About the Cover Photographer
Slava and Sara Slavik are originally from Brno, in the Czech Republic. They have been happily married for 14 years and have two children, Katie and John. In May of 2004, they moved their family to Paulding County wanting new challenges and better opportunities for their children. It was here that Slava and Sara realized their dream by opening their own family and wedding portrait studio - Slava Slavik Photography.
Prior to discovering his passion for photography, Slava was the CEO for a digital photography software company in Central Europe. Sara worked in the graphic design industry creating cards and brochures, doing magazine and book layout, and creative ad design. Together, they began doing wedding portraits for family and friends. It brought them great joy and it was then they discovered their desire to have their own studio.
After coming to the United States, Slava was able to work with some of the finest photographers in Georgia. He developed great technical skills, and along with his own personal warmth and creative eye, he is able to capture people in unique and creative ways.
Today, Slava Slavik Photography is dedicated to giving you beautiful portraits and a memorable experience. They specialize in romantic wedding photography and contemporary indoor and outdoor portraits of engaged couples, families, children newborns and executives. Slava and Sara draw on their European heritage to offer their clients a different approach that combines a clean fresh look with traditional Southern attitude.
To see their work, visit their website www.slava-slavik.com or contact them at 404-323-1153.
On the Cover
The Coles
On this Father’s Day cover, we are pleased to have the Cole family – Dave, Chris, and their 5, yes FIVE, sons – Dawson age12, Jaron age 9, Owen age 7, Solomon age 4, and Zebulon “Zebby” is 18 months. The Coles were nominated as a cover family nearly one year ago, and after reading their story, we thought what better Dad to represent Our Town for Father’s Day than one who is raising five boys.
Dave is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and Chris is from Mooresville, Indiana. They moved to Paulding County 14 years ago to join 3 other pastors in starting West Ridge Church. They instantly fell in love with the community, and the friendliness and openness of people made them feel quite at home.
Dave has his Masters in Religious Education and Chris has her Bachelors in Social Work. Prior to moving here, Dave served 14 years at Kansas City Youth for Christ where he taught Youth Ministry classes, was a Summer Camp Director and led foreign mission trips all over the world. Chris was the Community Education Specialist for a teen pregnancy center called The Light House. She spoke in public high schools all over Kansas and Missouri about sexual purity, adoption, and abortion.
For Chris, Dave is an answer to a prayer she made long ago. Chris tells us, “Growing up in foster care and never having a relationship with my dad, one thing God impressed upon my heart as a little girl was that God wanted me to wait for a "man after God's own heart" like David in the Bible. I prayed God would give me a Godly man one day and that we would raise children to know the Lord and His Word. I still choke back tears at the sight of Dave Cole because he is an absolute answer to that prayer. Dave is not a perfect Dad, but he strives to point his boys to the only One who is. He prays over his boys each night that "they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor". Isaiah 61:3”
The Coles are a loving and active family. The boys are involved in all kinds of sports, but the weekly event they “live for” is the "Friday Night Camp-Out" when all 5 boys and DAD bring their sleeping bags into the living room, watch movies and eat popcorn. This is a family tradition they’ve been doing for the last 9 years. They also enjoy hiking Kennesaw Mountain, having "Just Dance" tournaments, canoe rides, wrestling matches (where someone always ends up hurt), and story time. The boys love listening to Dave tell stories. As a dad, Chris and the boys all agree that Dave is the BEST.
Dave has enjoyed each Father’s Day, but his favorite memory occurred in 2007. Chris and the boys had saved up enough money to buy Dave a gas grill. Wanting to ensure her boys would have a male bonding experience; Chris decided to forego the $50 assembly fee so Dave could show his sons how to put a grill together. Five hours later and baby Soloman holding several "extra" pieces, the grill was finished and so was Dave's patience!
The Coles are proud to be a part of this amazing community. All five of their sons were brought home here, and they’ve created wonderful friendships with so many families. God has allowed Dave to officiate close to 100 weddings, and they have shared in the sufferings of close friends who have lost precious loved ones and watched God turn lives around that some thought were "hopeless". This is a transitional time for Dave, Chris and their precious sons. They are trusting in God’s infinite understanding as to the new phase for their family, and are excited to discover what He has for their future. They have requested that if anyone feel led to, please pray for them as they seek out God’s plan for their lives.
We definitely will!