We do not attend church. I object to many significant aspects of the Catholic faith. I decided against sending Luca to a Catholic school because of all that God talk.
So it probably takes another non-practising Catholic to understand why the hell we would bother with a baptism for our children.
For the record, I do not believe non-christened babies go to hell.
But there is something about the ritual and tradition of the ceremony that both Bren and I feel is important. Part of that tradition is Father Bob – the priest who baptised me as well as both boys. So you can imagine how heartbroken I was when, at the eleventh hour, he had to pull the pin for health reasons.
In his place, he sent Father Kevin and though Father K was mystified as to why we would hold the ceremony in the back yard and not in the church, he did a great job.
Formally announcing the Godparents is also a meaningful part of the celebration for us. We chose carefully for Harlow – Bren's brother, Drew, who we knew would take the role seriously, and my cousin, Kitty, who we knew would pass on designer shoes some day.
And more than anything, it was a chance to celebrate our sweet baby daughter with all the people we care about in this world. Most of them, anyway.
The formal part of the celebration went well although after a rather awkward pause, Father K was heard to enquire whether anyone was, in fact, following the program he had provided. I may have mumbled an "Amen" at this point as nine times out of ten, this is the correct answer.
There was also the matter of singling out the smokers in the crowd in order to light the candle and I thoroughly confused Father K when he discovered all four vintage tea cups placed on the table in front of him were empty of water. I hurried to a tap to fill one up for blessing, and skipped the explanation about shabby chic and vintage tea party aesthetics. I felt like that might have been his breaking point.
The little star of the day was just that – a star. In all the excitement, she did not nap and barely ate and yet she was going strong until well into the afternoon.
My gorgeous friend, Stevie, took the pics. He has taken photos for me at a couple of occasions and each time, in amongst all his amazing pics will be a shot of his beautiful wife taken from afar. It's a bit romantic.
Yes, I got anxious. Very anxious, in fact, just before the guests were due to arrive. So there I was, face down on my bed, with my lovely friend who doubles as my chiro attempting to "switch off" the panic. It worked. Thank you, Gill! God bless you for arriving a smidge early.
It's possible I need to step away from Pinterest. And though my little attempt is a far cry from the styled events you see everywhere these days, I feel like it all worked.
Photography by Steve Young ©
In the next week, I'll do a follow up post about how I put the event together – all the DIY stuff, food and some more detailed dress pics. Important!
Click for Jesus
You have THE most beautiful family. And I completely understand your need to baptize that gorgeous girl.
Wow! Love. I haven’t been on Pinterest in a looong time, but these photos are totally Pinterest-worthy. Job well done, and I’m so relieved for you that the day went smoothly.
As for you? Looking sensational, dear. My favourite shots are the family sequence – adorable fam you have there.
And one last thing. I’m going to out myself as a complete heathen and ignoramus… but is the water used for blessing TAP water? I had no idea. I’m not sure what I imagined the source of water would be, but somewhere in my mind it was more mystical and holy-like. Consider me schooled for the day 😉
xxx
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous….Gorgeous Family…gorgeous decorations…gorgeous food…just gorgeous!!! ok that is enough Gorgeous’s …you get the picture
xx
Looks like it was a fantastic event filled with lots of fun and love. Good job Father Kev for going with the flow in the backyard. Fabulously styled event, beautiful christened baby girl, gorgeous family xx
Oh, Greta! You are a doll. Thank you.
Yeah, I definitely feel better now that it’s done. Irrational but then, that’s faith for you!
xx
Hahaha! This made me laugh. Yes! Tap water – but then blessed by Father Kev, ya know? Kind of like waving a magic wand over it… But yes, Harlow was baptised with water from our humble laundry. 🙂
Thank you for the love re Pinterest-worthiness and whatnot. I was a bit stoked with my efforts.
And the sequence of family shots – I was worried I was being a little indulgent posting so many but they just get increasingly more hilarious!
xx
Well, Cass, that is totally GORGEOUS of you to say! xx
Thank you, Mrs Love! It really was a lovely day and made so not by the Pinterest factor but by the gorgeous people we know. But it did look cute, right…..? 😉
Just loved all the photos, especially the group family shots, what a wonderful day, so special for all of you.
What a great ceremony – totally agree that whatever your faith these ceremonies and the links with the past are so important.
Would love for you to link this up The Friday Baby Shower, Alice x
I LOVE your family. You are all so magical, and beautiful. The way you did everything, was awesome too!!! WOW. Love it all!!!
gorgeous photos!! Just came across you via mamamia 🙂
Lovely to read your story