Cast Your Vote for the Photo Contest!

The results for the finalists are in for The Last Word Photo Contest! It wasn't easy, but we have selected five photos out of hundreds of entries, and they are listed below in no certain order. Thank you to all of you who took the time to send us your beautiful images. Now it is YOUR opportunity to cast a vote for your favorite photograph. Vote for your favorite finalist by posting a comment, including the number and "name" of the image. Please include the reason why you were touched by the picture (keep it brief and amazing;) Deadline to cast your vote is Friday, April 25, 2008 and we will announce the winner the following Monday. Tell your family and friends to add their comments, too. Happy voting and congratulations to our finalists!

#1  Grandma's Girl, Stephanie Brockman Photography

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer

#3 This Kiss, Trever Hoehne Photography

#4 Bicycle Built For Two, Gertrude & Mabel Photography

#5 Had To Be You, Trailbrook Photography

Happy voting and congratulations to our finalists!

Comments

[sable]

It would be tough to choose--they are all amazing!

[CForrest]

I vote for #4, Bicycle Built for Two. It's timeless yet fresh and filled with the palpable energy which can only be generated on a wedding day.

[Lisa French]

I like #4 - Bicycle Built For Two. It looks kinda like an "All American Dream". They look happy, playful & very much in love.

#2 is fantastic

[Vidal Demonti]

I vote for photo number 1. Look at the proud face of grandma. It just makes me HAPPY!

Vidal

[Jennifer Dunham]

#1 - Grandma's girl. Timeless. You can't help but smile!

[y]

my vote is for #4 -- what a classic, all-american picture!

[Chrissy Florence]

I love them all, but I vote for #4, Bicycle Built for Two. It's sweet and romantic.

[marie owens]

#1 Grandma's girl is my favorite!

[Jackie Tamas]

#4 Bicycle Built For Two. I think this is a lovely photo and has a lovely sweetness to it.

[Jackie Tamas]

While all of the photos are impressive, I vote for #4 Bicycle Built for Two. I think it's a flattering photo showcasing both the bride AND the groom, which is really nice to see. :)

[A Collins]

#4 Bicycle Built For Two: This picture has great composition with an old fashion charm.... very sweet!

[brooke watkins]

#3- the kiss. the photographer captured a beautiful and authentic moment. it's timeless

[brianne woodley]

#3, it's beautiful. You can tell it is a genuine moment.

[Jonna]

#3- This Kiss, it's very classic but playful and expressive.

[natalie torna]

#3- the kiss. absolutely timeless.

[Chris Laurie]

I vote #3. I love the hard values, the simplicity and use of whitespace. It's a nice balance of casual and formal.

[Dirk]

#3 This Kiss

Its classic, sexy and timeless!

[Jessica]

My Vote Goes To # 3!! How could anyone resist #3 This Kiss? So simple and fun!!

[lindsay weldon]

the kiss #3- beautiful image. even seeing the image, i felt like i was part of the moment

[melinda]

my vote is for #3 this kiss! darling, darling couple and such a sweet shot. i can already picture this image as full page spread in the magazine, and what a lovely photograph it would be!

[Keeley Kenefick Photography]

#4, Bicycle Built for Two really caught my eye!!! It is adorable!!! The rest are great too, but that is the one I choose!

[Keeley Kenefick Photography]

#4 Bicycle Built for Two is so amazing, it really caught my eye! The rest are great too, but that is the one for me!

[Deann B.]

I love them all - they are fantastic! But, I can only pick one, so #2 by Fred Egan is the one. Great job, everybody!

[paula coldiron]

#3 this kiss- is amazing! he captures a simple moment beautifully.

[Traci Romano]

I love number 5.

[Micah]

#3 This Kiss is simply classic. I love it.

[bmarsh]

I really like them all but #4 is my favorite - love the old school bike and it's just sooo sweet!

[eryn]

#3 This Kiss,
they both look so genuinely happy.

[OnceWed]

#3-the kiss- for sure

[lauren roberts]

#3
simple, sweet, and utterly beautiful.
it evokes pure love and happiness so effortlessly.

[Kyle]

I love #4.......and #3.

[sharon Brockman]

I vote for the Bride kissing her Grandmother; I'm a Grandmother
and we are SPECIAL!! Very sweet

[Events by Evonne, LLC]

I love #1 Grandma's Girl because that photo reminds me of me and my grandma and how much I miss her! =)

[Robert]

#3 The Kiss. I don't think I've ever seen a more genuine moment caught in a photograph. Amazing!

