Mommy & Me

May 9, 2019

by RebeccaMarie

Is there any particular reason why birds are featured in the style shoot?

Mother birds are often associated with motherhood. She builds safe nesting home for her offspring and shields them from harm. Mother birds supply a constant provision of food to help her young grow. She nurtures each of her children in a self-sacrificing way to ensure their survival. She fulfills her role in a loving and compassionate way. For these reasons and more, parallels and references can be drawn to mother birds and motherhood.

2. Is there a significance to the colour palette that was selected?

There’s always a certain mood that colour(s) can evoke. For this shoot, the focus was on blue, gold, white and grey.

Blue - is referenced in many phrases such as “blue collar work”, which many moms do; inside and outside the home. We think about “blue chip” stock - again, moms are supposed to be that rock solid person that doesn’t waver when the going gets tough. We think about “royal blue”; that there’s an intrinsic value or noble cause in being a mother that should be celebrated. However, we also need to mention the “post-partum blues”; that some mothers face after giving birth.

Gold - there’s a golden quality about being a mother that transcends all cultural backgrounds, across all socio-economic statuses, and bridges the gap between all human beings. There is inherent value in being a mother that doesn’t decrease over time. The wealth of experiences from being a mother can be shared between strangers and friends.

White - children are all born with a clean blank slate. What we as mothers teach and invest in our children’s lives help shape a colourful narrative in their lives.

Grey - being a mother isn’t always black and white. There are a lot of grey zones and areas of being a mother.

2) Why do a style shoot about Mother’s Day?

Being a mother can at times feel unrewarding, exhausting, and overwhelming. We as mothers can all use a reminder that we are to be celebrated; especially during those rougher moments where we need “a little pick me up” to get to the end of the day. We need to celebrate moms more often, and keep cheering one another on; in each of our journeys throughout motherhood.

Mubina (silver dress) has been a friend of mine since high school. I’ve seen her grow and develop a program for her son and others children’s lives through mental toughness training as it relates to sports. Jane (midnight blue dress) was a former bride of mine. She has infectious smile and warmth that is genuinely exhibited day in and day out as a nurse. Kathy (white suit) is multi-talented actress/host. Then there’s me, in the floral dress - I’m the event planner and producer of this shoot. I can’t think of a better way for kids and moms to get all glammed up - and have beautiful moments captured together. Children grow up way too fast and it’s important to document their journey as well as our own.

3) What do you hope for your children?

This is a tough one because there is so much that I hope for my kids. I want my kids to find a sense of purpose and joy in their lives. From there, I hope that they will build some sort of legacy. I hope that they will find partners to not only grow old with in terms of longevity, but someone that they can really grow together throughout the journey of life. I hope that they will learn to love deeply and wholeheartedly. I hope that they will build a resilience that will keep them going when they meet any hurdles. I hope they will never forget to appreciate the bonds they have as siblings. I hope that they will never grow up too quickly and always have fond memories of their childhood.

4) What would you say to mothers out there?

We need to remind ourselves that we don’t need to be perfect all the time, every time. Life isn’t just about getting those perfectly curated pictures on social media. Some days, moms need to take a break because moms get tired - and that’s perfectly ok. Some days, moms don’t need to have everything perfectly tidy and orderly. We are all human and juggling motherhood with all the other business of life isn’t always picture perfect.

There are days when we feel like we’re at the top of our game and that’s awesome. There are going to be days when we feel like the bottom has given way. This is when we need to reach out for support. There’s no shame in asking for help. We weren’t meant to go it all alone. We need to stand together - as mothers, every time, all the time.

Team Credits

Photographer - Stephen Sager

Website - http://www.stephensager.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/stevesager/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/stephensagerphotography/

Co-Concept Design/Producer/Wedding Planner/Stylist - Asian Fusion Weddings

Website - http://asianfusionweddings.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/asianfusionweddings/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/Asian-Fusion-Weddings-121203051319777/

Co-Concept Design/Producer/Wedding Planner/Stylist - Formosa Events

Website - http://formosaevents.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/formosaevents/