Boudoir Denver goes to the ball!

There are often times where I have been told I have an "old soul". Maybe it has something to do with my grandmother playing Louis Armstrong and watching movies like The Sound of Music and Gone With the Wind until I had every line (or song) memorized but I still love to get lost in history. There is something extraordinarily special about the 40's, the whole war time romance that is just tragically beautiful. Pearl Harbor is one of my all time favorite movies, I love the story and the costumes! Pin Up girls originated from this era when soldiers painted them on the sides of their airplanes and "pinned" the illustration in their bunkers to keep them warm at night. I also love the role of women in the forties, classy and elegant while strong and determined as they took on jobs they had never worked before and waited for loved ones to return home.

I was pleased as punch when I heard about the 1940's WWII Era Ball that took place in Boulder, Colorado at the Boudoir Airport and just had to be involved in any way that I could, so I volunteered to be an event photographer for the event. This is one of those once in a life time experiences, beyond all dress up and music was something much bigger than I am. This was a celebration and remembrance of the soldiers and their families from the past and present. War is tragic, there's many things in life that are but this was about celebrating those beautiful memories that are far more important.

The ball was set at just the most perfect location, the Boulder Airport. I am a bit of a aviation nerd since my day job I work for an airline, but I didn't seem to be the only one caught up in the thrill of being surrounded by a variety of WWII aircraft. Their were all sorts of different military vehicles and airplanes that you could even get your picture taken next to. It's not every day you get to stand next to WWII boomer. The view from the Boulder Airport was also pretty magical in its self, great view of the foothills and just the perfect summer evening. (It only sprinkled on us twice)

 

Everyone looked FABULOUS! Ladies and gents, young and old there was such a variety of people who attended the ball. I loved the younger couples that dressed in the best of forties fashions to the older men who dusted off their uniforms just for the occasions. May hair wasn't long enough for the Victory Curl but maybe next year I will have to grow my hair out to give it a try. Towards the end of the night there was even an authentic contest for the men and women who dressed the most like the period.

 

I might just have to sign up for some dance lessons before next years ball! But don't let two left feet discourage you, admiring all the fabulous dancers is just as acceptable (which is what I did behind my lens). There were a couple different dance performances that were held through out the evening... including hula dancers! But my favorite dancer was this older gentlemen in his navy uniform, his spirit and feet acted 20 years young but his beaming smile was truly what made my heart melt. He and so many other Vets that attended the event are what really made the ball so special. Our freedom is because of these fine men, I had to hold back tears when at the beginning of the ball the color guard stood with the United States flag and these men looked so proudly at the nation's flag. I gained so much respect for our military after attending this event. All net proceeds from the ball support The Wounded Warriors Project and The Spirit of Flight Center. So besides such a great excuse to dress up the money also goes to a wonderful cause.

Then if that wasn't enough there was the music! Frank Sinatra, The Andrews Sisters and The Hot Tomatoes... OH MY! So much amazing entertainment packed into one evening. I'm pretty sure whenever I get married I'm hiring The Hot Tomatoes to play during the reception.

 I can not thank Khyentse enough for letting me be a part of this amazing event! I hope to volunteer or attend this amazing event for many years to come. This year it even sold out, so make sure to get your tickets early for next year! Check out the 1940's WWII Era Ball website for more information and their fabulous facebook page for updates and more pictures from some of the other fabulous photographers at the event. Also this winter they will be holding a 1940's Winter Ball, just in case you couldn't wait till next summer. Be sure to check out Boudoir Denver's facebook page for more photos from the ball. Here are a few more of my favorites...