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

Mother Daughter Night with Jane Fisher and Mary Kay

Shooting with Mary Kay consultant, Jane Fisher, was so much fun. We have been discussing a shoot since April and it worked our to do a Mother Daughter night in July. This allowed the consultants to bring in their mother and daughter clients and treat them to a make over and a free photograph.

We shot some of them individually, but all of them were shot together. Jane and I did this so that they would all have a night out, and get a treat that they will hopefully treasure. I have sent out digital copies of the photographs to all of the mothers and daughters and will be sending each of them a 5x7 of their favorite shot. I am offering each of them a full session at half price with a $20 print credit to use by the end of the year if they chose to do so. I love my clients and I want them to know that they are appreciated.

Jane is a great consultant and leader. You can tell that she truly cares about the Mary Kay consultants that she has helped get started, and that she truly cares about all of her clients. I have been wearing Mary Kay since I started wearing makeup and it is always good to know a good consultant. I hope to work with her more, as she truly is a great person.

If you are a consultant for any company and want to find a way to make a party more than just a party but a memory, let's talk. Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865

Kaylea Marie and Brian Matthew

Weddings are always such an emotional time, and they are ones that I am always thankful that I can be a part of.

Kaylea and I actually grew up together and have been through a lot. No matter what we have always been there for each other and her friendship is that more like a sister. I do not have to talk to her everyday to know that she is there and I hope that she knows the same.

If anyone knows the song "God Blessed The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts then they should be able to relate. This song applies to most couples in one way or another and it is the perfect song for these two people who have known each other for so long but were recently lead to realize that they are soul mates.

I first met Brian just hours before the I Do's were exchanged, but the love that he has for Kaylea was so apparent. It is a love that most people long for and Kaylea and Brian have been blessed enough to find it in each other.

Kaylea and Brian truly are amazing people and the fact that they love and respect each other is a blessing. I am so happy for them both.

Shane, Kaylea's brother and a long time friend of Brian's, performed the ceremony. I do not think that anyone could have done it better. He is an amazing minister anyway, but the way that he could personalize this ceremony is something that nobody else could do. There was real emotion and real love in his prayers and in the way that he joined them as husband and wife. Most people have to ask the minister to say what they want said but Shane was able to get to the heart of who they are and how they have grown and what they mean to each other.

The reception was themed and the Hawaiian atmosphere was abundant. They roasted a whole pig, which was very cool. They had cakes that were truly unique and very pretty. Her cake was very colorful array of cupcakes and his a doughnut cake. The flowers for the decorations were colorful and full of fun! It was a great reception, the perfect conclusion for a great ceremony.

I was so blessed to be able to be a part of this day for Kaylea and Brian. I know that they will have many tomorrows that are full of blessings. My prayer for them is that they always take the time to count them. There are so many moments and this day was made up of many that took many breaths away. I know that this is just the beginning for them.

If you have a wedding or event that you want captured for all of your tomorrows contact me. This wedding was the first time that Brandon and I worked together, he was the videographer and I was the photographer. If you want both at your event contact me and we will make it happen. MonicaAnne Photography (205) 229-1865 or monicathach@gmail.com

The Kyle Family

I went to school with Brooke, but have not seen her in years. Thanks to Facebook we have touched base. We were going to be at the beach the same week so family pictures were a must.

Brooke has got a beautiful family. Her daughter is the most precious little girl, and even though she was not too thrilled about photo time she had me giggling.

The best part about this session, other than it being at the beach, was the colors. The outfits that were chosen were a great combination of sea foam green and yellow. These photographed gorgeous. Not that the khaki and white are not nice a little color is something that I am always very happy with. I enjoy colors and it adds a personal touch instead of sticking with the usual. I absolutely loved everything about this session. With the white sand these colors were beautiful.

Danny came with me. He enjoys helping me work and I am thankful for his help. It is nice to have an assistant, especially when photographing children. Many times he can help me get them to smile, or at least glance in the cameras direction.

During this session we played with Sand Fleas, took a walk down the beach, enjoyed the sea oats, and learned about Pirate Ships! It was a lot of fun!

I am always thankful for each session that I do. A lot of prayer and work has gone into building the business. Now if Facebook would let me update the name to MonicaAnne Photography from B & M Photography that would be great, but for now I will continue to work with what I can and just explain it to my clients. Thank you so much Brooke for allowing me to capture your family on the beach.

If you have a family vacation that you want captured give me a call, even if I am not at the location when you are, I am sure I can make it work for all of us! Monicathach@gmail.com or (205) 229-1865