I had the honor of photographing Sophia’s beautiful first birthday celebration, or Dol. This traditional Korean celebration includes prayer, a beautiful two-tiered table of sweets, and a ceremony in which the child chooses an item that provides insight into their future. Per Wikipedia: The highlight of the dol (돌) is a custom called the doljabi (돌잡이) where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, paint or calligraphy brushes, ink, and money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table. For example, if the child picks up a paint/calligraphy brush or book, they are destined to be smart. If they pick up money, they will be wealthy; If they pick up food, they will not be hungry. If they pick up the thread, it is believed they will live a long life.

Sweet Sophia officially chose the calligraphy brush. However, she also played with the rice, the string, and a golf ball :). Whatever her bright future holds, it will be filled with the love of her amazing parents, two adorable siblings and an incredibly gracious and caring extended family.