Ken’s 75th Birthday! {Phoenix Event Photographer}

When I’m behind the lens, I am not only functioning as a photographer, but I’m also functioning as an observer.  I watch how people interact with one another.  I look for emotion.  I wait for moments.  I’m like a stalker… or the paparazzi… except I am actually invited to be there!   But when I’m observing people, I sometimes find myself emotionally moved by everything going on around me, and this event was definitely one of those times.

Two weeks ago, I spent my Saturday evening photographing an amazing group of people who gathered together to celebrate Ken’s 75th birthday.  Taking all these pictures of Ken, his family, and his friends got me thinking a lot about life.  And as I snapped away, I wondered what Ken thought about his party?   What does it feel like to look around a room and see so many friends and family who love you?  What does it feel like to see all these people celebrate your life?  What does it feel like to look around and know each person there can share an amazing story about you?

Our lives are just a series of experiences, strung together to tell a story.  And those experiences are often influenced by the people in our lives.  If Ken were to tell his story, it would be full of love and blessings.  It would probably be a best seller.

It was truly a great evening, and I am honored I was able to document it.  Happy Birthday Ken!!

Ken’s on the left in the photo below.  He’s standing next to his awesome wife, Beth.

Obviously, I love pictures.  And Ken’s party was full of photographs that chronicled his life.  When you first walked into the reception room, you were greeted with a collage of Ken.  And each table had a picture frame with a candle inside, illuminating the photographs.  There was also a flat screen TV playing a slideshow of more pictures.  I believe his wife, Beth, is the one who worked on this huge picture display… and I have to say it was very special and looked beautiful.

Yum… cake…

The party was full of great moments.  There was no shortage of hugs, laughter, and fun!

The band played a huge variety of music, and got everyone dancing.  The floor opened with Beth and Ken… then the guests joined them and everyone got their “boogy-woogy” on!

Another hot spot at the party was the bar.   I’m not sure how many tequila shots were had… but I think there may have been a few rounds!

I love music.  And I love how certain songs will get people energized and wild on the dance floor.  As I was going through the dance photos, a few made me laugh because I knew exactly what song was playing just by looking at them.  So I thought it would be fun to play a little game with my readers.

The name of the game:  Guess Which Song was Playing when this Photo was Taken

(The answers are below)

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Answers:

Photo 1:  Neil Diamond‘s “Sweet Caroline”

Photo 2:  Village People‘s “YMCA”

Photo 3:  I have no idea.  No clue.  But I would be interested in what song you think was playing during this one!