These lovely purple asters were blooming at
Tyler Arboretum, near Philadelphia, when we were there for a wedding a few weeks ago. The wedding was gorgeous; time spent with family a joy. Of course, I was thrilled that the event was held in a beautiful botanical garden -- the bride and groom could not have picked a better venue for me. The ceremony was scheduled for the afternoon and we took advantage of free passes to visit the arboretum in the morning. H.H and I spent a pleasant couple of hours strolling the pathways through the trees with my son and his two boys. Naturally, I took pictures of the various native plants we encountered. My 12-year-old grandson, Mateo, asked if he could use the camera. I set it on automatic, gave him some basic instructions such as how to hold it, and handed it over. He took some great pictures! So much so, that I asked him to photograph the actual wedding. Now he thinks he may be a photographer when he grows up. Here are a few of Mateo's pictures, interspersed with some of mine:
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHdnyX-yMsM/WeeWPRsx36I/AAAAAAAAOCA/KDszwD7YNzAwbKT1bapRhmCYYorAnPyfgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5098.jpg) |
Bee on aster Photograph by Mate0 |
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![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mz4wprgkhyg/WeeWY7NYs6I/AAAAAAAAOCE/x9Zs-fOmP682WY_G5pB5DN9VyVYh_p_MwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5103.jpg) |
Frost aster Symphyotrichum pilosum Photograph by Mateo |
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCUEDg4cQvY/WeecYHg4T-I/AAAAAAAAOCg/LoAU8Xwzg-kPam0HyBvh7MfjwjiYVve8gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5048.jpg) |
Winterberry holly Ilex verticillata | | | |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bemictL36tA/WeedZBumduI/AAAAAAAAOCs/62X0W5XC4fomxBz2PLzD8UAPcqBkBzJJACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5073.jpg) |
Sorry I don't know what this is. Do you? | |
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![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpAgrSAE178/Weezmw08YKI/AAAAAAAAODk/hTXIuZuxm24MTznBqqcmKCcZYmpifEo_ACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5105.jpg) |
Ox-eye sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides Photograph by Mateo |
As well as native plants and majestic trees we were interested in the educational information provided on signs around the park. We learned that the man-made brushpile structures were created to give habitat for some animals.
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAAmwyhpUR8/Weei5iGsUrI/AAAAAAAAOC8/OYdc4ZMxq0gzGqwvGCGlMM4jvXFEeQQrwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5062.jpg) |
Brushpile habitats |
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Huq4d-NYIH4/Wee0EKgDfTI/AAAAAAAAODo/eEbA3cPRQooCe3vEZPHVAz_4wKMCJFoqwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5076.jpg) |
Honeysuckle Lonicera |
The boys loved the numerous tree houses that dot the arboretum.
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtXbF67KaQA/WeejTEU-QSI/AAAAAAAAODA/woKxnm71eXwB8LDEVBgeZdDkCWPfH1wkACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5058.jpg) |
Birds eye view from a treehouse. Mateo is the boy wearing a hoody. |
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhotyU6gKb0/WeejtBBp6LI/AAAAAAAAODI/4YL0A8N_SAQmZ6YykZqoZGzxMY2Hnw0kACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5226.jpg) |
Nature-made sculpture Photograph by Mateo |
My daughter-in-law, Mateo's mother, officiated at the wedding, making the event even more special for us.
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYDGvzFduGM/Weekap0Z0pI/AAAAAAAAODU/Qvdw5B0kClEt3nuy-WSMb8n60_UAeuqSQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5148-COLLAGE.jpg) |
Photographs by Mateo |
I was so impressed with Mateo's work, and with the care he took of the camera. We gave him a new name: Lord Lichfield. (My friends in England will know that Patrick Lichfield, during his lifetime, was the royal family's renowned photographer.)
We wish Kristi and Eric a beautiful life together. Thank you for including us in your special day.
Pamela x
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0GFI3DQYvs/Wee01Swbi_I/AAAAAAAAODw/zq1mJsaIN1ERDIToFdp4xy85ekZGU_s-gCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_5210.jpg) |
Photograph by Mateo |
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Thank you for sharing this Pam. It certainly looked like a beautiful wedding in a beautiful garden on a beautiful day. I'll have to put Tyler Arboretum on my to do list. PS...your photographer did awesome. You taught him well!
ReplyDeleteMateo seems to be a natural born photographer. Very nice pictures. I do especially love the asters.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect setting for a wedding, and how wonderful that you had time to explore, too! The wedding party looks very handsome. :)
ReplyDeleteI love purple asters too. And the bees love them even more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bride and groom, wishing them a lifetime of happiness together. What a wonderful place to hold the wedding. I think you've definitely got a budding photographer in the family, Mateo's photos are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThe wedding looks beautiful and your grandson took some wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteWell! I reckon Mateo did a first class job with the camera, plants and wedding. Unknown plant may be Prunus spinosa.
ReplyDeleteA good way for Mateo to start an interest or possibly a career for life! I have many rather weedy-looking frost asters in my garden I'm about to be ruthless and take them all out ready to replace with more positive colour - I would love some roots from your first photo!
ReplyDeleteExcellent job! and sounds like a wonderful occasion, I wish the newlyweds all the best.
ReplyDeleteI think your unknown is mile a minute vine, a terrible invasive...
Beautiful setting for a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteI think you have discovered a photographer-in-the-making in your grandson. Great job Mateo!
ReplyDeleteI sure hope he follows through with the photography!
ReplyDeleteKudos to your grandson ! Looks like a beautiful event.
ReplyDeleteMuito lindas as imagens.
ReplyDeletejanicce.
What a beautiful spot for a wedding, and a wonderful day spent with your family, especially your grandson! Thanks for sharing your fun day. Best, -Beth
ReplyDelete