Josie is 9 Months Old

In my personal blog I talk a lot about time going by entirely too quickly, well I am going to talk about it now. When I first photographed Josie she was days old. Each time I have seen her since whether for a session, or a visit, or we have just run into each other I am blow away with how much she has grown.

She is such a beautiful little girl, and I truly do feel such a connection to her. Probably because her mom and I have known each other for a few years. She is a special little girl and truly a blessing to anyone who has ever met her.

Brandon and Beth are two of the most amazing people that I know. When it comes to being parents again they are tops! I appreciate the two of them allowing me to be a part of Josie's life. It means so much to me. Thank you guys!

This session was at the park in Leeds. Josie went on a swing set and a slide for the first time and the camera caught the moment with all the giggles.

Josie is crawling, exploring, of course tasting everything she can get into her mouth, pulling up, and before long walking will be added to this ever growing list. There is so much light in her eyes and she radiates it everywhere that she is. She is definitely not lacking for love, but you can also see how much she loves. She has a smile that lets you know right away why children are closest to God. She is an amazing girl and while I do not want her too grow up so fast I know that she is going to make a difference in a lot of lives, she has in mine. I hope to continue to photograph her as she grows and capture some precious moments for her and for her mom and dad.

If you want you little one to have a photography session that is just for them instead of what you get at the basic studios call or e-mail me and we will make it work. Monica (205) 229-1865 or monicathach@gmail.com

Shelley and Jason Say I Do

Terri of Terri Lynn Photography asked me if I could join her for a wedding at Aldridge Gardens on May 1, 2011 of course I said yes. I had been to Aldridge Gardens, but not for wedding so I was excited. It is also always nice to work with Terri.

We arrived at Aldridge Gardens a few minutes early so that we could acclimate ourselves with the area and find out where everything would be taking place. This is always a plus for photographers, at least for me, as I like to know where everyone is going to be and when.

Jason, the groom was there first with his family, not long after was Shelley with her family. We started with the groom who was just ready to be married and call it a day. He was looking forward to the wedding, but was very excited about being married. We got shots of him with his family, alone, the flower girl and Ring bearer, etc.

After Jason was done with his pictures it was time to let them see watch other. Terri walked Jason down to a bridge and I went and got Shelley. They were both pretty anxious. As we were walking down all Shelley could see was Jason's back and all Jason knew is we where headed there. Then we turned Jason around and everything about both of them started to radiate. There was joy, and excitement in their eyes.

Then we got shots of Shelley and all of her family, attendants, etc. Then it was time to do pictures of them together. Getting the formal poses out of the way really relaxes the whole atmosphere of a wedding. The bride and groom always seem more together and there is nothing taken away from the ceremony. I am good with doing these however the bride prefers though!

As the time for the wedding drew closer we wrapped up formal shots and gt Shelley inside and Jason in place. The ceremony was very nice with their vows done under an Ivy arbour. Very nice and quite gorgeous for photographs.

The reception was very nice as well, with a few dances...one the bride and groom and the other the bride and her dad. Then it was time for the bride and groom to say their hellos and they tried to get a quick bite. Cake cutting, garter and bouquet tossing, and the exit through bubbles. It was a great wedding and one that I was proud to photograph. Thanks Terri for thinking of me.

If you have a special occasion on your calendar call and I will put you on my calendar today! Memories are cherished forever in our hearts, but can be shared with the world through your stories and photographs! Call or e-mail me anytime monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

Our Catholic Corner

A friend of mine came to me and asked me about product shots for her business. I was glad to accept and here are a few of their products, which can be found online at ourcatholiccorner.com

Most of their products are handmade, and are gorgeous! Enjoy and check them out! This was a change from the usual posing and getting smiles and eyes on the camera.

If you need some product shots for yourself or your company give me a call and I will be glad to help you out! Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

B's Prom

While Brittany is only a Sophomore she managed to head to prom for 2011. She went with her best friend Heather. No matter the casualness of going with a friend what would Prom be without a little drama.

She stressed over a dress, like we all have at some point. The first prom is just one of the many dresses all of us girls have to worry about. When she found one, it was pretty much perfect for her. It fit her perfectly.

For those of you who do not know Brittany is my sister, technically sister-in-law, but she is definitely my sister. The news of her prom definitely meant a camera trip for me! I was excited though. We had fun at her house with family, and friend Heather. The boys thought it was great to kiss their Aunt B good bye while she was all dressed up. Of course John Michael was thrilled to get his picture made with Heather, who is his girlfriend.

We took some pictures in the living room, and outside. It was a quick session but a fun one. Brittany is a beautiful person on the inside and the out. Enjoy a peek into her session.

If you have a special occasion or that perfect dress that you want yourself captured in let me know. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865.

Q and U are United

In my journey I have been asked to do a lot. I love all aspects of photography. Children are always a lot of fun as they bring in a life that is unlike any other. There innocence and joy radiate from them and it makes it impossible not to smile and just have fun. Weddings also bring about such a joyous occasion. When you can combine the two what you have is a good time with so many smiles to share.

