Shades of Pink

A few days ago, Nicki issued a Pink Challenge on her blog, and since I love pink, I had to accept!
Here are some shots of some pretty pink flowers from the zoo:

I have to say, this shot was one of my favorite shots from the my weekend with the 24-70 2.8 L lens:

I really want that lens now! Anyone have an extra $1400.00 laying around ;-p ?

Lions and Tigers, Oh my...

Well, no lions, but a few shots of a hungry and pacing Bengal Tiger from the Nashville zoo...

We saw him a little after 5 pm, and you could tell it was feeding time because of the way he was pacing. Even though I knew we were safe, he was scary-looking enough to make my heart beat faster for sure!

Josh and Amanda's Wedding, Part 4...The Wrap-Up with various family shots

Just a Quick post today to share a few of the family shots. Hope you enjoyed my little wedding min-series!
Eric, Amanda, and Brian (the 3 people who decided to marry into my crazy family ;-) ):

Porter had fun with the Ipad at the reception:

The girls and Evan actually let me take a few shots of them in their pretty/handsome clothes!
Evan:

Caitlin:

The twins together:

Natalie:

 and Cecilia (I could barely get her to be still for a minute-she was having so much fun running around!):

I got a few shots of Beth and Brian, too:

I went for a shot of the "Foot Pop Kiss", and Brian was being silly as usual...

Love my family with all of its quirks!

Josh and Amanda's Wedding, Part 3...The Reception

After the wedding, we all enjoyed a reception brunch at Ellendale's restaurant , where we had yummy made-to-order omelets, all sorts of pasta and veggie salads, fruit, a hot gourmet buffet,dessert (the cheesecake was fantastic!)...the food was the best I have ever had at a wedding reception, and the staff was very friendly and accomodating:

There was special music by Delores Hershey:

Josh and Amanda danced to "Valentine" (Martina McBride's song):

 And Amanda's grandfather cut in for a kiss:

Eric and I heard our wedding song, "At Last", so we danced, too (thanks to Hannah Mac Photography for this picture!):

Instead of a big cake for a small wedding, Josh and Amanda decided to have cake pops, Italian Opera Creme for her, and White Chocolate Raspberry for him-so yummy and perfect with a cup of coffee!

The Bride and Groom cake pops:

And a shot of Josh and Amanda with them:

(I think Amanda may have wanted to hide hers):

And the pretty pops that the guests received:

I have to admit, this last shot shot was inspired by the actual wedding photogs-I saw them photographing the cake pops on this gorgeous mosaic table, and thought it was a fantastic idea!

It was fun to watch them feed each other-it brought back memories of my own wedding, when Eric wouldn't let me smash the cake in his face (he HATES sticky stuff and sweets):

Cake kiss:

After that, the photogs took Josh, Amanda, and Porter outside for some photos-I took some, too, but they get all credit for posing!
I love Porter playing with his Mommy's necklace:

Love these mother/son moments:

Amanda's "supermen":

(I love how Porter was checking out Josh's pose to see what to do!)

Amanda is one lucky lady to have 2 super guys! Thank you for allowing me to share Josh and Amanda's special day with you...tomorrow, I will have a few outtakes of various other family members and photos that my kiddos allowed me to take of them in their dress clothes.

Josh and Amanda's Wedding, Part 2...The Ceremony

I have to say, the ceremony was difficult to photograph-it was rather dark in the chapel, and many tears of joy were shed (by me as much as anyone else, so my hands were not as steady as they needed to be, but I love the emotions, so I am sharing anyway).
Josh, waiting for his bride:

 He sees her now, and eyes filled:

They all came together at the alter:

And we all got a chuckle when Amanda wiped Josh's nose:

I loved how they made Porter such a big part of the ceremony:

Josh made vows to him too:

And they knelt together in prayer:

Porter wrapped his arms around the altar:

They lit the Unity candle together:

They had a solo by Jane Storie:

And Josh finally got his kiss:

Congratulations to the Josh Griggs family! I love my new sister and nephew and welcome them to the family!

Porter was happy to get some time with his Mommy after the ceremony (It was so cute to see him play with her dress and pretty curls):

We got a few picures in the foyer of the church before heading to Ellendale's for the reception:

And...I will finish up tomorrow with the reception photos, so be sure to follow me or drop back by!