American Girl Dream Birthday Party

My sweet little girl turned 7 last weekend! I don’t know where the time has gone. They just grow up incredibly too fast! I’ve always loved designing and planning birthday parties for my children, and this one was so much fun!

She has always loved dolls. As she’s gotten older she’s obsessed with all things American Girl. As we planned her party this year, we decided to plan an American Girl at home party so she could include more of her friends. I spent a lot of time planning details, crafts, food, and everything I could think of to bring her vision to life! I tried to photograph as much as I could, while still enjoying the party. I hope this helps anyone planning an American Girl party for their child!

For colors, I planned everything around the American Girl colors and logo. Lots of red and pinks! I lucked out her party was right after Valentines Day when shopping for these colors.

*The sequin table runners and pink chair bows are from amazon!

*The star balloons are from Dollar Tree.

*The Happy Birthday Banner is a little DIY from Dollar Tree. I bought the pink one and white one, and just alternated the colors. The hot pink flowers are also from Dollar Tree. It was a tissue paper garland that I cut to use.

*The light up “AG” letters are Amazon.

*Balloon Garland is from Party City.

*Flower centerpieces are silk flowers from Hobby Lobby. The pink bucket/vase was Dollar Tree.

We wanted each girl to have a matching outfit for their doll to be able to take home. The t-shirts are from AliExpress, along with the sparkle shoes. The t-shirt glitter letter is the first name of each girl. Those were purchased on Amazon. The pink felt flowers I found at a local thrift store (of all places!). The tutu skirts are DIY with tulle from Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby, all tired to a hair tie.

The party hats are also DIY. I bought a digital paper file on ETSY for the pattern, found a free template online for the hat, bought elastic at Hobby Lobby and the pink pom on top. A little hot glue made them come to life!

The cake table was designed to include her dolls. The gold stars are from Joann Fabrics Christmas decor years ago! I actually used them for her First Birthday (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme).

The cupcakes were made from a local baker and were delicious! The sandwiches with stars were made using a cookie cutter from the cake section at Hobby Lobby.

For activities we planned:

*Bracelet making. The girls made matching bracelets for them and their dolls. Purchased on Etsy.

*Doll birthday candle making. These were large tea-lights I got at Hobby Lobby. They decorated with washi tape, jewels and stickers.

The next big activity was the life size doll box! Each girl got their photo in the doll box! This was quite the project and cost more money than I want to admit haha!

The box is a wardrobe box purchased at U-HAUL. The images were from Etsy and I printed at the local UPS store. The girls loved it!!!

Everything came together perfectly and we had a blast!

The Commercial Studio is open!

As of February 1st 2021 the new commercial studio is open! I’ve received so many compliments and the families that have been photographed in the new space just love it! I’ve been asked what made you finally get a studio?

Well, I’ve been wanting the perfect commercial studio for a while, and it just took time to find the perfect space to continue to serve the families of Columbus Ohio. I had a vision of what I wanted it to look like, the aesthetic appearance, and ceiling height and location were all important to me! 7 years ago I started photographing all of my amazing clients in my home studio. I started in our bonus room, and then moved to the first floor room. It was a tight space, but I made it work. Over time I extended the home studio to be double the size and it worked great, clients loved it! But, with the ongoing pandemic, I especially wanted a space that was separate from my home for clients to come to for so many reasons, and I wanted to make sure they felt they were also offered the best opportunity for their sessions!

But, it was time!! It was time for more space, it was time to have more opportunities to offer more variety in my sessions, it was time to better the experience and professionalism I offer my clients! After all, this isn’t just about the photos I take and you receive; this is about what I offer all of you and the one of a kind experience you receive!

I know driving time is a huge consideration to families when booking a photographer, especially a newborn photographer. I am conveniently located off route 70, and minutes form 270. The commercial studio is located in front of the Taylor square shopping center. This gives families with younger siblings options for their newborn sessions if they don’t want to stay at the studio. Retail, lots of food options, and even Blacklick Woods metro park is 5 minutes away!

