Whitney's attention to every detail of our table was amazing. She brought many beautiful tea cups, plates, serving pieces, and even decorations for the tabletop. I added mason jars filled with simple flowers to add color and texture to the scene.
Tracy Waitkus Photography 805.264.2771
Avila Beach, California
A year or so ago, I came in contact with Whitney Taylor, owner of Cup & Carriage, a business that brings vintage-style tea parties to locations throughout the central coast. I'd long admired Whitney's Instagram feed with lovely antique teacups and other beautiful tea-time servingware and accessories. So I contacted Whitney to see if she's be interested in collaborating on a mom and daughter tea party-themed photo shoot. Lucky for me, she jumped right in!
We needed goodies for our guests to enjoy with their tea, so I contacted a talented baker I had recently met. Nini Dookie is the owner of Nini Cookie, and she bakes amazing things that are as beautiful as they are delicious. She generously agreed to join our collaboration and graced our tea table with her colorful Madeleines, whimsical sugar cookies, and her sponge cake which is absolutely to die for!
For a while now, I've wanted to plan a mom and daughter shoot. I envisioned girls in pretty dresses in a dreamy outdoor setting. So when a friend and business acquaintance recently announced her purchase of a beautiful property that she was turning into a farm stay and fruit farm, I knew it was time to make the vision a reality.
Pattea Torrence, previous owner and proprietor of the Old Edna Townsite, graciously welcomed me to visit her new endeavor, The Bees Knees in rural San Luis Obispo. Upon seeing the property, I new it would be the perfect location for my styled shoot. The timing of the shoot coincided nicely with Pattea's planned launch of her new vacation rental, and she was excited to welcome a group of moms and daughters to The Bees Knees for the afternoon.
The Bees Knees expands over several acres and there are many spots perfect for portraits. Our little tea guests had fun exploring and playing on the property in the late day sun. It was truly a magical day spent with wonderful, creative vendors and lovely moms and their daughters.
When it was time to sit down to tea, our lovely guests were delighted at the beautiful table and gorgeous setting on the lawn at The Bees Knees. The tea and baked goodies were very popular among our girls and moms!
Next up was recruiting guests to come and enjoy our tea party and to pose for photos. I was fortunate to have three wonderful moms and their girls join us. The weather was postcard perfect and everyone came looking so lovely for our event. La Bella Rose Boutique provided beautiful flower crowns for our girls to wear.
Garden Tea Party
April 29, 2019