Arielle’s Christening

This month I’ve been posting a lot about Arielle because it is her birth month – she’ll be two years old on May 27th – but also because for a while after I had her I really did not feel like writing. That’s a whole other story which I hope to share someday. But since I like to use this space to not only impart fashion tips and travel guides, but also document my life, I’m just now getting around to posting some of the biggest moments of her life so far. And that includes her christening. 

Arielle Marie was christened on July 21, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Church. It was also the hottest day of the year and that threw a bit of a monkey wrench into our plans. We had arranged for a small get together afterwards back at our house in our yard. But when we found out that it was going to be over 100 degrees that day, we knew we couldn’t just move the party inside. We had to move it somewhere that had some serious air conditioning. So within a week, we had booked a new space and completely changed the menu. It was a lot, especially with an almost eight week old and I was still recovering from a c-section. But together we pulled it off and now I’m sharing photos from the day.

We had asked my sister, Anna and her husband, Dan, to be the godparents and they were so honored. First off we had the ceremony, a small affair with just family and close friends. Arielle did not cry during the service until the very end and I think that’s just because she was getting hungry. She really was very good.

Even Fr. Barker’s dog, Caleb, enjoyed the service.

Afterwards, we posed for a few family pictures on the altar. Not the best lighting and though my mom did a great job with my camera, I think to make it easier I would hire a photographer for any other big moments in Arielle’s life.

My Nunny, the Marie that Arielle got her middle name from, looked stylish as always. I cannot believe she was 98 in these pictures and in just a few weeks she’ll be 100 years old! She is still doing really well.

And of course, the proud godparents were excited to have a few pictures alone with their goddaughter.

That venue change I mentioned before? We were lucky to book the church hall for the reception. Because of the quick change, we didn’t bring everything we had planned to decorate the yard. But we were able to throw enough in the car to set a little mood for the afternoon. 

Friends and family noshed on finger rolls and then enjoyed a custom two tier pink ombre buttercream frosting cake with white chocolate shells decorating the top and bottom layer from Cakes for Occasions. In the prettiest handwriting it read, “God Bless Arielle Marie” in a deep pink frosting. It was a gift from my mom for Arielle’s christening.

Everyone was so generous with their gifts. We are really so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives.

A few days later, we did a little photoshoot of Arielle in her christening dress, the dress that I wore almost 35 years ago now that was made by my godmother. I just love these photos of her in the family bassinet. This is the same bassinet my cousins, aunts and uncles have slept in for over 60 years. 

That cross she is wearing is gold and emeralds and was given to her by my mom who had purchased it in Rome over 40 years ago. We just love passing down heirlooms in our family. And the fact that it was emeralds, Arielle’s birthstone, was an amazing turn of fate.

Since Arielle was up for it, we also grabbed a few shots of her in this sweet white dress she had worn for the reception.

This last photo is my favorite. I love her little fist in the air – like she’s ready to conquer it all! And in the past two years she really has been our brave little girl. 

I hope you loved these photos from Arielle’s christening. Thank you so much for allowing me to share these big moments in our lives.