Mommy and Me photoshoots in Pretoria, Centurion, Johannesburg, Midrand & Sandton

A Mommy and Me session with adore' photography is warm, calm, and beautifully personal. These shoots focus on genuine connection - gentle cuddles, shared laughter, and all the quiet moments that show the love between a mom and her little one.

Cherish the dress – wearing mom’s wedding dress

April 27, 2026 by Jackie

There is something wildly tender about a little girl standing in her mom’s wedding dress. The fabric is too long. The sleeves swallow her hands. The neckline slips slightly off one shoulder. And yet somehow, it fits perfectly.

When we did this shoot, it wasn’t about playing dress up. It wasn’t about pretending she’s all grown up. It was about connection. The quiet thread between who you were then and who you are now.

That dress once held nervous excitement. It held steady breaths before walking down the aisle. It held a version of you that had no idea what motherhood would feel like. No idea that one day, a tiny human would be standing in the same lace, looking up at you with that mix of mischief and magic only little girls have.

And now here you are.

What to do with your wedding dress after the big day

March 5, 2026 by Jackie

What to do with your wedding dress after the big day

Option 1 – pay to have it cleaned, boxed and stored like a museum artifact.

Option 2 – open the cupboard once every five years, stare at it, close the cupboard again.

Option 3 – actually do something with it.

I vote option 3.

That dress cost a small fortune. It had one glorious day. Since then? Darkness. Maybe a plastic box. Maybe your spare room cupboard next to the Christmas decorations.

Meanwhile, your daughter is five and obsessed with anything that looks remotely princess-like.

Take it out. Let her try it on.

Yes, it will drag on the floor. Yes, you will need about 14 safety pins. No, it will not zip. That is not the point.

The point is watching her attempt a serious “bride walk” and then dissolving into giggles because the train won’t cooperate.

You don’t need to cut it up. You don’t need to redesign it into throw pillows. You don’t need to make a dramatic decision about its future.

Just use it for an afternoon.

Let it see daylight. Let it be part of your life now, not just who you were then.

And bonus – you get photos of your little girl swimming in lace, which is far more fun than a sealed preservation box at the top of a cupboard.

The ultimate guide to styling your family photoshoot in Pretoria & Johannesburg

October 2, 2025 by Jackie

The ultimate guide to styling your family photoshoot in Pretoria & Johannesburg

Ask any mom what stresses her most about family photos, and nine times out of ten it’s outfits. It’s not the shoot itself, it’s figuring out what everyone should wear. You want your photos to look polished, but not like you spent three sleepless nights on Pinterest boards. That’s exactly why styling is one of the first things I help with.

Color palettes that work
If your home is filled with whites, beiges, and muted tones, your photos should feel the same. Neutral palettes not only photograph beautifully, but they also blend effortlessly when you print and hang them up. Think soft creams, earthy textures, and muted pastels that feel timeless instead of trendy.

What not to wear
Here’s what will throw your photos off balance: logos, neon colors, and busy prints. They might look fun in the shop, but they end up being distracting on camera. The focus should be on your family and the connections between you, not on a giant superhero emblem glowing from your toddler’s shirt.

Coordinating without being matchy-matchy
Gone are the days of everyone in identical jeans and white tees. The goal now is harmony, not uniformity. Mix different shades of the same palette, layer textures, and let each family member’s outfit feel like their own. The result is cohesive, natural, and way more interesting than forced matching.

Where to shop locally
You don’t need to scroll endlessly online to get it right. Stores like Poetry and Country Road are perfect for moms-flowy, flattering pieces in soft tones. Woolies always has reliable basics that layer well. And for little ones, Keedo is a great spot for simple, comfortable outfits that photograph beautifully without fuss.

Every client gets wardrobe boards and local shopping suggestions-it’s one of the biggest reasons moms book with me. You’ll know exactly what works together before the day, so your family photos feel effortless, polished, and very much you.