Also, I'm someone who loves to take a picture. A few years ago, my fav band from when I was a teen re-formed (or whatever) and toured and I went to see them. I'd last seen them when I was 16 (I'm LOADS older than that now).
I spent the entire gig taking pics and vids from my (very rubbish) phone. Not ONE was identifiable/watchable afterwards (I have a very, very crap phone), and I realized I hadn't "been there", I'd just tried to record it (why? No one else I know gives a shit about this band - they are rubbish, but I love them!).
Luckily, they'd obviously snorted all their profits away, so toured for the next 4 years, each time where I live, so I got to see them several more times. I never tried to record it again - I just enjoyed the experience. I sang, I danced, I made a twat of myself.
So what I'm saying to you is, DEF book the photographer. Then you can properly enjoy your pfb's precious birthday, and someone else can view the experience through a lens rather than actually being there.
And, congrats, btw. (and my DD took 7 years to create as well, so I'm with you on that one too! She's 14 now, and I'm still pfb about her)