Nostalgic Baby Shower Photography on Film

A baby shower is an incredible opportunity to commemorate a big life change with your closest people. Even though Ali and Zack lived in New Orleans at the time of their baby shower, they knew they wanted to have it with their family and friends in Milwaukee. Tender moments filled the elegant affair with intimacy and love. I documented their sweet celebration on film. These photos are warm, rich, and honest. They really show what’s possible with photography on film.

A Baby Shower at Villa Terrace Milwaukee

Ali and Zack hosted their dreamy baby shower at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. The museum houses an eclectic collection of statues, furniture, and art collected in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The antiques and beautiful architecture make Villa Terrace an ideal setting for photography on film. 

This baby shower photography on film reflects Ali and Zack’s vision for their baby shower. They wanted it to be a quiet, intentional time with their people. You can see the incredible attention to detail in the tablescapes and activities. They created a space for their community to settle in, breathe, and feel present. For a milestone as special as their first baby, this meant the world to Ali and Zack.

Having a baby shower at a Milwaukee venue was a nice alternative to doing it in a private home. The space was so unique, and it took the pressure off any one person to get their home party-ready. Ali and Zack’s guests definitely won’t forget the experience of gathering in Villa Terrace. To create that sense of joy and intimacy, Ali ensured the hall flowers and candles covered every surface. 

How beautiful is Villa Terrace? It’s one of my favorite Milwaukee venues for celebrations and weddings. You can see images of a thoughtful wedding at Villa Terrace in this blog post. 

Nostalgic Photography on Film

As a Milwaukee photographer, I love photography on film. The images give you instant nostalgia. They feel timeless because film has been around for so long. Instead of trendy edits, you get photos that feel like they could have been taken yesterday or two decades ago. 

Photography on film is a unique approach to documenting a baby shower. It worked so well for Ali and Zack’s celebration. Film feels as special as that once-in-a-lifetime experience of a first baby shower. When you’re expecting a baby, film photography portrays the emotion so well. In this gallery, you also get the sense of family legacy. It translates in such a soft, dreamlike way in film photos. They’re comfortable and comforting.

When I asked Ali and Zack what drew them to my work, they said that they liked the fly on the wall quality of it. I prioritized candid images at the baby shower to preserve that feeling of being in the moment. These images give a really strong sense of the connections between Ali, Zack, and their community. Look at the photos of people talking over their meal and assembling colorful bouquets. Everyone is so calm and happy. Those feelings are tangible in the photos.

Even though I stuck to candid photos for most of the day, we couldn’t resist a few couples portraits and maternity photos at Villa Terrace. Ali and Zack look like they could be on a sunny balcony in Italy. The faraway feeling gives you that feeling that this moment in their lives is set apart, special.

We hadn’t originally planned to do maternity photos. When we saw the marble wall and dreamy light in the bathroom, we knew we had to take a few. Ali is a vision in her chic dress against that backdrop. 

Film Photography for Your Celebration

Photography on film is my favorite way to document any milestone. I’ve photographed weddings, couples, parenthood sessions, families, and baby showers on film. In each case, film brings the memories flooding back. This is an emotional medium for big-hearted people.

Do you have a big milestone coming up? Let’s document it with film photos you can feel. I’m a Milwaukee photographer, and I offer a mix of digital and film as well as fully film sessions for all occasions. Inquire with me here!