Queen of Heart

It’s not every day that you get to host a Queen’s Tea… but this is Hot Tomato Portrait Studio, where the extraordinary becomes possible. Bring out the vintage linens!

This story starts back in November of last year with a client named Julia. Always full of energy, Julia fast became one of our favorites. “This is the most fun I’ve had in years!” she’d exclaimed during her third wardrobe change. When she later asked if we could host a very special Sweet 16 party for her daughter, Aven, we were delighted to accept and knew it was a perfect fit for our family brand, Roberts Family Photography.

Finding new ways to celebrate milestones all throughout women’s lives is kind of our thing. <wink>

The whole team was inspired by how much this mama loves her girl! Julia worked closely with us on every detail as we joyfully prepped for the Royal Tea. As the day approached, we all grew eager to see Aven’s smile.

The Day of the Royal Tea

Jessica busily arranged homemade, tulle-bundled treats around a gorgeous pink cake from local bakery, The Little Stirr.

Andi artfully placed crystal vases of flowers around the party room– one next to the gifts, one by the throne…
I wrapped our gift to Queen Aven, a sparkling tiara from Heirloom Finds.

The Arrival

When the birthday girl arrived, I flew downstairs to meet her, then escorted her to make-up artist Lauren Elaine‘s studio to have her lovely features accented and her russet locks twined and pinned in a manner befitting royalty.

Knowing the clock was ticking, the rest of team went into high gear. We stacked the gifts in the party room, a.k.a. the Queen’s Sitting Room, a.k.a. our French room. We displayed the sparkling blue gown in the wardrobe, along with all the just-right accessories and crystalline slippers.

Mom Julia chatted with guests still en route and anxiously paced between makeup and wardrobe. “Come with me,” Andi whispered and took her by the hand. “Want to peek at the party room?”

The two of them shot down the hall to see the transformed room. Even from the kitchen, I could clearly hear the squeals of approval!

A Gown of Blue

The freshly painted and curled Aven was met with heart-grabbing oohs and aahs from everyone she passed as Lauren brought her to wardrobe. She was totally feeling it, too, and ready to complete the transformation. We swung open the door and she glided in, rewarding us with an approving smile when she saw her gown and slippers. Aven’s ladies-in-waiting (Mom and I) spun, fluffed, pinned and zipped her into a breathtaking vision. She was ready to make her big entrance!

Gown beautifully handmade by family friend, Judy Nutter

The Reveal

As Mom took a few private moments with her beautiful Queen, I readied the guests for her imminent arrival. The air crackled with anticipation. We heard the door open, then the steady click of her heels, and everyone held their breath. Aven crossed the threshold, and the room erupted in cheers and tears! All smiles but maintaining her queenly manners, she quietly thanked everyone and excused herself to the adjacent room for a few photos.

Work It, Your Highness!

Time for magic: Andi’s brilliant ability to connect with her subjects and Aven’s willingness to embrace her inner Queen created a spectacular dance of image-capturing that was finally stopped only by the promise of chocolate. The Queen returned to her guest and commenced the festivities. It. Was. ON.

The Royal Treatment

I can’t tell you just how good this day felt. We need more of this in the world.

Go out of your way to make someone feel special just as they are. Don’t wait, don’t compromise. Wear beautiful clothes, hug friends, eat chocolate. Celebrate each other.

World Down Syndrome Day

Speaking of celebrating… You’re just in time to celebrate friends like Aven! World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is March 21. On this day, people with Down Syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.

Local World Down Syndrome Day opp:

Stop by River Valley Insurance, LLC at 265 Williamstown Pike, Williamstown, WV (Rt. 31) on Monday, March 21, 2016. The staff is giving away Down Syndrome awareness bracelets to the first 50 adults and first 50 children who visit. Kids can also get their picture taken with the sign, to be a part of the picture collage for the Kids’ Room. Come by and help show your support! *No purchase necessary.* 

Written by hottomatopinupacademy8

Founder and former co-owner of Hot Tomato Pin-Up Academy,

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