Unforgettable Photography by Anna

Hi there! I’m Nealey Ritzel, the social media manager and graphic designer at Unforgettable Photography!

As part of the Unforgettable blonde power trio, my role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, including social media management, graphic design, video editing, dance instruction, comedic relief, and personal stylist.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…that’s quite an interesting job description, so let’s talk about what brought me to Anna and Unforgettable Photography!

At the young age of three, my mom was looking for something to keep me out of her hair for a few hours a week. She decided to enroll me in dance lessons: little did she know this would shape the rest of my life! I spent 40+ hours each week in the studio learning, training, and perfecting the art for 15 years! My love for dance took me coast to coast, allowing me to perform professionally and train with some of the top choreographers in the world at a young age!

Following my high school graduation in 2016, I embarked on a new chapter at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. My love for dance continued throughout my four years there as I was a member of the nationally-ranked Code Red Dance Team. In 2020, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in Digital Media, eager to kickstart my professional career.

After gaining valuable experience in the marketing field, fate led me to Unforgettable Photography, ironically through a social media post. The rest, as they say, is history.

In addition to being able to work a full-time job I love every day, I like to take advantage of any opportunity I can to share my passion and leave an impact on the dance industry. When I’m not editing content for the studio, you may find me traveling the country choreographing for dance studios and collegiate dance teams. I also dedicate my time as the coach of both the middle school and high school dance teams in Nashville, Illinois. I am also a dance teacher/coach/choreographer at Imperium House of Dance in Belleville, Illinois! To top it all off, in the Spring I travel around the country judging dance competitions, giving verbal critiques to dances of all genres!

Similar to Anna, I have an entrepreneurial spirit and eagerly embrace creative opportunities. Recently, I started my own side business, Puttin’ On The Ritz (ha ha get it?), where I create custom one-of-a-kind fashion pieces like hats, bags, blankets, stocking caps, etc., with sewn-on patches and embroidery!

Phew! Enough about my professional life!

When I’m not working, coaching, judging, sewing, or choreographing, I’m probably at one of my brothers’ games! My two younger brothers, Buzz and Maddox, are both competitive athletes at their respective schools, and I enjoy supporting them every chance I get! Buzz is in his third year of playing basketball at Illinois College, and Maddox is a sophomore at Nashville High School, where he plays football, basketball, and baseball. I’m a very proud sister and more than likely, I’m sitting in the stands!

I also have a beautiful, goofy Bernedoodle, Piper Lola, who always keeps me on my toes. Sometimes, she’s too smart for her own good… and could possibly be the funniest dog I’ve ever met, but maybe I’m a little biased.

There are three things I can guarantee when I’m around… high energy, trendy outfits, and lots of laughter. Come on in and see me; let’s have fun and make some magic happen! I would love to share our experience on Unforgettable Photography’s social media! 😉

Nealey ritzel