Lori + Zach: A Backyard Barbecue

As the barbecue got started, Lori and Zach and their parents manned the front door to greet arriving guests, make small talk, and show each other off.

 Meanwhile, in the backyard, the party was getting started with lots of food, friends, and family.

Eventually, it was time to cut the cake, which wasn't at all straight-forward since 1) Zach and Lori were newcomers to such things, and 2) the consistency of their rice krispie cake didn't simplify matters. In the end, with a little gentle instruction from Zach's mom, they figured it out and had one of the most synchronized mutual cake tastings I've ever seen.

After cake, it started to get dark, which both thinned the crowd and lit up the decorations on the porch.

After the crowd cleared out and the porch was cleaned off, we took some time to capture sibling love in its many forms.

Then, it was time for presents! Everyone loaded up in the parlor to watch Zach and Lori check out and sort through their loot.

It was such a fun and beautiful night. The weather was only mildly oppressive, and it didn't rain, both of which are big wins in a Georgia summer. Also, there was a great turn-out at the party, which meant that Lori and Zach made out like bandits and that the Barneses got to visit with lots of old and new family friends. Although the barbecue was lovely, it was really just a precursor to the big day. That's next!