documentary-style photography – Milli Stephania Photo

Doljabi, korean first birthday for baby Gemma, where she chooses her future, she chooses a stethoscope for physican. Mom holds her in her traditional korean dress.

Ever wondered what tradition, adorable baby giggles, and a dash of destiny look like? Let me take you behind the scenes of Gemma’s first birthday doljabi. It was a vibrant celebration rooted in Korean culture and bursting with love.
Spoiler alert: It involves tiny hands choosing their future career path, squishy baby cheeks, and some of the best food I’ve ever tasted.

In Korean culture, a doljabi is more than just a birthday—it’s a cherished tradition that celebrates a baby’s milestone first year while offering a peek into their future. During this event, various symbolic items are placed before the birthday child. The baby then picks one, and each item hints at their potential path in life: a gavel for a future judge, a paintbrush for an artist, a microphone for a musician, a stethoscope for a doctor, and even thread for longevity. Watching little Gemma reach out with her tiny fingers was the cutest—and possibly most suspenseful—moment of the day, especially since there was a raffle to make it extra fun. And guess what? Little Miss Gemma—with her squishable cheeks and gummy smile—reached straight for the stethoscope. Future doctor in the making? We’ll have to wait and see, but the room erupted in cheers and laughter when she made her pick.

Stephanie and Robert hosted Gemma’s doljabi at The East Norwalk Association Library. The venue was intimate yet lively, filled with family, friends, and the warmth of celebration. Gemma, dressed in a stunning traditional Hanbok, looked like a little princess. Her parents, also dressed in Hanboks, radiated grace and pride as they shared this special day with their loved ones.

Gemma’s at the perfect age where everything is fascinating, and is full of personality. She lit up every time I sang “Wheels on the Bus” to catch her attention.

If you’re planning a special event—whether it’s a doljabi, a birthday, or just a fun family gathering—I’d love to be there to document it. I’m based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and I also serve the New York Metro Area. Let’s make sure your memories aren’t just lived but beautifully preserved forever.

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Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences life can throw at you. It’s full of late-night feedings, endless diaper changes, belly laughs, and the joy of watching your little one grow into their own tiny person. When Elsie reached out to document her son Grayson’s first birthday, she knew she wanted to make it special—not just for him, but as a way to celebrate an incredible milestone in her own journey of parenthood.

Elsie chose the cutest “chef’s theme” for the session, and I was instantly obsessed! With a miniature apron, a sprinkle of flour, and a rolling pin that looked bigger than Grayson, we were ready to cook up some memories that would last forever. Naturally, I leaned all the way into the theme, gathering every prop a tiny chef might need—whisks, mixing bowls, muffin tins—you name it. The vibe was all about joy, mess, and embracing the chaos of the toddler years.

Before our session, I worked closely with Elsie to plan the shoot. Once she shared her vision, I created a mood board to bring it to life. It’s so important to me that every client feels like they’re part of the creative process. Whether choosing a theme, picking outfits, or deciding on locations, we collaborate to make your session unique and true to your family. When Elsie saw the mood board, she was over the moon and said it was everything she’d imagined and more.
Hearing that kind of feedback? That’s the chef’s kiss for me.

The session itself was so much fun. Grayson was the star of the show, of course. He explored every little thing we set up, from poking at the flour to crawling around like a champion. (Honestly, who knew a crawling chef could be so adorable?) Watching Elsie laugh and play with Grayson, I could feel how much love and joy she pours into being his mom. It was a beautiful reminder that first birthdays aren’t just about celebrating babies—it’s about celebrating parents, too. Elsie, you’ve made it through an entire year of sleepless nights, new challenges, and countless memories. That’s something worth shouting about!

When Elsie received her final images, she couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing her joy made all the planning, organizing, and flour-covered chaos totally worth it. Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Capturing these fleeting moments—the ones that feel small but mean so much—is what I’m here for.

So, if you’re a parent wondering whether you should book a session like this, let me be the one to tell you: YES. Celebrate your baby, celebrate your family, and most importantly, celebrate YOU. After all, these moments fly by, and they deserve to be remembered.