Fire trucks, police cars, and a whole lot of LOVE!
The first birthday could there be a bigger year? Little Eden's birthday party did not disappoint. DeAnna, mom, contacted me months in advance to photograph this special day. Like most parents, she already had a theme in mind for her little guy's big day and a lot of her family was chipping in the help plan the party too. DeAnna wanted to be sure this special day was photographed and captured for her to relay for Eden years from now. She was planning to have just her close family at her home and a drive-by parade later in the day. I was so excited to be a part of it all!
The day of the party started early but little Eden was up and moving by the time I arrive at 9 am. I was able to photograph him in his element painting, chasing bubbles, and attacking balloons. Most importantly I captured some really sweet moments with just DeAnna and Eden.
Later in the morning DeAnna's mother and father arrived and shortly after her sister and brother. They all worked together to set up for the drive-by parade that was going to be taking place in the early afternoon. There was cake and ice cream they prepared to give out and you can't forget the party favors!
It wasn't until moments before the parade was to start DeAnna told us all that she had reached out to the fire department, the police department, and the mayor to see if they would come by and celebrate her little guy in a parade. She wasn't sure they would show up but reach out because Eden absolutely loves fire trucks and police cars.
When I say Chattanooga showed up for this little guy they showed up! The fire department brought about 3 engines, I could not count all the police cars, and the mayor drove by too! I don't want to downplay the many friends that also drove by to show their love because it was just overwhelming love. I was absolutely giddy with excitement I would not stop laughing, smiling, and telling DeAnna how this was the absolute best birthday idea!
Seeing the love and support DeAnna's community had for her and Eden was emotionally overwhelming! I am a crier but I held it together as best I could. I am so thankful I was able to witness the love of it all, and I was chosen to document it. Of course, this monumental day couldn't end without a good ole fashion smash cake! He enjoyed the icing and wasn't sure what to do with the rest of it.
This day was an absolute success, I could not think of a better way to ring in the first year. Eden was absolutely celebrated and all the hard work that mom did behind the scenes...and will continue to do behind the scenes was celebrated too. Happy First Birthday Eden!