Need a distraction from the news today? Well then, have I got a blog post for you. Amy called me up last fall and asked if I was available to photograph her one-year-old daughter’s birthday party. ‘Sure, what do you have planned?,’ I asked, expecting the usual birthday party photography requests. ‘A bevy of gay men in gladiator uniforms, a full buffet, and a roof deck party for the adults. You in?’ YESSSSSS! Get all the photos in today’s post from an event you have to see to believe.
Let’s start with a little background: Amy and her husband are parents to precious little Evelyn. While ostensibly the party was being thrown to celebrate Evelyn’s first birthday, in reality, she was just ‘a potato along for the ride’ – as described by Amy. Hence, the planning of a party that skewed much more towards entertaining the adults rather than any children present.
The party had a toga theme, and all of the 35 guests were encouraged to come in costume. The evening began with a Dolce and Gabbana-style photoshoot, dreamed up by none other than Amy herself. Amy had a group of close gay male friends with whom she had served in the military. As such, a gladiator theme wasn’t that far off from their previous life together as warriors, no? The gay godfathers were all great sports and arrived early to the party to be photographed. And while Evelyn at one point put her foot down to being carted around like a trophy, she was a joy to photograph and seemed to love the attention (or at least the grapes).
The birthday party was held on the roof deck of Amy’s apartment building. The view over the Hudson River waterfront was stunning, and the visual spectacle just got better as night fell. While there was a momentary scare of rain, we avoided a downpour and everyone enjoyed the evening.
Amy planned the entire event herself, and was able to wrangle all the costumes and decorations online. This party was without a doubt the most creative and fun event I photographed last year, and a great example of truly thinking outside the box when it comes to party themes. Can you imagine what Amy will come up with for Evelyn’s birthday next year? I hope I will be there to capture all the memories.
Enjoy the photos, and next week I’ll have images from little Penelope’s baptism in the magnificent Saints Constantine & Helen Cathedral. This church is nearly hidden on a side street in Brooklyn, but once you enter the space, the amazing art on the walls will take your breath away. Stay safe, everyone!
Interested in taking a look at other parties I have photographed? Then take a look at the images from Alexandra’s 40th birthday party in this link.
Can you top this outrageous birthday party photography request? Drop me a line, and let’s talk about your photography needs.
If you would like to see more images from my event photojournalism portfolio, then please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com.
