This was the 100th birthday celebration of Admiral Edgar Keats. This Baltimore Country Club event in Maryland was absolutely stunning! Beth from Elizabeth Bailey Weddings & Events and Victoria Clausen Florals did an absolutely AMAZING job transforming the rooms. But of course they always do! I just love working with talented people. Admiral Keats entered the Naval Academy at the age of 16 where he was on the gymnastics team. He defended our country in WWII and retired from the Navy in 1958. With a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from MIT, he entered the corporate world and dominated. After retiring, he taught students at Johns Hopkins. And this is the short version of his life. To say Admiral Keats has lived life to the fullest and accomplished so many amazing things in his century on this earth is an understatement. I have been lucky enough to photograph several events for this family and have met Admiral Keats once before his birthday party. I had no idea of his age at the time but I certainly didn’t think he was anywhere close to 100. He is sharp and always has a smile on his face. As a photographer, you are attracted to photograph great smiles and happiness. Sometimes when I’m photographing an event, I catch myself taking too many pictures of the same person, but I just can’t help it. When a person is smiling and laughing genuinely, there is never a better moment to capture. Admiral Keats was like this the first time I met him and was certainly like this at his 100th birthday party. When his daughters gave a toast, they said one thing that their Dad had taught them was to never be afraid to cry. I loved this and there were definitely tears of joy shed during this beautiful celebration. A slideshow was put together documenting Admiral Keats’s life. As the video played, I could see Admiral Keats reminiscing on a life well lived. He looked so proud and happy of this past and the beautiful family that he created and will follow in his legacy. Happy 100th Admiral Keats!! I’m so happy I could document your special celebration.
Venue: Baltimore Country Club
Planner: Elizabeth Bailey Weddings & Events
Florist: Victoria Clausen Florals
Photographer: Ashley Michelle Photography
Printed Materials: MLC Designs
Linen Rental: Gala Cloths
Cake: Sugar Bakers
Band: Zim Zemarel Orchestra
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.
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