I was so excited to be able to photograph and attend my first doljanchi this weekend. Doljanchi (or Dol) is a Korean tradition that celebrates the birthday of a one-year-old baby. This ceremony blesses the child with a prosperous future and has taken on great significance in Korea. The birthday babies wear a hanbok and a traditional hat: a jobawi or or gulle for baby girls and a bokgeon or hogeon for baby boys. (Wikipedia).

Baby Vivienne turned one this year! She is part Korean and the parents wanted to celebrate her heritage through a traditional Korean 1st Birthday celebration. I met Baby Vivienne’s parents via referral from the K Family. I am so fortunate to have been able to work with such awesome clients!

Baby Vivienne in her beautiful hanbok.

Three generations – Baby Vivienne with her Grandma and mom.

The celebration took place at the parents beautiful historic home in Baltimore.

The highlight of the dol is a ritual where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, books, brushes, ink and money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table. It is believed the one selected will foretell the child’s future. For example, if the child picks up a brush or book, he is destined to be a scholar. If he picks up money or rice, he will be wealthy; cakes or other food, a government official; a sword or bow, a military commander. (Wikipedia)

Family and friends gather around and anxiously await what object Baby Vivienne will choose.

Baby Vivienne chooses a paint brush which represents the Scholar!

Seriously- one of the cutest happiest babies I’ve ever met

Vivienne & her friend Georgiana. Best friends in the making

There was a playroom setup for the little ones upstairs. It came equipped with moon bounce and plenty of arts & crafts to keep the kids busy.

Baby Vivienne with her proud parents.

Thank-you Donna & Kris for inviting me capture your daughter’s big day!

Little Miss V is turning one next month! I’m so excited to be able to photograph her 1st birthday party. Mom and dad are throwing Miss V a Dol. “Dol means baby’s 1st birthday in Korean. Dol is a big event for a baby in Korea and is celebrated with a party called the doljanchi”.

Isn’t she a doll? I wanted to just SQUEEZE those cheeks!

Stayed tuned next month for photos of the big celebration!

Happy 70th Birthday Annie!

I had the chance to photograph a wonderful 70th Birthday celebration this past weekend. The party was beautifully organized by Annie’s daughters, Aimee and Renee, and took place at Clydes in Columbia. The weather was so beautiful and sunny – I couldn’t help but pull the guests outside for some photos!

I grew up in Columbia, alot has changed since then, but the waterfront area still holds a sense of peace and friendly ambience.

It’s nice to see the wildlife still hang out around here. These geese thought we had some tasty treats and started to congregate as we approached to dock slip.

How do you keep 4 little kids still for a photo op? Have 8 adults standing behind you making silly faces and funny noises.

well…the photo op didn’t last long…

Annie with her grandkids.