Catherine and Ken Make History

Catherine was introduced to me through a variety of people. Her mom works with my husband, and I used to also work there. I also went to school with her sister. The connections were many, but the fact that we were brought together was great. When she asked me to do her wedding she had been price gauged by another photographer. I cannot imagine doing that to anyone. Her date was the same as the day we were leaving on vacation for the beach. While I am not one to postpone my beach vacation, I also refuse to leave someone without a photographer especially a bride. We postponed our vacation for a few hours and I have no regrets.

Catherine is a gorgeous person, when in a wedding dress she was stunning! She also had a light in her eyes that only a bride has. It is that happiness and love that truly radiate from within. It is a light that cannot be duplicated.

The wedding was at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. I have not been to this church since I was a little girl. We always went to St. Barnabas and now we go to St. Francis Xavier in Irondale. I forgot how much I liked this church and it was nice to go down memory lane. At least for a minute then it was time to get to work.

The bride and groom chose not to see each other before the wedding, but we did stage a shot with them together but they could not see each other. This was the moment that Catherine cried. Ken smiled better in this shot then he did before the ceremony. Now after the ceremony he was all smiles.

Catholic Weddings are almost magical, they are not rushed and the tradition behind them is always so moving. I am a crier at weddings anyway, and this one was no exception. While I do not cry much at a clients wedding they are very moving. The priest talked about this day as the day that Catherine and Ken made history. They would go in the states record books as well as the Church's. Decades from now descendants of theirs will be able to know the date and the place where Ken and Catherine became one. This was so moving to me. I have heard a lot of things said about a lot of people, but this was amazing. Not only will they have the official records they will have their photographs. These photographs show their happiness and their love and generations down the line will want to have this when they say I do.

Thank you to Catherine and Ken for the opportunity to be a part of your day! I hope that you are as pleased with the photographs as I am! Congratulations today, and all of the tomorrows!

To have your historical moment captured for generations through photography call me or e-mail me. (205) 229-1865 or monicathach@gmail.com

Calera All Stars

When a friend of mine asked me to come and photograph her son's All Star team I was very excited. This was her son's first year to play and he was really good and so All Stars was in his immediate future. I was glad to come and take the team pictures for them and a few of Seth so that they will always have a memory from the 5 year old All Star Team!

Congratulations to all of the boys for making the team and I hope that the season was great for you all! Here are a few of the shots!

If you have a team sport that you would like captured, let me know. Still portraits or action shots, I will be there for you! Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

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.