Grey Likes Baby

Just weeks before my baby girl was due, twenty friends gathered on an unusually chilly May evening to celebrate her upcoming birth.  Shauna, one of my dearest friends, hosted a fiesta-style baby shower complete with Annette’s famous Enchiladas, Beer-ga-ritas, and countless artful touches.

Florence and the Machine played softly in the background as we gathered in her warm and welcoming home, a buzz of excitement thick in the air.  An expert at making things feel completely special yet not fussy, Shauna had laid white craft paper over her massive table and left jars of colored pencils scattered so that our guests could leave messages and doodles throughout the night.

We ate well (if you have read any of Shauna’s books – you know what I mean!) laughed much, and dreamed of what the next few weeks would hold for our growing family.  At one point, each guest shared a blessing and piece of advice as we move from one child to two, from only knowing the world of little boys to expanding to the sparkly world of girls.

Then our sweet friends Blaine and Margaret prayed over us, strong and brave and beautiful prayers that stayed with us long after the night was through.  As a lovely nod to my art, Shauna had set aside a blank canvas with instructions for each guest to write out a blessing for our girl.  It is a piece I will treasure always, knowing the profound love that already surrounds her as she joins the planet.

I loved that it was couples shower, both because it was wonderful having Steve at my side as we celebrate our little girl and because having other fathers there to affirm him as much as me was a gift.  There really is something so important and valuable about taking the time to celebrate and honor new life, growing families, and expanding hearts.  Community makes life so rich and sweet and good. ¡Olé!

Mother-to-be Monet sent us her adorable maternity photos and I knew you would love.  She used to own a bakery and he does cross-stitching (hipsters from Austin), so they implemented that into their gorgeous pictures.

Photography: Up In The Sycamore

These beautiful photos were taken at the couples newly acquired property that they are planning to build their dream home on. What an amazing backdrop for the growing family photos. The mother to be is a well known wedding planner but took this time to embrace simplicity. A young family on their very own, new piece of open land.

Photography: Whittaker Portraits

This Horse Racing themed birthday party is so unique and fun, I’m in love. Any excuse I can have to wear an oversized hat and get dressed up, I’m in! I think my favorite detail are those little Derby Pies.  Yum!

Here’s some details from the designer:

“In planning the classic 1st birthday celebration, I wanted to create a party that appealed to both adults and children. Adults love horse races and children love ponies, so what a more perfect marriage than an “Off to the Races” birthday affair? This theme became even more fabulous when held in coordination with televised coverage of some of the most popular races. Dads could watch, moms could sip sweet tea, and babies could play on their rocking horses.

We decided to mix southern favorites like derby pie and sweet tea with a modern popcorn bar. Children could be interactive in creating the perfect popcorn to-go mix with the popcorn bar. Peanuts, chocolate chips, marshmallows, peanut butter chips, and M&Ms were just a few of the endless tasty possibilities!

The table was complete with a chocolate pink rosette cake from the local grocery store. This decision kept the party affordable, put a younger twist on the classic red rose decor, and was extra messy for Ella’s cake smash. What a yummy 1st birthday for a darling little girl!”

Photographer: Amy and Jordan
Event Designer: Bash by Brenly
Invitation Designer: Sugar and Type
Specialty Food: Sweet Goosie Girl, Winter Garden Florida

California…isn’t she just charming.  Here are some lovely family photos taken by the pier in Santa Monica, this family is so jovial and beautiful I just can’t help but smile.

Photography: Ilene Squires