Eleanor’s first birthday party was such a beautiful celebration, and not just because she looked adorable while being the tiny guest of honor.
Her family celebrated with a traditional Korean first birthday, called a dol or doljanchi. In Korean culture, a baby’s first birthday is a major milestone. Historically, reaching one year old was something families celebrated deeply, and today the tradition continues as a way to honor the baby’s first year, gather loved ones, and look ahead to the life waiting for them.
One of the most well-known parts of a Korean first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. The baby is placed in front of different objects, and whichever one they choose is said to symbolize something about their future. Every family does it a little differently, but the meaning is always the fun part. A stethoscope might point to medicine, a pencil or book might mean a scholar, thread can represent long life, and money usually means wealth, success, or good fortune.
Eleanor chose money.
So, naturally, we are all assuming she is now the family CFO.
The last time I saw Eleanor was for her newborn session, which made this day feel especially sweet. There is something wild about photographing a baby in those tiny, sleepy first days and then seeing them a year later with a personality, expressions, opinions, and apparently strong financial instincts.
She has grown so much in the past year, and it was really special to photograph another milestone for her family. First birthday sessions and events are always a mix of celebration, chaos, snacks, grandparents, tiny outfits, and at least one moment where the birthday baby is completely over it. Honestly, very relatable.
Her big sister Evelyn was also such a good sport letting Eleanor have the spotlight for the day. That is not always an easy job when you are used to being part of the action, but she handled it like a pro. Big sister energy, but make it graceful.
I love photographing first birthdays because they are less about perfection and more about documenting the full story of the day. The traditions, the family, the little expressions, the cake, the proud parents, the sibling moments, and all the tiny details that somehow become more meaningful as the years go by.
Eleanor’s first birthday was full of culture, family, sweetness, and one very promising financial prediction. Not a bad way to start year two.
If you are planning a first birthday party, Korean doljanchi, or family milestone session in Atlanta, I photograph family celebrations throughout metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, and Woodstock. You can see more family sessions on the blog or learn more about booking a session on my investment page.