[Dianne Reynolds]

I love them all, but #2 "Swept Away" is so spontaneous, it is adorable! "It had to be you" #5 is absolutely gorgeous if I am allowed to comment on another!

[megan]

# 3 This Kiss... Blissful, Sweet,... Yet so in L.O.V.E

[zach harrod]

#3 beautiful...

[s.det]

#3 the kiss, its the real deal!

[CwK]

#3 was simplistic in style and captured a moment where the audience itself gets to experience the pure bliss of the couple

[Jwillis]

#3 Steller photo, cute couple

[Dfages]

#3: the contrasting black and white, along with the back lighting make the couple pop adding to the joy already expressed. Great photo!

[Benita]

# NO 3!

[Carson]

#3 - This Kiss - The contrast of the black and white is amazing.

[nick w.]

#3 - the kiss is my vote

[diane]

Definitely #3 "the Kiss" as it it so relaxed, unstaged and unrehearsed. The photo captures a private and intimate moment during a hectic day and shows the love and like this couple have for one another.

[travis collins]

#3 the kiss. it captures a sweet moment on the most important day

[COle]

I vote for Trever Hoehne's photograph

[Jill Ball]

#3 they look so sweet!

[Summer Watkins]

I vote for number three. Love the classic B&W!!!

[Adrian]

#3 the Kiss. the best by a long shot.

[Adrian]

#3 the kiss. way better.

[Adrian]

#3 the kiss. way better.

#3 The Kiss, of course. She is my granddaughter and being completely objective and free of any bias or prejudice and without consideration of preferential treatment, it should be obvious that this photo be named the winner.
GB

[Amy]

I pic 3 they are cutest, sweetest people ever! :)

[ashley]

#3 is absolutely classic!!! I love it

[Yvonne Design]

#4 Bicycle Built For Two. It captures all the feelings on your wedding day! Bright, happy, and we love the spontaneity and playfulness of the photo. Very different from the "norm."

[Samantha Slaman]

#3 this photographer captured love in a photo... I didn't think that was possible.

[Fred Egan]

#2 :D

[Brittany Watkins]

#3 This Kiss. Absolutely Gorgeous!

[Sonia Steinbach]

#2 Swept Away - It's great to see a Bride & Groom having fun and the Bride not worrying about getting her hair all messed up. Classic!

[Sonia Steinbach]

#2, it's great to see the Bride & Groom having fun and the Bride not worrying about getting her hair messed up.

[Tay]

#3 All the way! I know good photography when I see it...

[April]

#4 Bicycle, because it is an amazing photo I can imagine as a classic painting.
#1 Grandma's Girl comes in close second because it reminds me of my Grandpas' and how I always wished for, but won't get, that moment at my wedding with them; it is a very special photo opportunity!

[danise mckee]

#3 The Kiss This is the most beautifully romantic picture I have ever SEEN!

[amarie]

The Kiss, Number 3. The look on her face says it all.

[danise mckee]

I vote for #3 The kiss....so beautiful so romantic, so sweet...the perfect wedding picture!

[D.Jimenez]

#3It's a classic shot with a very cute couple that both look so happy!

[Melissa McClure]

#5 is the best!!! :)

[Darlene]

#3 - This Kiss is absolutely beautiful! So classic and elegant!

[Darren Meisel]

#3 The Kiss - This photo captures the joy that can only be found in true love. ;)

[Me Ra Koh]

My eyes were pulled to #2 by Fred Egan! The colors and energy of the couple are perfect! Great Job Fred!! Wow, you should be proud!

[bobby]

3: great style

[Anna]

#5 Had To Be You, Trailbrook Photography! Such a beautiful photograph!!!

[taylor]

#3) classic love captured as a moment in time

[dutch]

#4.. bicycle built for two ... the others are much too bridal shower magazine posed ... i like the movement and color and relatability of #4...

[Mike R]

#3 is the best for it speaks volume. Photographer captured a spontaneous and sweet moment. The photo speaks a 1000 words. #3 is my favorite!!!

[Brandon]

Great job to all contestants, but I vote for #3, This Kiss. It's beautiful for its simplicity and captures life without pretense.

[Brandon]

Great job to all contestants, but I vote for #3, This Kiss. It's beautiful for its simplicity and captures life without pretense.

[Trevor]

#3 - the kiss.. utterly beautiful.. true love at its finest.. excellent shot.

[Bri]

#3...so cute and real...what a moment they must have been having together =)

[Shannon]

#3 This Kiss. It's so classic in its simplistic beauty. And they both look so in love.

[Shannon]

#3 This Kiss. It is so classic in its simplistic beauty with the black and white color. And this gorgeous couple looks so in love.