Hilldale Christian Schools 4K classes join Q and U together in marriage every year and this year I was asked to photograph the event. I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy every minute of it. First, I had a son who was the bell ringer in the wedding and his excitement leading up to the big day was contagious.

The day of the wedding was hectic but so much fun. With kids dressed up and so excited calmness was nowhere to be seen. Here is the other thing about kids, they are not nervous about anything.

The boys were definitely my favorite to get pictures of as they were getting ready. There are only 5 boys in two classes so we were able to get creative and relax and have fun.

The girls were fun but with more of them and more to do to get them ready...makeup and hair....it was a little more chaotic and there was not near the time when they were all done.

The ceremony went off without a hitch. The lighting at Hilldale leaves a lot to be desired for photography, but it did not matter. The reception afterwards was also a blast as all of the kids were able to show off their fancy clothes to friends and family. They ate good food (not necessarily good for you, but definitely yummy) and they had a great time.

To close the event Q and U were carried out in their wagon and waiting on their car to take them to the airport so that they could go to Quebec for their Honeymoon.

This was truly a lot of fun and I am very thankful that I was asked to be a part of it.

Jennifer and Keith's Wedding

The days leading up to the wedding were spent watching the news, the weather to be more specific. There would be rain predicted one day and not the next. Fortunately there was no rain. It was a little cool in comparison to the days before but the sun even started to show before the wedding.

My friend Terri had asked me to come with her to the wedding and help with pictures. I love weddings and photography so it was a given I was there. Terri is an amazing photographer, but having an extra camera and an extra set of eyes is always nice. Thank you again Terri for asking me to help.

I have to say I have always loved weddings. They are all unique and so special. I had not met Jennifer or Keith prior to the ceremony, but just seeing them I knew that this wedding was for them. Their love and passion for each other was truly pouring out of them.

In many ways Keith is Jennifer's prince Charming. They have such a deep love for each other that they were fun to work with. She was not afraid to lay on the ground and it is always fun to have a bride who wants her pictures to show off who they really are. I hope that they enjoyed the photographs as much as I have.

Their wedding date will always be on my mind, as it is April 1st. What a fun day to get married. I am sure that it means more to them than a fun day, but personally it is a great day to celebrate life and that is what they did. Watching them go from engaged to married was so sweet and real. The ceremony was small, but they are planning a reception later. They wanted this day to be about them and their love. It truly was simple and so elegant and special.

Jennifer and Keith, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day. It was truly beautiful and I feel so blessed to be able to share in such a special time. Congratulations to you both again.

If you have a wedding or a special someone that you want to capture your love for each other, call or e-mail me and we will make it happen. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

Around the World in 80 Days

March 19, Brandon and I were asked to come to the Birmingham Festival theatre and capture the play that was currently happening. Brandon was the videographer, and I was the photographer. The fact that we are able to do what we love is truly a blessing. This particular event had us both nervous as we hoped to go watch it before the actual day, but it did not work out that way. For me I was not able to use a flash which is common in plays, but had me slightly nervous because without a flash things tend to blur. I vamped up the shutter speed and crossed my fingers.

The play started at 8:00. We arrived at the theatre about 6:30 so that we could get set up and ready before showtime.

Let me start off by saying I love theatre. I always have. I am not an actress by any means, but I love to go and always enjoy the performances. I had no idea that this theatre was even here. I know that this knowledge alone has made me a happier person. I will definitely visit more frequently.

This play was Around the World in 80 Days, and if you missed it, well all I can say is you missed it! It was amazing. This play was based on the novel by Jules Verne, and before you can ask the answer is no, there is no hot air balloon. The facts are that the hot air balloon was added in the 50's anyway, as it was not part of the original book. Hot air balloon or not this play had it all and more.

There were 5 very talented actors, well 4 actors and 1 actress. These individuals truly lit up the stage. They were creative, fun, hilarious, and best of all you could tell that they were truly enjoying it. These were M. Bates Redwine, Kevin Van Hyning, Chuck Evans, Holly Croney Dikeman, and Shawn Reese. Each individual truly brought you into their world and took you with them for a journey that would only last 80 days.

The schedule for going around the world started in London then onto Suez. From Suez to Bombay, from Bombay to Calcutta, from Calcutta to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Yokohama, Yokohama to San Francisco, San Fransisco to New York City and finally from New York City back to where it all began in London.

The director, Janelle Cochrane, was a remarkable person. She had a quote from Albert Einstein in the program and it is one that I love and I hope that you all will to.

"Imagination is more important that knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." - Albert Einstein

There is so much to be said about this quote. If you want a copy of the play my husband can make them on DVD for $15 each. It is money well spent, especially if you enjoy the theatre!

I personally hope to have more opportunities to take photographs for live performances as they are truly something that I enjoy. If you have a need let me know. Monica Thach at monicathach@gmail.com or (205)229-1865.