Olivia's mom, Evangeline, called me while she was hunting for a photographer for Olivia's baptism, and I'll admit, after years of shooting weddings, I wasn't entirely sure what I was walking into. Turned out to be the good kind of unprepared: I got nearly unrestricted access to the entire sanctuary, with only the vaguest instructions on what not to do. For a photographer, that kind of access is basically a sideline pass to a pro football game, minus the risk of getting run over.


In the few hours I spent with Olivia, her parents Evangeline and Neal, and the wall of friends and family who showed up to celebrate her, one thing was obvious: this kid is going to grow up completely surrounded by people who adore her. Don't just take my word for it, either — the video slideshow tells the story better than I can.

 

Ornate antique book with jeweled gold cover featuring religious medallions displayed on a wooden table.
Baby reaching for a colorful orange toy flip phone held by an adult hand.
A woman wearing a gold cross necklace holds a baby dressed in white during what appears to be a baptism ceremony.
Couple holding a Bible during a religious ceremony with a priest in embroidered vestments in the background.
Elderly woman holding a newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket during a christening ceremony.
An elderly woman holds a crying baby during a Christian baptism ceremony at a church font.
Man in formal attire joyfully lifting a baby in white christening gown at a reception.
Woman in black dress leaning over white christening gown laid on dark surface, wearing cross necklace.
An intricate ice sculpture of a teddy bear sitting on ABC blocks at a baby shower event.
Stunning Orthodox church interior with ornate dome ceiling murals and golden iconostasis during a ceremony.
Close-up sepia photo of a newborn baby's tiny foot resting on a soft white blanket.
Infant being baptized in a ornate font, held by priest's hands during a Christian baptism ceremony.
Close-up of a groom placing a wedding ring on the bride's finger, with a pink rose corsage visible.
Man holding baby dances with two women in elegant ballroom at formal event.
A toddler girl in a navy smocked dress holds adults hands while dancing at a formal reception.
Women dancing joyfully at an elegant wedding reception in a ballroom with guests in the background.
A couple holding hands at a formal event, with colorful purple and blue bokeh lights in the background.
Three-tier white wedding cake decorated with pink fondant bows on each layer.
Family portrait of smiling parents with baby in white christening gown near Christmas tree.
Mother tenderly kissing her baby dressed in white christening gown with bokeh lights background.
A happy baby in a white christening gown sits before a glowing Christmas tree with bokeh lights.
Pink bow boutonniere with ribbon tags and charm on pinstripe suit jacket for baptism ceremony.