A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try out something new for me, event photography. A new community in Stafford, VA — Embrey Mill by Newland Communities — was hosting a grand opening event, Pool Palooza.  This, however, wasn’t your average pool party!

The pool itself was like a mini theme park, featuring a beach entry, 5 laps, a twirly slide, and water dumps. Everywhere you turned, there was another station: food, ice cream, glitter tattoos, and even a race track! I know it sounds like I’m selling this event to y’all but it genuinely was a fun day! Rob and I just moved about a year ago and not once have we done anything like this in our community. It’s been really hard for us to meet new people due to the lack of coordinated events. Things like this, that bring the community together, I think are a huge part of why people stay longer or end up moving. Hopefully once our HOA installs a pool next summer, we will start doing more fun events!

There were some really awesome vendors at the event that I can’t recommend enough:

Event Planning: RSVP Events and Weddings

Catering: R&R Catering

Ice Cream: Abner Butterfield

Music: Darcy Dawn

Balloons: Moore’s Balloon Decor

Tents: Fredericksburg Rentals