[Amanda Auer]

#3, This Kiss! I would be THRILLED to have that as one of my wedding photos!! Great shot!

[Loren]

#3!!

[curtis Kauffman]

#3 is ok.

[Christine & Greg]

#5 all the way! It captures the happiness of the day perfectly!

[Chelsea]

I vote for #3 "the kiss", beautiful black and white photo!

[Sara France]

#2 For sure!

[Heather Cole]

#2. I love how "REAL" that image is. WOW!

[Kathy Carlisle]

Got to go with Fred Egan and his #2 shot!

[Shyla]

#2... simply because its awesome.

[Brent Clark]

#2 by Fred Egan Looks amazing!

[Emily]

#2 The spur of the moment shot by Fred Egan

[Ryan]

Fred Egan... I want to ride a scooter on my wedding day! #2

[nicole green]

#2 .. fred's work is amazing!

[Wyatt]

Gotta go with #2, it looks so spur of the moment.... the composition is amazing!

[scott neumyer]

#2 definitely! Rock!

[Justin]

#2 Swept Away - Fred is truly capturing the exhilaration that is this time in a relationship.

[Lindsey Joy]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan LOVE IT!

[Jamie Delaine]

#2! Fresh, fun, very carefree. :)

[Nikki N]

#2!! I want to be that girl in the photo, carefree & classic.

[Jennifer]

Swept Away #2 great fuN!

[marisa holmes]

#2 Swept Away!

[Abby Smith]

#2 Swept Away, FRED EGAN!!!

[nellie montgomery]

definitely #2 swept away by fred egan.
everything from the reflections in the bike helmet to the classic looks on the bride/groom's faces. it's a very clean photo.

[Andrej]

#2 of course. among presented here photos, one the best.

[Shannon]

#2 Swept Away... sweet, fun & happy. exactly how i would want my day captured ;)

[Terilee]

#2 I love this carefree shot, it has so much personality. Fred is an amazing photographer.

[lroah]

Love #2!

[Sara]

#2 Swept Away, so fun and carefree! LOVE IT!!

[Lauren Simpson]

For sure #2, Swept Away. The bestest.

[Rebecca]

I vote for #2 Swept Away by Fred Egan

[Drew Cunningham]

I vote for #3 the kiss

[Amy Hof]

#3 This Kiss... the bride's expression shows the joy and love that every woman wants to experience not only their wedding day but for the rest of their life! She is so blessed!

[justin . lyon]

#2! I LOVE the emotion, the excitement and the foreshadowing of the "ride" ahead in this couple's life! Nice image Fred!

[melanie]

#2!!!!!

[j]

#2 by Fred Egan --very care free & fun.

[micahl]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan! looks so carefree and happy.... EXACTLY how you should look after your wedding!

[LRM]

The Kiss #3 is one of those unexpected pics that the bride and groom look back upon and their heart skips a beat because they don't remember posing or standing a certain way to get it. It's one of the unexpected shots that touches a couple when they are trying to remember the little things and the little moments that fly by yet mean so much. This is photography in it's most natural form and it depicts true human emotion and spirit.

[Renee]

#3 the kiss is the coolest photograph

[April]

#2, Swept Away. For sure.

[ann]

#2 Swept Away-duh!

[Stacy Wegley]

#2...Fred's work always reaches beyond the predictable to reflect the personality.

[Jessica]

#2 Swept Away!

[julie]

#2 !!

[Allan Mayne]

#3 This Kiss, GREAT Photo!

[Rachael]

#2, all the way. So carefree and fun! :)

[Charles]

#2 Swept me Away!!!!!!

[Dustin Steller]

#2 is the bestest-est!

[Shana D]

I vote #2, Fred Egan's "Swept Away."

[Jared Rey]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer. I love #2 for the care free emotion and natural color.

[PamH]

#3...lovely

[kym]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer
Because I love the unfettered joy in the image. It's also the one that feels the most "unposed" to me and I like that sorta thing :)

[kym]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer

I love this one because it's unconventional, unfettered and full of joy. I also can appreciate that it's the only one that doesn't feel so "posed" and I appreciate that sorta thing :)

[mai]

definitely # 2!

[holt]

#2, Fred Egan!!

[sunday ibok]

#2 is amazing, i want that person to shoot my wedding.

[carlieg]

number 2!

[Cindy]

#2 SOOOO Fun!

[Lauren Zaffos]

#2 Swept Away, by Fred Egan. I think this is an unconventional, rockin' image that totally captures the essence of a "Pacific" wedding.

[allan z.]

#2 FUN FUN FUN!

