When this family welcomed me into their downtown home, I instantly felt surrounded by creativity, love, and warmth. I live in a space where my children use an antique stool my grandmother brought back from China when they can’t reach the sink. My walls have a well know artist’s lithograph hanging next to my own photographs of our family, as well as watercolor paintings my daughters made at three and four (and the watercolors, are perhaps what I consider the most valuable). I could tell right away that this family and I shared similar values… that the sentimental was important, and that heirlooms were everywhere.

In meeting (just turned four) Nancy Charline, she informed me that her beautiful white lace trimmed dress was in fact her christening gown. A little tight at the neck, but otherwise still wearable… and worn often. My grandmother used to always say, “What is the point of having beautiful things if you don’t use them?” as she threw the fine silver she used daily in the dishwasher. I knew my girls, too, would never part with a dress so lovely, no matter how small. It made me smile.

Baby Grace is a beauty (as you can see) and I obviously have a sweet spot for sisters. I really enjoyed meeting these four, and I hope my photos will be a part of those special, sentimental pieces of art that they will cherish always.