My mother is the official photographer at all events.  She takes out her (not-so) trusty $50 point-and-shoot and snaps off a few shots whenever more than one of us are together at any given event.  I love my mom, but it's a running joke with my siblings that none of us have ever seen any of those photos. 

If you're in a similar situation, I urge you to take time at least once a year to have a sitting with a professional photographer.  There's no cutting corners on this one.  Because my wife is a wedding florist, we have the opportunity to virtually interview dozens of photographers a year.  Many are Johnny-come-latelies who never amount to much, but some are very talented artists who rise above and shine brightly.

If you're in the Phoenix area, I strongly urge you to contact Melissa Jill for a sitting.  If you're planning a special event, she should be on your short list of photographers.  She has a great eye and uses her tools very effectively to get the most out of the time and place.  My wife, my son and I spent an hour with her the other day and I couldn't be happier, even though I haven't yet seen all of the results.

Bravo, Melissa.  You've got talent.

http://www.MelissaJill.com
http://www.MelissaJill.net