Monthly Archives: August 2009

“I have held thee in the palm of mine hand.” Isaiah 51:16

Last Sunday was a big day for our little sister.  She received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at our church and we had a party afterward to celebrate!  She was only one month old so it was the first time for some of our friends and family to meet her.  Of course everyone said how beautiful she looked.  Those of you who follow mom on Twitter know that she worked hard looking in a ton of places to find a special baptism gown and she finally chose an Isabel Garreton gown with the matching bonnet.  She had wanted to get a garter that could also be worn as a headband so that our sister could wear it on her baptism and then mom could give it to her again on her wedding day, but she had a horrible experience with both Etsy sellers that she ordered from (be careful of ordering a garter from Etsy!) and decided the bonnet was more traditional and looked better.  Dad says we can still have the bonnet turned into a handkerchief for her wedding if we decide to do that.  The long silk ribbon on the back of the bonnet would be so pretty as the edging of the handkerchief!  The gown was white linen and had little pearls on the top.  The bottom had some pretty detailing too, and the back had buttons and a big bow.  It also had a slip that was embroidered with our sister’s name and the date of her baptism.  Mom also got her shoes with a big silk bow and a cross embroidered on the top.  They were a little too big for her, but for the most part they stayed on.  Her Godmother gave her a pink bracelet with a cross to wear too.

Dad took some pictures of our sister in her gown the day before the baptism:

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The morning of the baptism, our whole family met at the church and went to Mass together.  The baptism was after the Mass and grandma took pictures for us.  We made sure to put that disclaimer on the pictures she took;)  (Just teasing grandma!  We know how hard you tried!)

The Baptismal Font at our church:

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Anointing with the oil of catechumens:

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Being baptized!  Glory to God!

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The Deacon and our sister:

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Our sister and her Godmother:

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A few more of our sister when we got home before she changed out of her gown:

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Dad thought this was funny:

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For the party at our house, we had pink cross decorations and party supplies from the Catholic Children’s Company:

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When we ordered the cake, we asked for a light pink cross with tiny white flowers on top.  We specifically said small flowers that were not roses.  We even wrote that on the order form and gave them a picture as an example.  So dad was a bit shocked to pick up a hot pink cake covered in roses!  But mom and dad weren’t upset at all.  They just thought it was funny because messed up cakes are a part of one of their parties!  It started when their wedding cake looked nothing like the one they had ordered and then fell on their wedding day…twice!  Older brother’s baptism cake had his name spelled incorrectly and then his third birthday cake was a snowman that was completely smooshed.  So the roses on this cake just continues our family tradition:).

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The cake was almost as big as our sister!  The “Blessed” onesie that she is wearing is one that both of us boys wore as well.

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Thank you so much to our family and to Allison and her daughter for joining us to celebrate.  Family and friends are a true blessing and special days such as this one are made that much more special by sharing them with such wonderful people.

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Our little sister is baptized!  God is good!  “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”  3 John 1:4.

Annie and Steven at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor

Saturday was Annie and Steven’s wedding day!  Dad joined Annie that morning as she got ready for her day.  Her family had rented a historic house in Ybor through Ybor House Rentals and dad had fun reading through guest book of past visitors.  Julie Robbins and Darla Stafford were there for hair and makeup and dad always loves working with them.  Dad said it was also great working with Ian of Movie Magic Productions again.  He was the videographer for the wedding.  The ceremony was held at the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church and the reception was at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor.  Frank Lebano was the DJ at the reception and made sure everyone had a great time, and Chantilly Cakes made the beautiful wedding cake.

Annie and Steven chose a color scheme of red with gold accents and it made the reception room feel rich and warm.  Annie looked so pretty in her embroidered gown and red high heels!  It was a fun wedding and Annie and Steven are a terrific couple with great friends and family.  Congratulations newlyweds!

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Khanh’s Maternity Session

Friday evening dad met a great couple who are expecting their first baby.  Khanh looked beautiful and full of that happiness that pregnant women radiate whenever they think about the baby growing inside them.  They started out here with a studio session and then went to a nearby park for more pictures.  Dad cannot wait to meet the baby for the newborn session!  Khanh is going to have dad photograph the baby through the first year which is always really special.  Khanh, we hope everything goes wonderfully for the rest of your pregnancy and your delivery!  Best of luck and dad can’t wait to see you again when he gets to meet the baby!

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Lather and Rinse

It is crazy how quickly kids grow during the first year!  Dad photographed Tiffany and Tom’s son’s newborn session:

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and also his six month old session which was just so adorable!

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On Friday, Tiffany and Tom brought their little boy over for his one year session.  Dad couldn’t believe it was time for that already!  Dad was looking forward to seeing them again because they are such a fun family.  They did not disappoint! The session included a cake smashing as a birthday celebration.  The birthday boy did not hesitate to dig in!  Not only did he smash, but he also picked up handfuls and lathered the frosting all over himself!  Frosting is much more fun that soap to lather with.  Though mom and dad had a big job afterward with the rinsing and did not let him try for a repeat!

It is an incredible honor to be part of this wonderful family’s lives and we are grateful to Tiffany and Tom for having us there to freeze the time that speeds by so quickly.  Thanks to Tiffany, Tom, and their little boy and we look forward to next time!

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Bethany and Manuel at the Grand Plaza

Monday was Bethany and Manuel’s wedding day at the Grand Plaza.  They had their ceremony on the beach with Rob Sword officiating.  He was also the DJ for the reception that evening and was terrific as usual.  Irene of For Better For Less was the florist and the bride’s bouquet was beautiful with smaller white flowers and big green orchids.  The groom’s boutonniere was a green orchid as well.

The ceremony took place on the beach of course and Bethany and Manuel had programs that were fans to help keep guests cool.  There were also personalized water bottles with cozies that had the wedding theme, Two Hearts, One Love.  Bethany and Manuel were smiling and laughing from the time they saw each other at the ceremony and didn’t stop for the rest of the day.  We hope that happiness stays with them throughout their lives together.  Congratulations Bethany and Manuel!

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