Having 1300 sq ft creates a more comfortable environment for my families. This gives me the ability to work quicker and more efficiently during your session! Having everything set up and ready to go is essential for all sessions! My goal is to have every family in and out within 2 hours or less for newborn sessions, and an hour for milestones. As new parents, with a newborn baby, your time is important to me! The studio is full of the best props and accessories available on the market, and a collection of designer clothing for moms and children!

I welcome you to schedule a tour and come see the studio in person! I would love to meet you, go over specific details for your session, and share the extensive collection of props and wardrobe that will make your custom portrait session one of a kind!!

Thanks to all my amazing clients for the continued love and support the past 7 years. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you!

I’ve always wanted to remodel the studio with a lifestyle bed setup, use the beautiful natural light from my windows and redo the flooring with a distressed wood look! This quarantine 2020 has been the perfect time to tackle all of my studio plans!! We’re ALMOST done, but I wanted to share the updated space with you!

I’ve enjoyed designing this space to be welcoming and cozy and allow parents to feel safe and comfortable while I photograph their little one. I equally love neutrals and soft pastels and you will see this throughout my studio.

I’ve spend endless hours finding the most perfect and best products to offer my clients to have of their images. You will see some of my favorites here, and I have even more on the way I will share soon! The beautiful lay flat photo albums, wood heirloom photo blocks, and torn edge mounted prints are my favorites.

Welcome to my studio. I hope you enjoy!

Hello everyone!

It’s been a long time since I have updated my blog, but I thought now was the perfect to go over all the new details moving forward with Covid-19. I miss seeing all of my clients and adorable babies in the studio! This quarantine has been something new for everyone and a big adjustment.

As always, safety is my biggest concern for all of my families. I’ve implemented some new guidelines going forward to ensure the health and well being, along with providing the safest environment possible while still capturing your family’s precious memories.

1. Immediate family only: I know it’s an exciting time for you family as we capture your memories. The studio will be limited to only those family members being included in your session (parents and children). Grandparents and extended family members may not attend at this time. If you are a newborn client with other children, siblings will be photographed first with baby, then family portraits, and then asked to leave with a parent, or please make arrangements to have children picked up.

2. Wash hands upon entering: I will continually wash and sanitize my hands; before, during and after your session. Everyone entering the studio must sanitize hands at entrance. Hand sanitizer will be available in the studio.

3. Remove shoes upon entering: All shoes must be removed before entering the studio. If you prefer, please bring socks or foot coverings.

4. Masks will be worn: I will wear a mask for your session, and everyone entering the studio must also wear one. The only time your mask can be safely removed is when you are being photographed. This includes parents and children. I have nitrile free medical gloves available if you prefer I wear those. If you have concerns, please discuss with photographer.

5. Studio cleaned after each client: The studio has always been, and will continue to be cleaned and sanitized before and after each client. Surfaces will be disinfected. I just added a Dyson air purifier that will heat/cool the studio, along with continually purifying the air to eliminate pollutants, allergens and bacteria.

6. Fabrics cleaned and sanitized between all clients: As always, all fabrics are always washed between clients with free and clear detergent. Items that can’t be machine washed (such as headbands and delicate knit props) will be sanitized after use, and not reused for 72 hours. At this time, please leave all your personal props at home. We have everything you need here at the studio! Please only bring what you need for baby into the studio (diaper bag, feedings). Please leave all extra items in your car.

7. Illness: As always, the studio has a very strict sick policy and will not photograph anyone with illness symptoms. This includes, but is not limited to: fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, rash. All clients will be asked about possible exposures, and illness symptoms in any family member before your session. Clients will also be asked to sign a Covid-19 waiver.

Per the Governor’s order, I can safely resume sessions after May 12th! If you have any questions please let me know. I can’t wait to see you all again soon!

~Jacqueline