A Southern Baptism
A Southern-Style Baptism For a Special California Baby
A baptism is always a sacred ceremony, but when it's also a celebration that a very premature baby has made it to the six-month mark, it is a particularly joyous occasion. Dixie Scarlett was born two and a half months early after her mother developed HELLP syndrome, a preeclampsia-like series of conditions that affects 0.2 to 0.6 percent of all pregnancies. The acronym stands for hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (liver function), and low platelets counts (platelets help the blood clot), and it is life-threatening to both the mother and the baby. So when Dixie was born on Dec. 17, 2013, weighing 2 pounds 8 ounces, everything was touch and go.
After two months in the hospital, she not only survived, she thrived. According to her mom, Taylor, "[Dixie] is a fighter and is growing and developing beautifully." So they decided to have her baptism a few days before her 6-month birthday on Father's Day, so they could celebrate all three occasions with friends from near and far.
For this transplanted Texan, only a southern garden brunch would do after the ceremony. "We had tea sandwiches, quiche, and sweet treats (catered by Sweet Lady Jane)," said Taylor. "I designed a white cake with a cross made of roses for my beautiful baby girl, [and] everyone enjoyed iced tea, lemonade, mimosas, and Bloody Marys, sipping from Ball jam jars!"
Read on to see the beautiful details — the wild flowers and decorations put together by Taylor's mom and aunt and the sweet outdoor touches, like croquet and a vintage bar cart to touching decor featuring meaningful words and, of course, the cake — all beautifully shot by Southern California-based Nicolenjoli Photography. There's enough inspiration here to plan a baptism or simple outdoor party for any occasion.
