Doljanchi: Korean 1st Birthday Celebration in Westchester New York

I love documenting first birthdays because as much as it is a celebration for the child, it is also a celebration for the parents. In Korean tradition, first birthdays are also celebrated with the ritual of a doljabi, a fortune telling ceremony where the child chooses an item that predicts what type of person they’ll be when they grow up. Whether or not it comes into fruition, the ritual is fun more than anything and such a lovely celebration. This past summer I photographed a doljanchi in Westchester for Lila and her family. 

It was a gorgeous quintessential hot summer day filled with their family and friends. There was a beautiful table set up displaying photos from Lila’s first year and delicious sweets for the party. Traditional Korean food was served along with other food items.

For event celebrations, I love documenting little details along with pulled back shots of the whole setting. If you’ve hosted a party before, you know that with all the hosting duties you may not have time to sit down and relish in the details so I make sure you have these moments recorded.

The family decorated with purple, pink, white and green. I just love how simple yet festive everything was. What do you think? Are you hosting a party or celebration soon? I would love to hear about it!

I am a Westchester NY/NYC photographer specializing in families, newborns and children. Candid moments are my favorite. Reach out to me today if you do too.