The Calvert's Wait

As Alexa Nicole gets ready to make her entrance into this world Amanda, Patrick, and Jacob wait. This is always a fun but also anxious time.

Alexa has dropped considerably since her baby shower only a week ago so I am going to assume that her birthday will be very soon. Praying for a healthy baby and an easy delivery for Amanda.

Amanda like all soon to be moms is ready as well as excited, but also a little nervous. We all remember that feeling too well. She will do awesome though!

Amanda has had a maternity session, but this one we wanted to do so that the men in her life could be a part of it. We chose the lake, because it is truly a great backdrop. Plus it is one of our favorite places to be. I wish that they could have stayed longer, but Amanda had to work, and had labor started she was a little further away from the hospital than anyone would like. I was glad that we were able to make this happen though.

If you are expecting or know someone who is photographs are the best way to remember the glow and the baby bump that you have been blessed with. Contact me and we will make your session fun and memorable. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865 you can also contact me through my website at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/

It's A Girl

Baby showers are always so much fun, and having a house full of boys, I love it when they are consumed with pink! Amanda is expecting her first baby. Alexa will be here any day now and to help her get ready there was a great baby shower. Myself, and my mom (also her aunt Roselle) hosted it for her with the hopes that it would be a perfect day.

Back in May I found a "MOTHER" wine glass that I knew I had to get for her, considering I collect these it was hard not to use it myself, but I found some restraint. Of course for the shower it housed punch. Lime Sherbet punch to be more specific, and really you cannot go wrong with that for any shower or tea.

Amanda looked gorgeous and was radiating some serious happiness, and she awaits for the arrival of Alexa. She has a great baby bump, and her dress really was showing it off. She is truly a beautiful mom-to-be.

Aunt Peggy, Amanda's mom, made an adorable cake and very yummy cupcakes. I had to steer clear of the cake, because of strawberries, but the cupcakes were pretty and yummy. She used to make cakes all of the time, and now with Alexa coming she is getting started again. This one was adorable!

Amanda wanted lime green and hot pink and everything was purchased with that in mind. Crystal of Crystal's Creations, in Chelsea made me an adorable wreath. I was able to customize this for Amanda's shower. I am hoping that she takes it to the hospital and also hangs it on Alexa's wall. It is stunning, and everyone loved it. Thank you again Crystal, your talents are truly amazing.

Amanda got some really great gifts, some fun, some functional. So many cute clothes. My favorite was the black onesie "my little black dress." Her stroller and her bedding were there and so many other great things! I hope that she had as much fun as everyone else did.

Congratulations on Alexa and know that we cannot wait to meet her and take so many pictures. Praying for a healthy baby and an easy labor for mom!

If you are expecting or know anyone who is do not think that the shower is not important enough for photography. It definitely is. Contact me and we will make it happen. http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ Monicathach@gmail.com (205)229-1865.

Karen's Baby Shower

Karen is a friend of mine from school, and when I found out that she was expecting I was excited. First, I love newborn photography. Second, I always like to hear good news from friends, family, and even strangers. Good news should be shouted from mountain tops.

Most people do not think that pictures from their baby shower are that important but they are. This is a time when people who care for you and your new baby come together to celebrate and this is why I love shooting these events. I love when people are happy and at baby showers it is almost always.

This was no exception. Karen was glowing, and you could tell that she was ready. The shower was at her house, which makes it easy because mom and dad do not have to try to get everything home, which can be a challenge. The nursery was ready and absolutely adorable.

Amy, my friend and owner of Your Cake Baking Friend made the cake, at it looked amazing. There was a strawberry filling, with real strawberries, per Karen's request so I did not have any, but everyone said it was delicious. In fact, Amy had to cut it because nobody else would go there.

Karen got some great gifts for the new baby. Braylon will be his name, which is a great name! He will have so much, I do not think he will be wanting for anything. His brothers and sisters seemed very excited about the new baby. It is more than obvious that love will be in abundance for Braylon as it already is.

If you have a special event that you want recorded with photographs, let me know! We will make it happen. http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865.

Destiny & Johnny Become One

I was contacted by a friend of mine asking me if I had August 5th open. I checked and I did and she told me her sister-in-law needed a photographer. I told her to have them call me. I talked to Johnny (also known as JT) on the phone and we set up a time to meet at Starbucks.