[stephanie]

#2 by fred egan, the color, the fun, the spontaneity of this images just catches your eye! so #2 definately

[stephanie]

#2, the color, the fun, the spontaneity catches your eye!! so definately #2!!!

[meg]

LOVE #3 BECAUSE IT'S ENDEARING AND NOT FORCED!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!

[Jared]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer

[Jeff]

#2 without a doubt. Best picture by far!!!!!!!!

[sean flanigan]

#2 please.

[sherann]

#3!! authentic!

[Julie]

I'm loving #2, Swept Away. So much fun! #3 is a close second.

[uh-tacht]

#2 has my vote!!!

[bob]

Loving #2

and let's hear it for the blogosphere...

[mark galligan]

Fred Egan for president! great pic! its real, showing life at its fullest!

[Tim Co.]

#2 for sure, swept away by fred egan!

[marco]

#7 fred eganz

[kelleeblog]

#2 please... love it.

[Cassie]

#2 for sure! Love how fun it is!

[Sharron Foster]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer

Love the carefree look of it...it embodies what we all want a wedding to be....fun, fabulous, all of our dreams, total happiness

Fred is great!

[Kevan]

#2 for this guy!

[Matt]

#2. It captures the care-free fun spirit that is true love.

[KMarshall]

#5, It Had To Be You. The veil partially concealing our view allows the viewer to believe that they're completely caught up in a very private moment...exactly what a good wedding photographer should be able to express!

[david & kimi b ~ ohana photography]

numero dos ~ go fred!

[marie]

#44444444444444444444444444444444444!!! Totally creative, love the color. it's like he's calling on her on his bike!! Love it~!

[David Webb]

All of them are excellent but if I ever get married I'd love Fred to do it so it has to be #2

[charlotte]

#3 epitomizes happiness!

[charlotte]

#3 This Kiss - epitomizes happiness and love!

[billy cregger]

picture number 3 would have to be my favorite. its an amazing shot of two amazing people.

[Enoch Castleberry]

#2 FRED EGAN!

[Bob P.]

Rock on, Fred!!!

[marco]

#7!!! Fred EGANNNNNNNN

[Amy DeYoung]

#2 Swept Away! The most fun and original :)

[John David]

Awesome all of them. Personally appreciate the action and facial expressions of #2 to be number one.

[Tanya Perez]

Swept away #2! :)

[Tanya Perez]

#2!

[Foster]

#2 Swept Away by Fred Egan has my vote

[Nate]

#2 Swept Away for sure! Great shot by Fred Egan. Aside from the beautiful emotion, it would be the most difficult to re-create

[Kristin Cogar]

I love Fred Egan's photo but also because he is taking my photos before and my fiance and i had an amazing time. He just has a special style and touch to the photographs. I will be seeing more of him, especially this weekend because he is taking more wonderful pictures at my wedding!

[sharon woodlan]

#3 This Kiss. It just looks spontaneous and happy!

[Mickey]

#2. Nothing beats a bride and groom on a scooter!

[Beth]

#3 The Kiss so passionate and just makes me feel good.

[Aldonia]

I love Number 333333333333333333!!! The kiss is so lovely and they just look so in love!!

[chris]

#3 a very real moment. what photography is all about.

[Jenilee Thornton]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer

Love Fred's work!

[Emimly]

Swept Away, #2, Is by far the most original. It captures the love and laughter of the beautiful couple.

[Jenny]

# Swept Away... the lighting is brilliant around the bride & I love the way the bride & groom are off on their journey of life together!

[Shannon]

#2 Swept Away...Egan is the bomb!

[Ted]

#2 Swept Away rocks my socks! Makes me smile every time I look at it.

[Jenn]

#2 Swept Away-Fred Egan!! The photo is absolutely unique and the couple so happy and free!

[Tyler Hoehne]

#3 FOR SURE!!!
Captured a great moment. Great lighting. Excellent composition.

[Jenn]

#2 Swept Away-Fred Egan!! The photo is absolutely unique and the couple looks so happy and free!

[michael milam]

#2 is the best

[abigail Q]

#2 swept away. Brilliant name, photograph and photographer. Egan is amazing!

[Derek]

#3 for me!

[julia]

#3 the kiss-- great photo. real moment

[kim]

#3- it's classic

[Eleni]

#2 SWEPT AWAY - I love the expression on the groom's face, like, "here we are baby! We're married!"

[MGW & RMS]

#5 rocks!

[Melanie]

#3 This Kiss: Authentic.

[LeeAnne Jackson]

#2 Swept Away - A bride and groom who are having fun with their big day! Unique :)

[Leah McLean]

#2, I love their expressions.

