San Diego Lifestyle Photographer: A traditional Korean 1st Birthday Party

About a week and a half ago I had the pleasure of taking pictures of Daniel's 1st birthday party. When I arrived I was greeted with such warmth and of course, I knew right away to take off my shoes when entering an Asian household, no sweat that's the rule at my house. I headed upstairs and I was greeted by more family members. By the back wall was a lovely table display of food and objects against a cherry blossom rice paper backdrop. Just beautiful! Daniel and his parents were dressed in traditional Korean garments and they looked sweet! I took pictures of the spread, them and the rest of their family inside and outside. When Daniel needed a much deserved break, I asked what everything on the table meant. I was fascinated and soaked up all that cultural knowledge.

So a quick breakdown goes like this: some of the food like the noodles and rice represented the hopes that he would find a good wife and that they are blessed with children. With the objects, they would be placed on the floor and the father would walk him around them and then he would be free to choose 3 item. Those items represent what he may become in the future or certain attributes. Daniel chose a gavel, a quill pen and money. Therefore, he could have a career in law, he'll be a great writer and he'll be wealthy. Nice picks kid! A lot of the others food were just traditional foods and desserts that are accustomed at every party, like potato salad at a picnic or pancit at a Filipino gathering. I stayed a little after to give them some files and Daniel's mom hooked me up with some yum yum food, like Korean style beef Bulgogi,  some noodles (Jap Chae), sushi, and some desserts. I ate all of it, like the piggy I am!

It was a pleasure being there and a great lesson in Korean culture. Here are some photos to share. They were very concerned about privacy so there's just a few.

Enjoy!