Newborn Family Phots with Domus Aurea

I have to admit something. When I was a new mom to Eleanor I didn’t exactly understand investing in newborn photos. Being a photographer myself, I thought it was silly to pay someone to take the photos and stubbornly decided to take them myself. BIG MISTAKE. I regret this. Looking back the photos are okay but they are nothing to the special keepsake photos Renee shot of Eloise and Beatrice. Eleanor got a few photos of the three of us (Me, Brice, and Eleanor) while the camera was balancing on books and her changing table. Fast forward to me learning the hard way why you need a professional, Eloise and Beatrice have magazine worthy photos.

Also, not all newborn photographers are created equal. It takes a patient saint of a human to take newborn photos. What you don’t see in 90% of these photos: Eleanor melting down, Beatrice screaming, and Eloise refusing to take a photo. Guess who smiled through it all, Renee. I am always in awe of her kindness and calmness. Through the screams all I could hear was, “Do not worry. Take your time. Your daughters are perfect. Do you need to feed Beatrice? I can wait.” Is that not what every mom needs to hear in the midst of a meltdown? Also, can we talk about her talents as a photographer? Her photos are incredible. They capture the love and rawness of a family with a new baby. I never get tired of seeing her work.

I am so happy I wised up and worked with Renee. To have photos this beautiful of my family, that I can cherish for the rest of our lives is truly priceless. I also need to say that we worked with her sister, Nicole Proft, on the most beautiful keepsake film of our shoot. It brings both a smile and a tear every time I watch it. A smile, because I am so overwhelmed with the family I have been blessed with and a tear, because I know these moments are fleeting so to have something so special captured in such a beautiful way is very touching. When you book Renee tell her you want to add on the film. Trust me. JUST TRUST ME, you will not regret it.

Click here for Renee’s Website

Petite Keep Trunks

Petit Keep Trunk (MARY10 for 10% off)

Photos by Beckley

I recently received a bag full of items my parents had saved from my childhood. It was so sweet that they saved all of this, but there was a lot. I love that Petite Keep trunks are not only classic and stunning but also a way to beautifully store only the most precious baby items. As someone who is extremely nostalgic, these are right up my ally. I have already started filling up Eleanor’s with her silver spoon and toothbrush, her outfit she wore home from the hospital, and her baby book. We have had so much fun going through the trunk every night and I love getting to explain what each piece is.

Each trunk comes in a small (petite) or large (grand) size. You can also choose between white, blue, or pink for the outside, 9 different fabrics for the inside, as well as the trim. Lastly, you can choose the script and style of the monogram. These pieces are truly customizable which makes them even more special.

If your family needs one of these beautiful Petite Keeps trunks, you can use code MARY10 for 10% off your order.

The Haves and The Have Nots: Tablescape Edition

Sacha Lottie London Bamboo Cutlery – I just ordered a set of this for myself. I think cutlery is the easiest way to up your tablescape game. It can be quite expensive, however, the price point on this bamboo set is hard to beat.
Jean Roger Ceramic Candlestick – I love adding height to my table by using candlesticks. I have had my eye on these for a while. I usually use antique candlesticks I find on Etsy but I am loving the funkiness of these.
Love Shack Fancy ‘La Vie en Rose’ tablecloth – I have had this tablecloth in my cart for probably six months and never pulled the trigger. I finally purchased it for a baby shower I am hosting. I can’t wait for it to arrive tomorrow.
Pomelo Casa Azul Small Pitcher – I have this and love it. The pitcher is so cute and adds a fun pop to any table. I especially love to fill it with lemonade by the pool in the summer.
Atelier Saucier Lunchbox Linens – I am dying to get these for Eleanor. My husband grew up only using cloth napkins and I love that. She starts going to school five days a week next year. How cute would these be in her lunchbox?
Mercedes Salazar Circular Pineapple Tray – I love what Mercedes creates. Every item just screams summer.
Williams Sonoma La Porcellana Bianca Firenze Dinner Plates – I actually just bought these and the matching salad plate. I could think of so many different tables I wanted to create using them. And for the price I couldn’t say no. A pretty white plate is always a must in your china cabinet.
Laboratorio Parvicini Swallow Play Dinner Plates – I have been dreaming of these plates for a looong time. One day, one day I will have them in my cabinet.
Williams Sonoma Heart Dinner Plate – I just purchased these. Not only would they be so cute for Valentines day but also for a girls lunch or couples dinner party. I think matching them with funky glassware and fun name cards would make them less Valentines and more fun.
Gmundner Keramik Alpine Flowers Set of 6 Dessert plate – I am a sucker for anything with the name ‘Alpine’ in it. It reminds me of all the amazing lunches and dinners al fresco at my in-laws. Which makes me really happy.
Summerill & Bishop Bespoke Handblown Tumbler – I have had my eye on these for a long time. I am planning to pull the trigger soon so I can have them before summer. I am dying to put naughty French words on each of them.
Cabana Capri • Gstaad Set Of 2 Floral Placemat + Napkin Set – I love blue and white and I LOVE Gstaad. It has been a city Brice and I have visited numerous times and it always makes me happy. I just wish I could use these in our chalet in Gstaad. Oh to dream!
Hibiscus Linen Monogrammed Kitchen Towel – We need new kitchen towels desperately. I love the coloring and personalization of these. Simple, functional, and beautiful.
Williams Sonoma Vintage Etched Goblet – I own this style glass in clear goblet and it is by far my most used glass. I loved the pink of this one but I have a similar style and color already so I opted for this tumbler instead.
Atelier Saucier Blush/Orange Linen napkins – I love mixing funky napkin with a more serious table. Adding playful touches to a table makes it youthful, inviting, and relaxes your guest for a fun evening ahead.
Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Azalea Dinner Plate – These were on my wishlist for a long time and my husband finally let me buy them for my Christmas gift this year. He thinks I have an obnoxious amount of plates so it took a bit of convincing. They are so beautiful and I love all of the different color ways. I am counting down the days until they arrive.
Von Gern Home Striped Lacquered Placemat – I own these and love them. The lacquer on them is not only insanely beautiful but they are also very practical. They are easy to clean and make for a very fun table. I find myself using them a lot for our family dinners (hello toddler life).
Houses and Parties Champagne Bucket and Stand – Every summer I say I am going to buy a champagne bucket and stand, and every summer goes by and I still don’t own one. This year, I am not making the mistake. I love the simplicity and classic design of this one.
Petite Party Hand Painted Taper Candle – I have a girl crush on Ally. She is so fun and I love everything she comes up with, like these candles. They are stunning! They would be gorgeous with my Love Shack Fancy linen.
D. Porthault Coeur Laminated Trays – I have wanted a nightgown from D. Porthault for the longest time. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet but I did purchase their laminated trays. I bought one small pink and one small blue for the girls bathrooms. Fo myself, I purchased the large pink heart which I plan to use for my friends baby shower and for the girls birthday parties going forward.
LouLou La Dune Astral Linen Placemats – I love anything LouLou La Dune does. Their placemats are exquisite. They are on the pricer side so I am still saving up for some but when I finally have my “LouLou La Dune Piggybank” full, I want this set!

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