Stage lights, flowing formal gowns, and excited anticipation filled auditorium. I checked the back of my camera, fiddling nervously with the battery to make sure it was fully charged, just like I had done numerous times in the moments leading up to this one. I was nervous- but- my nervousness could not mask my excitement. I was about to photograph my first pageant & capture the momentous night in which the new 2014 Miss University of Mobile would be crowned. I looked up as the lights dimmed, and took my place. The show was about to begin!
Every year, the University of Mobile holds a pageant to crown a new student as Miss UM. Sponsored by Miss America , the winner of the pageant is officially qualified to participate in the Miss Alabama pageant. Needless to say, this opportunity is a great one.
The evening was hosted by the comical and talented Seth Brasher, and Jenna Godwin, who charmed the audience with a duet performance of “Love Is An Open Door” from the Disney movie Frozen. 
Six young ladies participated in the Pageant this year. Each brought their beauty, talents, and personality to the stage and competed in 5 different rounds. Each round was weighed by a different percentage and included:
- Talent 35%
- Private Interview 25%
- Evening Wear 20%
- Swimsuit 15%
- On-Stage Question 5%
Ember Langley, who has represented the University of Mobile as Miss UM 2013, also charmed the audience with numerous performances.
She graciously, and elegantly waved goodbye, and thanked the school for the incredible opportunities she had been able to be a part of the previous year. Our school’s President, Dr. Mark Foley, thanked Ember with a beautiful bouquet, and a sweet hug. Resulting in one of my favorite photos of the night.
The night drew to and end and the winners were announced! Tiffany Baker was announced as the first runner-up, swimsuit, and talent winner. She just glows 🙂
Rachel Lucas, was announced as Miss Congeniality. I am in LOVE with her dress!
The anticipation continued to build and finally, Brooke Sanders was announced as winning Miss University of Mobile 2014!
She is simply stunning! (If she looks familiar to the blog- its because she is! Reread her story about being a real life princess, here!)
Congratulations Brooke! I am so proud of you ! And thank you SO much to the University of Mobile & Kyle Threadgill, the pageant’s director, for letting me photograph this incredible event!
Happy Thursday!
xo
AnnaFilly
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