ERIN THOMPSON

A Korean First Birthday Celebration for Baby Ruby

Family Session

There’s always something joyful about milestone sessions, but when the milestone is a baby’s first birthday, the joy multiplies. Add in a beautiful family, delicious food, and a home full of love and laughter? It’s magic. Last weekend, I had the honor of photographing Ruby’s Korean first birthday celebration, hosted in her family’s Oakwood home. It was the kind of day that felt joyful from the very beginning… even when the birthday girl had a tiny moment of protest getting dressed. 😉

Getting Ready for a Korean First Birthday Party

Ruby’s celebration began with her grandmother helping her into a traditional Korean hanbok. Ruby wasn’t exactly thrilled about it at first. Thankfully, a quick round of her favorite song from her mom and big sisters turned everything around. Once she was feeling herself again, we headed outside for family photos.



Korean First Birthday Traditions

Back inside, Ruby sat down for one of the most meaningful parts of a Korean first birthday. In front of a table filled with fruit, rice cakes, and a beautiful birthday cake, she reached for her gift. First money, then the Bible… then back to money. A little indecisive at first, but she made her choice!



After that, it was time to eat… and let me tell you, this food! Ruby’s grandmother prepared the most delicious Korean dishes and I left so impressed (and so full). It was such a beautiful labor of love for her granddaughter.

Celebrating Milestones and Friendship

I first met the Kangs for fall photos last year and I hit it off with Hannah right away. Since then, she’s become a dear friend and a reminder of why I love this job. Having clients become friends and then getting to show up for their most meaningful moments will never get old.

To Hannah, Vinny, and your beautiful girls, thank you for letting me be part of Ruby’s celebration. It was such a joy to photograph your family again and capture this special milestone.

YES PLEASE!

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more about me

I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!

Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.

I'M ERIN.

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