Birthday Party Deluxe
May 11-17,2015
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| Birthday Event Photographer Genie Images San Antonio Texas |
I got a phone call back in February from a wonderful lady who used to take horseback riding lessons from me. Today she was not calling about horses, instead she needed an event photographer for her granddaughter's 4th birthday party. She told me the party would be in May and at her son's house with a few activities. "Sounds like fun", I said and booked her for a 4 hour shoot.
Over the next few months I would get a periodic email regarding the party and some ideas she had for props and set ups. I could tell she was really into this, and I would reply as quick as possible to confirm or deny the plausible uses of the fun ideas. I loved that she wanted this party to be everything that her granddaughter wanted. To be honest . . . I could not tell you what happened at my 4th b'day party. The pictures I have are of a small group of kids crammed at a paper covered dining table wearing paper hats, complete with color coordinated blow horn/rolly things. I had a feeling that this party was going to be waaaaay different.
I arrived at the home an hour early as requested to get the lay of the land. The family was busily getting everything ready as my client showed me around. First stop was the back deck with a covered wagon "chuck" full of sweets and savories for all tastes. To the right was the adult beverage Margarita Man machine (mental note made to sample upon my departure!). As I turned the corner I could then see that the "activities" had morphed into a birthday extravaganza! There was a swimming pool, hay bale circle, face painting chair, photo area with saddle & funny hats, pony ride & petting zoo section, and jungle gym for all to enjoy.
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| Birthday Event Photographer Genie Images San Antonio Texas |
I settled into my vantage point so I could capture the happy faces in every corner. As the guests arrived they immediately gravitated to the jungle gym (Pony Parties by Dawn had not arrived yet). Once the back gates opened and the first miniature cow was led through . . . they all moooo'ved to the petting zoo pen. There was the mini horse,a mini cow, a goat, a sheep, some ducks, and handful of baby chicks. What surprised me most was, that of all of the critters, the baby chicks drew the most attention. The coordinator gathered all the children around and explained that you must hold the baby chicks with 2 hands and you must be sitting on the little stools supplied. All nodded in agreement as they grabbed a stool and thrust their two hands cupped together eagerly in front of them.
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| Birthday Event Photographer Genie Images San Antonio Texas |
Pony rides commenced. Face painting went on at a fevered pace. Critters were petted. And then, as if there could not be any more delirium . . . the back gates opened again! The Kona Ice Truck drove thru and everyone stopped what they were doing and headed out for a treat. The brightly colored truck playing tropical tunes put it in park and welcomed the herd of children running to get some frozen fun. I could hear the animals in the background take a long breath as they got a momentary break from the abundance of "love" they had been given.
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| Birthday Event Photographer Genie Images San Antonio Texas |
As the children enjoyed their treats on the deck, the pony and petting zoo got packed up to make room for the grand finale. The prized white pony with red flaming mane/tail pinata was presented and hung from the lone Mesquite tree in back corner of the yard. The children were ushered to the area and mandated to form a line to take a swing at the prize. The boys were clambering at their try to "kill" the pony with the big stick. "Whack his head off ","take a leg off", and "make his guts fall out" were the screams heard from the yard. If you were passing by you would wonder if this was some illegal fight ring or just good fun . . . Texas style!
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| Birthday Event Photographer Genie Images San Antonio Texas |
The pony was destroyed, his guts (loads of candy) fell out, and villagers rejoiced! Everyone went to grab as much as they could, as fast as they could, and it was a good ending to a fantastic day. The kids bagged up their booty and headed towards the porch for final goodbyes to each other. It was over. At first glance, all you could see was the remaining litter of animal excrement, pinata parts, shredded hay bales, soccer balls floating in the pool, and Kona Ice cups crumpled on the lawn. But hopefully, the images I took will remind them that it was all worth it! This was no birthday party seated at a dining table . . . this was one fun filled afternoon!
Jeanne Harford
San Antonio Photographer
San Antonio Equine Photographer
San Antonio Event Photographer
Texas Horse Show Photographer
Texas Event Photographer
This was definitely a birthday party ALL these kiddos will remember! Major Fun Time - and there are great photos to prove it!! How was the margarita man?
ReplyDeleteCompletely forgot to have a parting beverage. But since Billy works for them . . . I have had a taste or two. :)
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