Last month I was lucky enough to get to do a commercial shoot for one of our awesome local magazines, THRIVE. I personally love THRIVE magazine! They do such a great job of highlighting the area events, local happenings, businesses and just all the awesome stuff that’s going on in Decatur. It’s a conveniently sized little magazine too and I love the heavy pages and full color designs within.

Anyway, this time I was asked to go photograph a local small group that meets on a monthly basis known as the Decatur Young Guns. One of the many reasons I was excited to document this particular event was because one of the guys who helps organize and run this group is one of my high school classmates, Jared Kennedy. I have always had great respect and admiration for Jared. He’s a hard working guy with a big heart and super friendly personality. Jared seems to make friends wherever he goes!

One of the basic missions of this group as stated on their facebook page is: To provide an outlet for young Decatur Area residents to meet each other, build relationships, and improve social outlets, leading to improved quality of life for all involved. I’d say they are certainly living up to that mission!

For September’s gathering, the Decatur Young Guns met out back under the big pavilion at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel for a Tailgate Happy Hour. I honestly had never been back behind the hotel, but it is really quite lovely. The have a couple little gazebos and a pond, tennis courts and a volleyball net. You can’t have happy hour with beverages and appetizers and the DCCH even had a signature drink for the evening. There’s was lots of good conversation and fun playing bags – everyone clearly had a great time!

If you are between 21 and 40 and looking for a way to meet other like minded individuals – the Decatur Young Guns may be the perfect opportunity for you to connect with others and have a great time!