I met with Johnny and Destiny, also known as JT and Danielle, and since we decided that we could all definitely make this day what they had been dreaming of they were put in the calender. We talked about the specifics, when to take the pictures, who they wanted to make sure to get pictures with, colors, how many people in the wedding, and all of the other fun details that go with photographing a wedding. We also talked about Brandon coming to video, and they accepted, which was great news for both of us as we continue to build our company.

The day of the wedding I arrived at the Boutwell at 4:00 to start taking pictures. First comes the decorations and the cakes, food, and of course everyone getting ready. These little details are small, but the only way to truly capture the day for JT and Danielle forever. So many times brides do not get to enjoy the hard work on the day of their wedding, and photography allows them to go back to the memories and be there again.

The girls were ready to go and some of the guys. We did some pictures inside the Boutwell on the stage that was set up for the ceremony.

After the indoor pictures and while we had time we walked to Linn Park and took some fun and gorgeous pictures in front of the fountain. This is also where JT and Danielle saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. The girls created a wall in front of Danielle and she was turned around. When JT came up they left he touched her shoulder...and then magic! The first time that the bride and groom see each other always has special meaning to everyone involved. I am glad that the magic will be theirs to remember and share forever. The bridal party and several other pictures were taken in front of the fountain then it was time to get back across the street. It looked like a storm was coming, but fortunately nobody got wet. We also needed to get Danielle behind closed doors so that she would awe everyone when it was her moment.

The moment came and her dad walked her down the isle. Joined by her mom they gave her away to JT. When the time came to walk back down the isle this time it was with JT and as Mrs. Taylor.

The reception was fun for everyone who was there. There was dancing and of course the tossing of the bouquet and garter. These were caught not only by people in the wedding party, but they were girlfriend and boyfriend. This always means a good time with the pictures as far as I am concerned!

When it was time to leave the applause came with bubbles, hand holding, and a kiss from the new happy couple. JT and Danielle make a beautiful couple and I know I was blessed to be able to have a part in their day! I was happy to do this, and I am so glad that I was there. I wish them happiness today and all of the tomorrows! I know there will be many blessings and special moments in their lives. Congratulations to both Danielle and JT!

If you want to have your wedding day captured and preserved to be able to share for generations please contact me. I love what I do and building a relationship with my clients is important to me.

http://www.monicaannephotography.com/

monicathach@gmail.com

(205) 229-1865

Amanda's Maternity Session

Most of you know that Amanda is my first cousin. When she called to tell me that she was expecting I was so excited! I could not wait to find out what she was having, and I was secretly hoping for a girl. I have a lot of blue at my house and while I would have loved to hand it all down to her, I was really hoping to go shopping for pink. When she found out it was a girl, I think I was almost as excited as her and her husband.

I was having her baby shower, but needed some pictures of her belly, so we did a quick photoshoot. It was VERY hot being August in Alabama and all. It was a lot of fun though, as most sessions are. I told her to wear her favorite maternity outfit and she picked a cute one. White capris and a pink and white striped top.

The session started at the old Middle School in Trussville. I have to wonder what the city is going to do with that building, but I hope that they do not let it fall apart, it is so pretty. Sorry just a random thought I felt I needed to put out there.

We plan to do one more session with her husband and son, but for this one it was just her and of course Alexa! She has about 5 weeks left and I know that she is ready. Enjoy the pictures!

If you are expecting or know someone who is maternity pictures are a great way to capture that moment forever. Contact me and we will preserve your baby belly for many generations to see. Trust me, looking back I wish I had done this with my boys. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

Morgan Makenzie is Three

Photographing birthday parties is definitely one of my favorite things to do, most of the shots are candid, and when it is a child's party there is always a laugh to be captured. When the boy's received their invitation to Morgan Makenzie's water slide party I knew that I was going to have a great day.

I was glad to be able to make myself useful at her birthday party, and take the worry off Kimy and Steven about pictures. Having my camera means that they can enjoy themselves, and all of the hard work that they have put in to making the day special for their very special little girl.

Kimy and I grew up together, literally, there is a picture of her at 6 months old "holding" me the day that I came home from the hospital. She is an amazing person, and someone that I know I am blessed by having in my life. She is also a great wife, Steven is a lucky guy, and a wonderful mom! When it comes to Morgan Makenzie she definitely has great parents who love her a lot and it shows.

