One of the best parts of being a photographer is getting to witness a family’s story unfold over time. When Jeremy and Nancy signed up for my one-year milestone package, I knew we were in for something special. Watching their son Edison grow during his first year, and capturing the little moments along the way, was such a privilege.

But this final session? It was extra special.

A Family-Centered Celebration

Nancy is Vietnamese and Jeremy is Taiwanese, and one thing that immediately stood out was how deeply rooted they are in their family traditions. From the very first session, it was clear that family would be at the heart of every photo – and Edison’s one-year celebration was no exception.

Nancy’s parents, who frequently travel to help with Edison, joined us for the session. She knew from the beginning that she wanted them included. After all, they’ve poured so much love and support into her life and now their grandson’s. “They’ve sacrificed so much for my upbringing,” Nancy told me, “The least I could do was capture some sweet moments with their first grandchild.”

Cue all the happy tears.

Cultural Traditions That Make the Moment Unforgettable

One of the most memorable moments from Edison’s session was his traditional Vietnamese dragon outfit – handmade and brought back by Nancy’s mom during a trip to Vietnam, shortly after learning Nancy was pregnant. It was vibrant, meaningful, and a true nod to the beautiful heritage that Edison is growing up in.

And then came one of my favorite parts: the object-picking ceremony – a cultural tradition in both Vietnamese and Taiwanese households. If you’re not familiar, here’s how it works: you place a selection of items in front of the baby, and whichever one they grab first is said to predict their future career. It’s such a fun way to mark the milestone, and Edison dove right in (with his family cheering him on, of course!).

Why These Sessions Matter So Much

This session wasn’t just about Edison turning one, it was about honoring a family’s journey, their traditions, and the love that surrounds their first grandchild. It was a celebration of culture, legacy, and that beautiful blur of a baby’s first year.

As I edited the gallery, I couldn’t help but smile at the tiny moments that tell such a big story…Nancy’s parents holding Edison close, Jeremy making him laugh, Edison’s determined crawl toward the ceremonial objects, and the pride shining from everyone’s faces.

These are the moments that matter. And I’m so honored I got to freeze them in time.

Interested in a milestone package that lets you document your baby’s first year – from belly to birthday? Reach out here to learn more about my one-year sessions and how we can tell your family’s story.