[shaun]

#2 rocks my face off

[Hannah]

i vote for #3 The Kiss.

it captures the moment

[Janelle Meisel]

#3 - Hands down. This photo captures elegantly captures this romantic moment.

[Emily Koepplin]

#3- its timeless...an amazingly captured moment!

[denise]

#2!

[Liza J]

My vote is for #1, Grandma's Girl. When I look at this photo, I think of the bride looking back at this and thankful to have such a special portrait between herself and her grandmother on her special day. Not only is it a great photo because of what is captured, I also love this photo because of the way it was captured. It is amazing! I love close ups!

[Lisa Austin]

#2 Swept Away
Unique.. such gorgeous light.

[Nicky N]

#2 by Fred Egan - it is so fun and playful and how weddings should be! #4 comes in a close second

[Lynsey]

#4 sweet and different, clean background with amazing details--very well thought out.

[Rachel]

#2...love the helmets!

[Teri]

#2 has got it! The care free split second capture of the "I've got it!" look by the groom, and the "I'll follow you anywhere" look by the bride is just one of those one-in-a- million shots. Fred Egan, are you just lucky or what?

[Linda]

#2 Swept Away gets my vote. It's fun, refreshing and captures the moment.

[ty grossman]

#3 This Kiss. Amazing shot. Their expressions were cought perfectly.

[mindy]

#3 - this kiss! it genuinely feels like an unrehearsed moment on their wedding day. such a sweet expression of love btwn the bride and groom. what a wonderful moment caught on film.

[s]

#2 Swept Away rocks

[Faulkner]

#2 is by far the best. Great pic Mr. Egan.

[Josh]

#3 This Kiss - Perfect combination of classic and elegant with fresh and modern.

[Taka]

#2 "Swept Away"...

Aside from the amazing light and capture, the image gives a quick snapshot of a happily married couple who is ready to take on all the adventures of marriage...starting with a crazy ride on a scooter! Nice work Fred!

[Nicole Reynolds]

#3 - This Kiss. Lovely!

[kelsey]

#2 "swept away"
fred egan is the best.

[Hillary]

#3- The Kiss: If there were any doubt how much this couple loved each other, this picture would take it away. Beautiful!

[Cristy Cross]

#2-I think Egan has this one for sure :)

[whitney]

#3 the kiss: it's beautiful and captures a precious moment!

[linhbergh]

I vote #2.

[orbie Pullen]

#2 "Swept Away" This shot captured a great moment in time and it rocks!

[LeeAnne Jackson]

#2 Swept Away - Fred Egan knows how to catch the fun in a lifetime

[Simon]

#2 by far. Pure eye candy.

[Carlo]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan

Fantastic shot!

[Hansel Dobbs]

#2 Swept Away

[Mark]

#2 "Swept Away" - Creatively fun filled and inspiring. Love it.

Mark
Credit Zen
www.HelpBuildYourWealth.com

[Pavel]

#2 "Swept Away" What a vivid moment!

[Mia]

#2 Swept Away. So much fun.

[nate kaiser]

#2 for the win!!!

[Sallie Lin]

I vote for #2
vivid with much creativity

[Greyson Grimes]

#3 is the totally bomb digady. it hold way more unique quality, and is beautiful!

[Sher Lin]

#2, Swept Away

More real life, cute

[Maggie Lin]

#2 Swept Away by Fred Egan

This is real marriage. Just love it.

[jm]

# 3 elegance

[aviva]

#2 - Fred is F.U.N. That is the one picture in all of these that MOVES.

[Morgan Taylor]

#3 This Kiss, Trever Hoehne that guy is realy one,if not the best photographer i have ever seen! amazing shot man!

[Morgan Taylor]

#3 This Kiss, Trever Hoehne Photography

[amanda]

#3 - such a beautiful picture...seems to really capture the moment of the day.

[jm]

#3 elegance

[jm]

#3 elegent

[jm]

#3 elegent

[matt + angie sloan]

hopefully we count as two votes! #2!!!

[Rachel Barker]

#2 Swept Away - by far the best of the bunch. BY FAR!!! This image tells a story of young love with an adventurous life. Beautifully and candidly captured.

[Jamie Kutter]

#2 definitely!

[paula luna]

#5 definitely!!!

[Oleg Kurapov]

#2 "Swept Away" is the best for being care-free and so unlike thousands of formal wedding shots I get to see (and, ahem, make) everywhere.

[jm]

#3

[jm]

#3

[eric]

#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer

[rob Shirley]

#2/number two

#2 Swept away, Love the