THE Wedding

THE Wedding was an event we would not miss. The opportunity to spend time with friends in New Orleans was an added bonus. More on NOLA in an upcoming post or 2. I did not shoot as many wedding pictures as expected. We were busy eating, dancing and enjoying the moment. Some are shot with a new Nikon D3500 and a few are from my iPhone.

 

Daytime photo of where it all started. Muriels Jackson Square. http://muriels.com/
The food and the company were wonderful.

Chell, myself, Anne & Franklin

We clean up rather nicely.

 Great place for a wedding. http://www.louisianacastle.com/

 Photo op! Anne, Rachel & Carla.

 Then it began. When Franklin came down the stairway, we knew it was real.

 Franklin, the groom.

Sophie as flower girl.

 Bridesmaids and escorts

Then this. Everyone took a deep breath when Chell appeared in the doorway.

Chell was met at the bottom of the stairs by her mom.

 The guys.

Mom & the bridesmaids.

Knots were tied and braids were made.

That moment.

Smooch!

Franklin & Chell!

Wedding Photos!

 The first cake.

Danger zone!

 The 2nd cake was a dance floor with dancers.

Music was playing and dancing proceeded. I sat the camera down for obvious reason.
Photos of New Orleans in upcoming posts.

Time For Some Warm Salt Water Travel - Key West

Why I never moved to Key West all those years ago still baffles me. "Family; the ties that bind and gag" is the best answer I can offer. (Thank you Erma Bombeck) Always good to get back to de' island.

Approaching the Coast Guard dock.

Our berth was opposite this large & imposing vessel, the Kimball. Since we were docked in the base property, no photos were supposed to be taken. Anybody on board with a camera immediately ignored that order.

Looking toward downtown.

Looking back to the yard space. Didn't have the long lens with me, but the H65 helicopter in the center of the photo is practicing water rescues like you would see on one of the cable channels.

A fine vessel.

Examples of Key West architecture.

Your tax dollars at work. Required: 4 fireplaces and a roof slant able to handle snow. Think about it.

I've walked a lot of Key West, but never had the opportunity to walk through this Truman Annex gate . . . .until now.

Truman's KW White House.

More architecture.

Palm trees and tourists in shorts. KW in November.

A nondescript door. Mr Hemingway lived here prior to moving into his rather well appointed mansion.

Location, location, location.

The pond at Kermits' Key Lime pie place. I suggest the frozen, chocolate covered version on a stick.

One of the tourist joints.

Used to be a fish house. This is Mr Buffetts' recording studio; Shrimpboat Sound.

I'm in!

I want a Mojito! I want a Mojito! And Island Dogs is to place to get them. I'm willing to return to KW just to come here.

These people have their priorities correct.

Bring your tourist dollars . . .

Overlooking Wisteria / Tank Island. Goodbye Key West until the next time.


I'll divert from Key West to give our cabin stewards a salute. Most people come back from dinner & find a cute little towel art animal on the bed. Our guys had a slightly different perspective on the towel art thing. These are phone photos, so the image quality is so-so.

This blog entry marks an event. This is the last series shot with a well used Pentax K110. This camera has traveled with me through Europe, North Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, Alaska and both the east and west U.S. coast and in between. No, you will not find it on eBay. The camera has taken it's place among past cameras such as my dad's old Brownie and the Argus, my father-in-laws' Kodak and my previous Pentax from 35mm days. Over the past several trips, I saw signs of wear & tear. Knew it was time to retire a camera that had served me well. 
I have returned to the cameras of my professional career, the Nikon product. After much research, a new D3500 sits off to my left and is ready for upcoming adventures. Still learning the buttons and functions, so stay tuned . . .