Charles Samples Photography

Sirpless & Schmidt Wedding

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:10:46 +0000

Here is another great wedding. Lindsey & Troy are a wonderful couple it was a great evening at the Legends Vineyard & Winery! Enjoy!

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Carter and Fisk Wedding

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:12:48 +0000

Enjoy some images from a wonderful wedding that was at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church. Then the reception was held at the Skirvin Plaza. The attention to detail was flawless. It was an awesome wedding day to document. Enjoy!

Hers...

The Meeting...

Theirs...

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Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band coming to Norman

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:54:18 +0000

Once again this week marks the annual road trip north for the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band as they travel from Aggieland for the A&M vs. OU football game in Norman. Theywill travel in 10 buses and arrive early to practice on the OU Band practice field. I must say this is the best marching band in the nation. The precision of the march with the stirring patriotic music is unparalleled in any university’s marching band.

The band forms at the north end of the stadium, the announcer Col. Jay Brewer announces “Now forming at the north end of Owen Field the nationally famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band” Whoops! are heard from the Aggies. Then the drum major steps out and shouts “Recall Step Off On Hullabaloo” you know you are about to witness a drill like none other, the War Hymn is sounded and the band steps off. Whoop! The drill ends with the famous block T.

For those that can’t attend here is a video I located on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

OU Practice Field Pre-Game Practice

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La Carrera Panamericana 2009 – Pre-Race

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:13:23 +0000

I have a little adventure to tell you about. Hayden Groendyke and I have been scheduled to travel down to Huatulco, MX to take part in a race, the La Carrera Panamericana (to view the official site for MX), from the southern part of Mexico to Texas. As time drew near for the race and for us to depart, a sudden change in plans came about and one of the participants was unable to attend the race so I went from being the photographer to Co-Piloto (more on what that is later).

This first blog is of our pre-race stay before we left for the rally race across Mexico. We were guests in the home of Guillermo & Rocio Berriochoa (a long time family friends of Hayden’s) at Villa SaBah for three days before the big race began. They were very gracious and generous hosts. The accommodations were rough and we had to bear with what we had to deal with, just kidding. The food was fabulous every day, even the Cricket Tacos (yes, crickets as in bugs). Of course we had to get a massage the day before the race began, so the tables were set up just above the cliff behind the pool. Oh the life of a race car driver….

Just down the hill from their home they own a B&B named Villas FaSol which has 15 rooms and is in the same gated community with a private beach and food to die for (see photos below) which I highly recommend for anyone to visit. The food was prepared there and brought up to the house every day.

Wow, what a way to start a race!!!!

Enjoy!

Mr. Berriochoa-Our most gracious host & sponsor

Hayden Groendyke (Piloto) and me (Copiloto)

Sunrise from Villa SaBah

What can I say....

Inside looking Out

The backyard view-Pacific style

The view from the infinity pool

Breakfast

Soon to be lunch...yummy!

Cricket Tacos

Dinner-bacon wrapped shrimp

Dessert

The view from the massage table

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Swim Lessons 2009

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:08:11 +0000

Summer is coming to a close and school is about to start. Here are some images from July’s swim lessons. Enjoy!

Cheers, Charlie

SPEEDO

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Chicago 2009

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:21:55 +0000

This summer we planned a road trip to Chicago. Little C was going to be at Kanakuk Kamps in Missouri so why not just take a road trip this year. On a side note, if you’re interested in a fun summer camp for kids this has to be one of the best in the country.

Here are some images (3,000+) of St. Louis & Chicago. I could’ve added more, but here is a quick synopsis of the week.

We went to the Arch, The Field Museum (awesome exhibits), Shedd Aquarium, The Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower-can’t get used to that name) and we went up and saw an awesome view from the Skydeck, & there is The Ledge now on the 103rd floor which will turn your stomach. We took an evening Architecture Tour (it sounds boring, but it’s really quite interesting-not as technical just about the period growth and the influence of architects on the downtown area) and then to top it all off Navy Pier. We bought the Go Chicago Card and it seemed to be the most economical way to see all of the main sites in Chicago, it was definitely worth the money. Then to round out our trip we had to take in a Cubbies game. Although, they got beat it was still a great day to be at the ballpark.

We slipped in and got a great meal at the Fonterra Grill (highly recommend it), it is tough to get a table and reservations are hard to get sometimes. Of course you can’t go to Chicago and not eat the pizza…yummy! As with all of our trips I will publish a book for both of them to have. Enjoy!

Cheers, Charlie

The Elevator

Caption This...

The Ledge

The Hard Rock Hotel

President Lincoln's Home, Springfield, IL

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Kates & Taylor Wedding

admin — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:25:15 +0000

Another great summer wedding! They are an incredible couple. I flew down to Houston twice for an engagement session and bridal session which can be viewed earlier in my blogging. The wedding went flawlessly and it was a celebration to remember. Enjoy!

Cheers, Charlie

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame

admin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:30:40 +0000

Last year we scheduled a trip to NYC to primarily go to Yankee Stadium in the summer as this was the last year for The Bombers to play in that great stadium. The Yankees were playing the Red Sox and this photo was taken from our seats. The Yankees won the game in the bottom of the 10th with a full count, two outs and a runner on second. A young player just up from the minors hit the ball over second and the winning run came in to win. The stadium erupted in cheers and Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York New York’ blared from the speakers. Awesome time!

This year we went to Chicago to see a game at Wrigley Field. The Cubbies were playing the Cardinals. We had rain coming in from the west and it looked like the game may not get played. However, shortly after getting to our seats (which were under the overhang-so we didn’t get wet) the ground crew came out and the cheers ensued. The game started about 30 min. late. This game was like a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (although, I didn’t sing Danke Shoen from a float ;o) ), an afternoon game and the folks around us were all very friendly. The guy sitting next to Lorie got us reservations at his Italian family style restaurant (I will post more about our trip in another blog post)…great food! The Cubbies lost 8-3. It still was a great time!!!

These are the stadium shots from our seats.

So ‘a one, a two, a three…Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd, buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, I don’t care if I ever get back….’ Enjoy!

Cheers, Charlie

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Stauter & Brown Wedding

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:02:40 +0000

I had another awesome out of town wedding this summer. It was a fabulous day! Beautiful Bride and a handsome Groom….Enjoy!

Cheers, Charlie

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God Bless America-Statue of Liberty

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:58:21 +0000

Here are a couple of images from our trip last year to NYC. This beacon of hope has stood proud for 113 years. Remember those that are serving around the world so that we may enjoy our freedoms here. I personally want to thank the men and women who serve our country with their commitment of self sacrifice and dedication to the honor and traditions of this great country. Tomorrow is not just another holiday, if not for this holiday I believe we wouldn’t have all of the others to celebrate as freely. May God continue to Bless these United States of America.

My favorite patriotic song besides the ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ is ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ – “His truth is marching on…Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!”

Enjoy!

Cheers, Charlie

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