A Day In The Life Of Bobby-Lee.
A Relaxed and Intimate Naming Day Ceremony Chelmsford
When Bethany got in contact for a naming day ceremony I was so excited. I had photographed her wedding a couple of years previously. She had been married at Stock Brook Manor and it was so lovely to be called upon again. Especially as this time I would get to meet the new addition to her family. Little Bobby-Lee (what a gorgeous name I might add!) I started photography with Bethany at her mums house in Chelmsford. We spent some time catching up and chatting about the new life of motherhood. It was a lovely sunny day so we spent some time in the garden which Bobby absolutely loved! His smiley little face was so adorable.
Bethany chose to have the naming day ceremony at a lovely eco social centre near to her home. The Highwood Villiage Hall is the perfect place to host a family get together. The hall is beautifully light and bright and is decorated with art work from the local school. There is a kitchen facility and tons of space to put chairs for guests. Bethany put on a great spread of food for her guests and a gorgeous cake made for the occasion. A family friend conducted the ceremony. Both the parents and the god parents had to recite a beautiful piece of writing about looking after and protecting Bobby. It was a very emotional ceremony with lots of happy tears. It was the most beautiful way to celebrate little Bobby-Lee.
After the ceremony had finished and the god parents had promised to watch over Bobby, Bethany’s family and friends stayed for a lovely afternoon. All my favourite classic party food was there, which bought back so many memories. There was even a little impromptu picnic outside on the grass for the littlest of the day. During a family day in the life shoot I will always schedule in time for family portraits. This because I feel that these are an important memory of the day.
I do not focus my photography around these, instead I observe how the day is panning out and can sense when children do not want to have their photograph taken. I choose a moment in the day when someone is having a cuddle and then we have a quick organised family portrait. Quick and easy without a screaming baby in sight or a parent sighing “PLEASE just smile at the camera!” These days are precious and for you to remember. They are not meant to be looked back on with stress and resentment, but a feeling of calm and nostalgia.
If you would like to have a similar experience or have a day that you feel is worth documenting like a christening or naming day, please give me an email hello@jessicagracephotography.co.uk or contact me through my page.
If you would like to have a family shoot with me, simply send me an email here
However, if you would like to see some more examples of my family photography, check out this Relaxed Newborn Photography session in Surrey.