Celebrating the 4th of July with Great Neighbors in Troy, Missouri

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most since moving back to Missouri has been getting to know so many wonderful people in our community. Last night I had the opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July at a neighborhood BBQ and fireworks party here in Troy, Missouri, and it was such a fun evening!

The neighbor kids had an absolute blast swimming in the lake, playing volleyball, and shooting hoops on the basketball court while everyone else visited. There was so much food and everything was delicious. Before dinner began our neighbor read the beautiful poem “America the Beautiful” as we celebrated America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. It was a meaningful moment that gave everyone a chance to pause and reflect on our country’s history, the freedoms we enjoy, and the importance of community.

Of course, I couldn’t resist bringing my camera! As the sun went down, the fireworks lit up the night sky with brilliant colors. I captured lots of photos throughout the evening, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites below. Fireworks are fun to photograph because every burst creates a unique piece of art in the sky.

A huge thank you to our amazing neighbors for inviting me to celebrate with everyone. Your kindness and hospitality made it a truly memorable evening. I’m so thankful to be part of such a welcoming community here in Troy.

Moments like these remind me why photographs are so important. They preserve not only what happened but also the joy, excitement, and connections we share with the people around us.

If you’re looking for a photographer in Troy, Missouri or the surrounding St. Louis area, I’d love to help you capture your family’s special moments. Whether it’s family portraits, senior photos, pet photography, business branding, or community events, I offer photo sessions at my studio with over 40 backgrounds, beautiful lake views, wildflower fields, or at the location of your choice.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope everyone had a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day!