Sunday 13th September 2020 marked a very special day in the Miljak household, the christening of their beautiful baby boy, Ivan Pius Miljak.
As a photographer, to be a part of such a special event is quite the privilege, however, as a dear friend of almost a decade, to be invited to be a part of their household, to be a part of their family and to have shared such a wealth of love was incredibly fulfilling, a weekend I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Ivan, brother of Josipa became a child of God on 13th September 2020. This day was filled with love, grace, elegance, passion and faith. Family, friends and loved ones gathered to share their love and mark the day with celebration, appreciation and pure joy for one and all.
For me, the celebrations began on Saturday, the day before the Christening, spending time with Angela, Jakov, and their beautiful children, Josipa and Ivan. We shared hugs, cuddles, read books, played with toys and felt my heart explode as two children welcomed me into their home and hearts. Never have I ever met two children, so polite, so intelligent, so well behaved and of such a gentle and loving nature. Love and peace filled their household, with curiosity, learning and expression encouraged, and each of their personalities coming through in every giggle, every hug and every moment they were awake.
Saturday was a private relaxed family time which I felt touched to be a part of, Sunday saw the addition of family members and close friends, with the God Parents being the first to arrive in the morning. The morning festivities began with an exchanging of gifts between the two families, marking their love and their pride for the union and responsibilities taken on by the God Parents, such a beautiful morning filled with love and pure joy.
The excitement continued when it came to dressing the man of the moment in his stunning Christening gown. This was done by the God Parents, preparing the Child of God in their role as proxies for the parents, the love and tenderness that filled this moment was overwhelming, with all joining in to show their love for Ivan on his special day.
Once all were ready, we headed to the church where Ivan and Josipa were the stars of the show, such beautiful children surrounded by such beautiful loved ones, it was hard to not get emotional. Love filled the grounds of the church where friends and family eagerly awaited the arrival of Ivan.
Soon, well congregated inside where the Christening of Ivan began, held tightly by his God Parents and celebrated by his parents, grandparents and family.
The union of friends and families and the celebration of true love and pure joy is really something magical, it fills you with a warm buzz that is hard to describe ( and I was only the photographer!!). Celebrating each other, the love, joy and faith everyone shares, is simply beautiful and overfills the heart!
Celebrations continued over a hearty feast of beautiful food, of which I made the rookie error of filling up on the second course, of course, I managed to leave room for cake!! After which, many hugs were exchanged before friends and families left to return to their own homes, as did I, overwhelmed with the feeling of love and unity and aspiring to create a family full of such love for myself.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you”
This weekend was one that truely filled the heart with love, admiration, pride, friendship and fulfilment. I will be forever touched by the emotions shared and treasure the memories in my heart.
Tori xx