Turning One

Turning One is the Best! It feels like just the other day that we brought Hudson home from the hospital. And now we are going to be celebrating a whole big fat one year together with him. Turning one is a very big deal to me. I remember from the first post I did on this styled shoot, receiving messages congratulating me on surviving the first year. I realized that as a first time mother, I really did deserve that pat on the back. Hudson has grown into a beautiful soon to be one year old. A perfect combination of his father and I. I see so much of both of us in him. He has reached all the milestones for his age and he just keeps on reaching. It truly is true. They grow up so fast, from newborn baby to little toddlers. It has always been important to me to capture as many moments as I can with him.

Turning one- The Discussion

I worked with Nikki from Nikki Oliver Photography on the Styled Shoot we did for Wolf Wolf Kids last year. She truly is a creative thinker, and when the two of us started chatting about a first birthday shoot for Hudson, we both got excited, instantly. We both made the decision that we wanted this Styled Shoot to be different and very unique. Something that you do not see often. Within the first ten minutes of chatting we came up with a theme. “Up, up and Away” Hot air Balloons. Nikki envisioned a forest scene, with Hudson sitting in a basket (the hot air balloon) with colorful balloons all around. From there the creative juices started flowing.  Within ten minutes we had the brands on board, and our vision literally took off.

Turning One – Clothing and Accessories

• Dungaree and shorts

http://www.joey.co.za/

“Joey fashion and Interior is inspired by our grandma Joey’s good taste and love for her grandchildren.

“The Lord’s faithfulness continues to each generation” Psalm 100:5

The name Joey means God provides. ”

I started following Joey’s pages last year and instantly fell in love. When I contacted Johandri, I had an idea of what look I wanted to go with and her dungaree range and printed shorts instantly grabbed my attention. I love that the cut of the dungarees, and the fit is just perfect. The shorties are fresh and complimented the scenery and surrounding so perfectly for the shoot.

• Mr Onederful Vest

The printed vest was done on short notice by @snowy_baby_apparel, whom you can find on both Instagram as well as Facebook. I looked online for something that would go with the balloon theme; found two pictures and they were able to bring my vision to live with this personalised vest. Effective service and definitely one that I will be using in the future again.

• Suspenders and bow tie

@coleandkai (Instagram)

@coleandkaistyle (Facebook)

“A signature collection of boys’ accesories range, Stylish, Quality, Affordable”

“We believe that boys too can steal the show”

Quality suspenders paired with the perfect bow tie; to complete the look. I agree 100%; boys too can steal the show!

• Shoes

@onefinebeginning (Instagram)

http://www.facebook.com/Onefinebeginning-1479120815698841/

“Connoisseurs of South African Design & Handcraft. Extensive Day Dreamers of Beautiful things!”

I will treasure these leather shoes that Hudson was gifted for many more years to come. These little leather shoes are the perfect design for busy little boys and it completed the romper look so well.

@kidcoco3363

The white mocs. If you remember,  Hudson also has these mocs with stripes that I purchased from Kidcoco last year. Trendy, practical, comfortable and the service from Salma is always impeccable. A small Business owner with a heart of gold. Whenever I have asked Salma for something specific that I am looking for she has always never disappointed me.

• Toy

http://lafede.co.za/

“La Fede’s core design focuses on a minimalist approach, a slow craft methodology and on the quirk and whimsy in the imagination of youngsters. I create animal character friends, that are loved and adored by old and young. Small elements of design define the characters, give them personality, and individual viewpoint. ”

Chantelle “The Maker” puts all the love in all of these one of a kind little friends. From the minute I introduced Hudson to Arlo the Bear; they have been inseparable. The “talks” that these two have is just priceless to witness, so without a doubt Arlo is featured in the shoot, and a mention is given to him on the milestone board as well. Stay tuned as you will be seeing Mr Hare very soon.

Turning One – Decor

http://www.facebook.com/FarFaraWayEvents/

If you live in Cape Town; and ever need someone to do decor at an event, look no further. Faranaaz and I have been in contact since last year October, when I contacted her about doing the decor and styling for Hudson’s 1st Birthday party. Yip! I am one of those Moms who plan ahead. I know how popular Far Faraway Events are and I also know how quickly their booking space fills up. My obvious choice on who should do the decor was of course, Faranaaz. I honestly do not have to say much as the pictures convey everything. If you think this is WoW! Then wait until you see Hudson’s Birthday on 17 March 2018.

• Milestone Board  & Stationery

@Johandribuckleartist ( Facebook) and also owner of Joey)

From the invitation’s design, everything else was designed. The milestone board was designed by @dedaisy (whom you can find on Facebook and the printing was done by @bdprint_sa (Instagram)

All Hudson’s favorite things are listed on the board and will become a memory keepsake, which I will most probably show off at his 21st Birthday party celebrations.

Turning One- Treats

No, first birthday shoot would be complete without a cake and some delectable goodies. @munierahscakes (Instagram) made the most delicious and moist chocolate cake, I have honestly ever eaten.  Not only amazing to look at, but a definite treat as well. The beautiful cookies that blew us all away in terms of its uniqueness and beauty were made by @angelkisses (Facebook)

And finally the gallery….

Turning One- Photography

Saving the best for last. Our photographer!

https://www.nikkioliverphotography.com/blog

@nikkioliverphotography (Instagram)

@nikkioliverphotography (Facebook)

This shoot would not have looked this spectacular without your amazing talent and eye as a photographer. Thank you for capturing Us.  Nikki will also be capturing Hudson’s First Birthday Party! Lots to look forward too.

Lastly; two special babies also share their birthday with Hudson, and I can not wait to see what their AMAZING Moms are going to do.

A message from Hudson:

Rohan! almost 1 bru!  Annebelle, you just get cuter everyday! Enjoy your birthday’s!!!!