Lottie Isabelle | March 2023
“We absolutely loved the fact you really took the time to get to know us as a family, you did such a fantastic job telling our story to our nearest and dearest.”
It’s such a treat to lead a naming ceremony: your homework amounts to discussing baby names and birth stories with the proud parents, and your delivery on the day involves beaming faces and novelty sweet treats.
This naming ceremony for Lottie, in Alnwick Garden’s glass Pavilion, was particularly special as we are friends with her parents Andie and Jess; they kindly invited my cheer-leading husband Jonny and twins too. It was slightly nerve-wracking to look out on a sea of familiar faces (can we all agree public speaking is easier with strangers?), but I found my feet.
Godparents (l-r: Haley, Greg, Paul and Sophie) make their commitments to baby Lottie
Lottie was good as gold - we laughed afterwards that her only verbal contribution was an adorable little sneeze halfway through - and the ceremony was made all-the-more poignant with poems written, or chosen, by both her grandmothers and both her godmothers. The room was full of flowers, sunlight and joy. Not to mention a boujie cream soft play in the corner (entertaining without ruining the aesthetic? Win win).
All photography by the legendary Katy Melling
Then, because this family know how to throw a party, we were all treated to a drinks reception, live music and a three-course meal. Jess and Andie had even included gift bags of stickers, sweets and colouring sets at each child’s place so they were happily occupied.
I was over-the-moon to discover we’d been put on the same table as the event’s photographer - the gorgeous Katy Melling. I bent her ear off talking ceremonies, venues, photography and industry tips. Her photos speak for themselves, she’s such a staple north east talent. I think one of my favourite pictures from the day might be of Lottie’s older brother Otis seemingly ~floating~ on his toy horse (if you look closely in the gallery above). Then, of course, there’s this one of my own little grubby angels, Scout Maple and Kipling Bay…
My two did me proud - they didn’t heckle me once (pictured here after making a beeline to the black-iced ladybird cookies)
“You captured everything we told you and delivered such a touching ceremony we will remember for a lifetime!”