Photo Wagon, Dallas’ first mobile photo booth, will celebrate its second anniversary on August 29, 2015 at the Hari Mari Studio (208 S. Haskell Ave Dallas, TX 75226) from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free, however guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped children’s gift. Gifts will be donated to The Birthday Party Project, an organization that works with local agencies to host birthday parties for underprivileged children in the community.
“I’m ecstatic to celebrate our second year in business, while also giving back to the community,” said Melissa Mackaly, owner of Photo Wagon. “I started my business to bring joy to those celebrating special moments in their lives. Once I came across The Birthday Party Project, I knew I wanted Photo Wagon to play a role in creating special experiences for underprivileged kiddos on their birthdays.”
The event will feature music by DJ Farrell Cat, DJ’s Tanner and Sugarfoote & Co. Food and Drinks will be provided by the event’s sponsors, which include Anhueser Busch, Deep Ellum Brewing, Tito's Vodka, TX Whiskey, Easy Slider, Emporium Pies, and Pop Stars Popsicles. After the event, guests are welcome to attend the official after party at Double Wide Bar.
Photo Wagon in the Community
Photo Wagon regularly pops up around town. Mackaly has donated her services at numerous community events including:
History of Photo Wagon
Mackaly purchased the 1958 Cardinal travel trailer that houses Photo Wagon four years ago. "When I bought the trailer, I had one thought in mind – I wanted find a way to carry on the memory of my late father,” said Mackaly. “He was the epitome of cool. His eclectic taste and love of life was something I wanted to share with others. Before knowing what business I was going to open, I knew what it would look like. I filled the trailer with pictures and family memorabilia. Each picture and piece of art has an amazing story, many of which begin with the talented and selfless man I had the privilege of calling Dad.”
The trailer began as a mobile vintage shop. However, during the shop’s short-lived existence, customers and passersby regularly stopped to snap selfies in front of the trailer, said Mackaly. That, combined with her father’s passion for spreading joy, led to the creation of Photo Wagon, she continued. In 2013, Mackaly closed the shop and reopened the trailer’s doors as Photo Wagon, becoming Dallas’ first mobile photo booth. The vintage trailer is still decorated with Texas memorabilia, but now chic props have been added to enhance the experience of partygoers.
“I can't think of a better way to remember my father than by helping people celebrate special occasions in their life," said Mackaly. “I hope that the trailer’s unique atmosphere provides guests with lasting memories and the pictures to prove it,” said Mackaly.