My bride, Karen.
She helps me out so much. I asked her to pose for me, as I was testing a new flash setup.
She still loves me, in spite of my ways. =)
She had just come home - around 7:45PM - from working late and going to the grocers.
All that and she still smiled for me.
I am blessed.
She, is beautiful, as you can easily tell.
That makes my job of capturing that beauty, so much easier. 
Light was streaming inward through the windows on a door.
The space was cramped, but the light was superb.
Ben and Lauren were good sports. They went where we asked them to go and did what we asked.
I remember there was a spider in the corner of the window. Lauren said it was hard to concentrate with the bug staring at them!
=)
With my Tamron zoom on, I decided to grab 4 frames for a stitched view of Lincoln’s Tomb.
A historical site in my city of residence.
President Abraham Lincoln - Springfield’s favorite son, and largest tourist attraction.
His home (the only one he ever owned) is here. His tomb is here. The old state capitol building where he was a State Legislator is here. A new Presidential Library and Museum are here. The law offices - faithfully restored - where he plied his trade as a lawyer are here.
Nearby is New Salem - the village where he spent his young adult life - is close - 20 miles away. It has been restored to look like it did when Lincoln lived there.
For a read on the man and his historical legacy, check out this article.
He affected many during his lifetime, and many more since.
My bride Karen asked that we attend the final weekly flag retreat ceremony, put on by a group of United States Civil War Reinactors every Tuesday evening during the summer months at Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb.
I’ve never attended this ceremony.
It was interesting, respectful, moving and well done.
As a bonus, there was a visiting Civil War reinactor band giving a concert prior and post flag lowering ceremony.
In this scene, the flag is presented, folded into a triangular shape, to the company commander, who then presents it to a guest chosen from those putting their name in the hat.
The buglers blow various songs including Taps, and Retreat. The drummers count out marching cadence and other music for the company.
The group did a gun salute - three sets of group shots (more than 21 from my counting). The drums counted the Ready, Set, Fire, which I had never heard done before - no verbal commands. Interesting.
It was 94 degrees Fahrenheit and quite humid. I was soaked by the time the 45 minutes were up. Karen assisted with holding lenses as I changed out. Such a sweetie. =)
Heading after work to the bank, this cluster of petunias slammed my eye.
They’re in front of the Illinois State Library building, which faces West towards the State Capitol building.
I’m not sure what the orange flowers are, in back of the petunias.
The contrasts are what grabbed my attention.
The white stone, green grass, purple and orange flowers against the deep blue sky.
The flags are added interest.
The church steeple peeking in, a bonus. =)
Love the hat!
Jose’s had kept winding up on Denise. Several times. =)
After the ceremony, we took time to take photos in several locations.
Even though the sunrise did not delight the eye, it was a beautiful day.
The joy of family and friends, celebrating the love of these two, made it perfect.
Infectious smiles, spread to all.
Before anyone else had arrived.
Chris and I made it there by 5:20AM.
Early.
After checking out the primary location, and feeling the mist/rain on us, we headed for the backup - a covered shelter.
I spied this tree, and was awestruck at the beauty and it’s symbolism for the about to be married couple.
Life, Light, Strength and Beauty.
We had a blast with Jose & Denise, their family and friends.
More soon. Or, check out our website. =)