You know there was actually a moment that I was contemplating not going to my 30th NHS class reunion? I really didn't have a good excuse either. It's not like I don't make trips back to Des Moines so the travel wasn't even an issue. Don't know why the thought even crossed my mind. You just don't miss something as momentous as a milestone occasion like that. So glad I came to my senses.
The event was held at a small event/reception location right in the town of Norwalk. The rather ironic thing about that is when we were all seniors in 1988 that entire business area that contained the event center wasn't even there. It was just more open field back then. As was much of the surrounding area of Norwalk that has since sprouted up houses and businesses. It's a testament to how much the "town" has grown in 30 years.
The setting was perfect for a class reunion of our size. We didn't have to worry about being disruptive in a restaurant. It was more intimate than a bar (which I wouldn't have liked anyway since I don't drink) so we could all hear each other as we reminisced. But most importantly, we could all enjoy the dance floor while the deejay spun some of our favorite tunes from one of the best musical decades ever.
I've never prided myself on being an event photographer. It is much more physically taxing than a regular studio and/or outdoor session. However, there are times when I always make exceptions to take on the gig. Especially in an instance like this. I knew I definitely wanted to enjoy the time with my classmates, but no way was I going to pass up the opportunity for an epic group photo. Who else is going to capture the essence of how great we all still look after 30 years??
You know the funny and best thing about the reunion was the overall fellowship. Of course we all had our cliques in high school. You would have never guessed it from our interactions that night. We were all one big happy family. We were enjoying each other's company like we hadn't seen each other in years and genuinely missed the time that had passed. It didn't matter that the whole class couldn't make it (I mean we're only talking about 124 people). What mattered was that the people that were there were reminded why the Class of 1988 was so special in the first place.