The location
Today we feature one of my all-time favorite First Birthday sessions with sweet Marley, who graced my camera as newborn a year prior. The session started at home for authentic every day moments, like snuggling her favorite lovey and then, having a meeting of the minds with her pup, Wally (the most gentle giant I have ever seen)! Afterwards, we moved outside to the gorgeous grand oak trees and flowers of Hampton Park in Downtown Charleston. Finally, we finished with an epic cake smash surrounded by gorgeous blooming camellias and maybe a slight sugar rush for Marley.
The people
Marley’s mom and dad, Kristen & Clint, are effortlessly cool and kind people who run multiple food + beverage businesses in Charleston and in the US Virgin Islands:
Squeeze, The Easterly – St. Thomas, and The Longboard St John with a location opening spring 2020 on Sullivan’s Island!
They always bring their A-game to every session and I’m honored to capture these milestones.
The vendors
Here were some of the vendors Kristen used for the cake, wardrobe and decor.
Cake: Ashley Bakery
Cake Stand: PaisleyCoutureFrames
One Cake Topper:ThePaperWish
“Wild One” outfit: OliveLovesApple
Banner/Onesie/Tutu/Headband: ChelseaRoseBaby
Shoes: Freshly Picked
Vintage Highchair: photographer’s own
The interview
Q: Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before your newborn session?
A: Only really worried about if the dog would cooperate, and if Marley would be shy or outgoing for the photos!
Q: Do you have any advice for other families preparing for an in-home first birthday session?
A: I would try to get up a little earlier than normal and have a glass of champagne, ha (or two)! I was busy rushing to get everything/everyone ready and didn’t really calm down until we were through with the in-home part, and on to the park photos.
Q: What do you hope your child will say years down the road when looking at these images?
A: I hope she sees how much she was loved, and also how beautiful of a baby/toddler she was! I hope she says that it ‘looks like I had fun’ and doesn’t think I put her in a ridiculous outfit 🙂
Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?
A: Watching Marley interact with her toys, the dog and us (and you)! So fun to see her personality grow!
A trip down memory lane
I should also note that this blog post is like… 3 years late, but, I will get caught up someday! Nonetheless, it is fun to reminisce these moments as the years fly by and Marley turns 4-years-old next month and now has an adorable baby brother, Cohen.
