Remember last year, when we did our
"Waiting" shoot? The homage to the belly maternity shoot I'd wanted but that would never be, done in a way that was hopeful and celebratory and not sad?
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| Hopeful, excited, optimistic! |
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| A tongue-in-cheek potshot at waiting (oh hindsight, so funny) |
Well, since we're waiting again this year we decided to do a different kind of shoot.
A more...
snarky sort of shoot, one that takes this idea of the "perfect" Norman Rockwell family and twists it a bit. I admit, I came up with the concept for the shoot before our president-elect took his current position, and so now the idea of a nod to the 1950s has a taste of bile in it, but this was my rose-colored glasses view of the early 1950s, because that was when all these images of perfect domesticity blurred the actual reality of sexism and racism and fear and loathing.
My shoot's not quite as dark as all that, but there's a dark humor lurking:
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| Yes. We're featherdusting the nursery. |
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| Putting away books.... "Waiting" and "Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching." |
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| Loving up the glider in the nook |
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| Oh, time...you rascal |
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| Greeting Bryce with his martini, yup that's real snow |
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Making that twist for the martini
(it's really water, Bryce was so disappointed but it was noon, so...) |
And one of my favorites, which is a direct dark-mirror image of one of the original shoot setups:
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Get it? The first one was "Every Family Starts With a Wish"
and then there's just more somewhat-patient "Waiting" |
I love it because both shoots are beautiful, and both shoots are reality. The excitement and fresh hope of a new process, and then the reality of keeping it light and sarcastic and still hopeful despite a longer wait than we'd hoped for. Why not do two shoots?
Here's last year's card:
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| Front |
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| Back |
And this year's:
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| Front |
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| Back |
I wish the story had progressed to a baby announcement this year, but that's not how it went. I think we did pretty well with the story we got, though...Happy holidays to you, and may you always find a way to laugh at the twists and turns life throws at you.
Want to read more #Microblog Mondays? Go here and enjoy!
* Last year's photography by Kelly Zimmerman Photography
**
This year's photography by Tres Bien Images
Love it! What an amazing shoot and card! Your sense of humor and honesty are wonderful. May this coming year be a great one for both of you.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so fun loving! I love the shoot. It's so unique and well thought out. And you look gorgeous in it, Jess. I hope that next year you get to do a newborn shoot!
ReplyDeleteThese are great photos! You two are so photogenic!
ReplyDeleteI love that you were able to find a way to laugh, even when the laughing is sarcastic. And I love your hair in this year's shots!
ReplyDeleteThe shots are beautiful Jess! Really well done. You both look ace. Wishing good things for you for 2017!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you had fun with the photos. Sometimes it takes some thought to get a photo that really says something about who you are and how you feel. I am sure it felt good being creative and true to yourself. And the photos look great!(by which I mean the people in them)
ReplyDeleteI love the softness of it, combined with the snark and cleverness. You both look fantastic, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for explaining why I find myself craving a martini when it's only noon.
This was a great idea for a card. I really hope next year's card has a baby in it. I know nothing about the adoption process.... all that waiting. You are a strong person.
ReplyDeleteOh my G-d -- that is the best Christmas card ever. It has such personality. I love it.
ReplyDeleteJess, you are awesome! Best Christmas card. Ever.
ReplyDeleteLove them all. So sweet and a wee bit sassy. Love.
ReplyDeleteI love the sweetness and the cheekiness and everything in between. We waited almost 2 years and it was tough! Wish I could have handled it with as much grace as you.
ReplyDeleteWicked awesomesauce! This rocks on so many levels, Jess - what an amazing way to commemorate your twisty turny year. Sending you the brightest of holiday wishes!
ReplyDeleteI just love your guys and your sense of humor and you look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this SO MUCH!! Totally fun and fabulous, and it explains everything without having to say anything. Also...you and Bryce are just too cute for words!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great attitude. Also, you looked fabulous in the photo shoot!
ReplyDeleteYour card says, "Bryce and Jess." Is that what people call you? I'd have automatically said "Jess and Bryce."
Have a wonderful holiday season, and wish you the very very best for 2017.
I love your photos! So creative, and a smart looking couple. Way to use humor in a tough situation and difficult time of year. Hope 2017 brings you much happiness, joy and love!
ReplyDeleteOh. My. God. That is AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteYou so rock. I love you both. And mystery baby, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun shoot. Love the hair especially Jess. Let's get together again soon. It was wonderful seeing you this summer!
ReplyDeleteI love it, really shows off your personality! Great idea :)
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so adorable. I wish that I got one of these in the mail!
ReplyDeleteI'm late to commenting so I did see your more recent post about a friend thinking that a baby is coming based on your card. Looking through the pictures I guess I could see that (you are dusting off the crib to prepare for a baby, Bryce is drinking and you aren't, the "waiting" book like you are waiting for a specific baby, etc.)...but you do clearly say (still a) Mystery Baby so maybe they didn't read the card? Either way, fabulous job!