Running a family portrait studio in Los Angeles means that we have the honor of being part of some very meaningful family moments. One such moment occurred recently when we held a photo session that was partly for Baby Bradley’s Dohl (a Korean first birthday celebration) and partly for a family reunion.

Bradley turned one in the midst of the pandemic, but seeing that vaccines were on the horizon, his parents decided to wait until it was safe to have a larger family celebration. Once his grandparents and his aunts and uncle were fully vaccinated, we were all set up to document the long-awaited reunion! 

Bradley’s parents wanted a very traditional Korean style set and we, at Chook Celebrations, really aimed to create something that was timeless and beautiful. The set design was inspired by a traditional Korean bench that we sourced for this shoot.

We brought in branches and wooden shelves to establish a regal yet earthy atmosphere. Rather than using a generic vase for the florals, we wanted to incorporate another piece of Korean culture by sticking our floral stems in onggi jars, which are what Koreans use to ferment kimchi.  

The delight we felt watching this family reunion was eclipsed only by their own joy—just look at the smiles on their faces! This was the first time since the pandemic started that everyone was able to see each other all at once, and it was such a bittersweet occasion. Everyone was laughing and marveling at how quickly Bradley had grown up. This family sacrificed and waited so long to be able to gather safely, and we were so honored to have been able to capture these moments for them!

If there’s one thing we can take from this very difficult year, it’s a whole new appreciation for any opportunity we have to be with the ones we love. We know now more than ever that those moments are to be cherished, and there’s no better way to hold on to them by having them documented through photography.

Our family portrait studio in Los Angeles is available for any type of photo shoot you can think of. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to book a shoot—just being able to gather together is reason enough! Contact us today to set up your fully customizable family portrait session, round up the family, and let us take care of all the details!

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