Morgan Makenzie is a very sweet little girl, she is absolutely precious. She is also very smart. She amazes me the way that she interacts with everyone from babies to adults. She is definitely going to be a people person, which is always a positive attribute.

Her third birthday party was at her house and was almost a water park. There were 2 water slides, and 2 pools, and they were set up on a blue tarp, which gave the very cool slip and slide effect to everything. It was great and everyone had a blast. The laughter could have been heard for miles, and there is something magical in a child's laugh. The theme was Strawberry Shortcake, so pink and green were everywhere! Seeing pink is always a blast for me since I have 2 boys! The cake was from Savage's and was adorable. It was definitely a great party.

If you want to be able to enjoy your child's party contact me to take care of the photography. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865.

Lightning Strikes for an eight year old Party

So as Danny is getting older (and after experiencing a party away from home) we decided it was time to celebrate elsewhere. I have to say it is much nicer just being able to show up. I am a little frustrated with some of the occurrences at Lightning Strikes, and more so with the fact that a manager has yet to call me back, but overall I was pleased. Danny had a blast and that is what means the most to me.

As a photographer and a mom I typically put personal stuff in the back of the to do order, but I promised Danny that I would do these just as I do my work, so they would fall in line with when they were taken. He is very glad that they are online and is anxiously awaiting prints.

I have to admit that this was a lot of fun to photograph and I would be glad to do it for anyone anytime. There was so much activity that I tried to make sure to capture each child there. They all wore smiles especially when Brandon and I decided that we would get them all an ICEE. Talk about pumped, and a sugar rush to follow!

I hope that everyone enjoys the photographs. Remember if you want your party photographed contact me and we will make it happen. It takes a lot off being the host if you know that the pictures are taken care of. Trust me I left almost everything in Brandon's hands so I could click! Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865 I aim to capture your memories so that you can share them with generations. Not to mention so that you can enjoy the present and the gift that it is.

Honey Baked

So there is a band, Honey Baked, that I love to listen to online. Actually I found them on Facebook through a friend who knew that I liked that style music. When I found out they were doing a reunion concert in Birmingham, well I knew I had to be there.

I contacted the bank to see if they would like a photographer and I was in. I was hoping to get Brandon to come with the video camera, but that did not work out. Well he came, but not with the camera. Still not sure what happened. But oh well, it gave me somebody to keep up with the camera bag so I could concentrate on the band.

There are some downsides to photographing concerts. I could not dance as much as I would have liked, I love to dance, but it did not matter I was able to enjoy an amazing band. I would have loved to have gone up on the stage for some pictures, but I did not want to disturb anyone.

While I am not thrilled with the pictures, I am happy with them. The security guard told me to limit the flash, which meant depending on the lighting which gave them odd colors, but still, I had a blast and hope to photograph more bands.

Brandon and I had an amazing time, thanks guys for this opportunity!

The guys are truly great and while I do not know that they will be doing any more concerts there is always FaceBook so look them up and listen to them. I promise it will not disappoint!

If you have a band and would like a live performance photographed, give me a call and we will make it happen. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

Danny's 8

Well photographing my children is actually one of the hardest challenges, they are so used to seeing mom with the camera actually getting cooperation is a rarity. I do have a few specific times each year that I need a good smile. These are special times.

Danny turning 8 is one of those milestones that I needed to have captured. Although he wanted to wear what he picked out instead of what I wanted him to wear he did agree to a few shots. He knew that it was important to me, and it always will be. I am very thankful for his smiles, although I do prefer the candid shots of him throughout the day. These were the ones he actually let me take of him to mark the milestone.

Eight years ago I learned how it was possible to hold my heart in my hands. The day that I found out he was growing inside of me I was in love. The day that he was born, my heart grew by such amazing standards. I still have a hard time believing that he is really eight. I still see that sweet little baby curled up on my chest going to sleep. He is still a sweet boy, but he is definitely not enjoying curling up with momma and I cannot pick him up any more. I miss those days so much, but I know that it is part of growing up.

I cherish every minute with my boys, as I know that they will always love me they will not always need me, and this is a reality I see happening more and more each day. I remember when his boo-boos were healed by a magical mommy kiss. Now a band aid works better. It is the little things that let me know he is a young man now. Today and forever though he will always be my baby boy!

If you want to capture a smile on your child's special day let me know and we will get it captured forever for you. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865