Cute family of four.
Here’s an email from our reader Malissa:
Hello!
I came across your site about a week ago and LOVE it! In fact, copied an entire outfit for my reunion next weekend! Everything is pulled together so perfectly with accessories,etc -I could not have done it on my own.
I know you get a lot of questions about family pictures (loved the post about what NOT to do) and was hoping you could help me out. I seem to get stuck in a rutt of always dressing my family in boring jeans and neutral colored tops. I am inspired by families like Nie Nie’s who look like they should be in a catalog! We are a fun and casual family so nothing too fancy, but wouldn’t mind wearing a dress/skirt or maybe even just a dressy top with jeans and heels. And the girls in something sweet and girly. (We have two little girls – ages 4 and 2. Also expecting another member of the family in March, but I’m not showing yet so no need for a maternity outfit!) Our pictures are scheduled for mid September, which is still HOT in Boise, so nothing that we’ll burn up in (made that mistake last year!) You think you could find us each an outfit that’s not too matchy matchy but goes together? Now THERE is a challenge for you!
I included the most recent pic of the fam that I could find… right before my daughter’s ballet recital. 
Keep up the incredible work!
Malissa
Meridian, Idaho
Hi Malissa!
First of all, what a beautiful family!
Second of all, does everyone remember the family pictures that Gabrielle (Design Mom) had taken in Central Park by the amazing Candice Stringham? Of course you do, it was like the photo shoot heard ’round the world-it was so amazing! You can read here about the process of preparing for that family picture shoot, and I liked how they came up with a color scheme and a conceptual theme. I did the same thing here with the color scheme inspired by this image from the MS Weddings blog. They have really great color palettes that are useful for parties, decorating, and I guess even dressing a family for pictures. Plus, they’re just pretty. I wanted the conceptual theme to be something like: fun/carnival/bright & cheerful/end of summery/playful/etc.
For Dad:
A nice ice blue button down shirt, great yellow tie, and dark bootcut jeans.
For Mom:
Since you’re tall and lean, I bet you’ll look slammin’ in this Shabby Apple dress with this yellow belt. Some cute patterned heels and a gorgeous bracelet finish it off.
Big Sister:
A cute pink jumper with a blue collared shirt underneath and some fun orange patent leather maryjanes.
Little Sister:
An adorable denim jumper with a sweet floral embroidered sweater on top. Perfect red saltwater sandals and a cute little orange bow top it off.
Have a great time and send us a picture when they’re done! You’ll look great!
Love, Emily
Related posts:
Okay, fist off this has to be my favorite post ever! I can’t wait to try some of this color mixing on our next photos. Now if you could just do it for me with a family of four boys
)
Thank you SO much Emily! I could never have put something like that together. I absolutely adore that Shabby Apple dress and the shoes… yum!! We’ll have to see if I can get everything here in time for the photos… if not I’ll just have to save it all for next year!
Oh WOW!! What an amazing job you did! Too bad we just got pictures, but I think I may have to use this next year …. I am soooooo in love with the outfit for mom …… I need an excuse to buy it!
First of all, Malissa’s family is beautiful. I bet the pictures are going to turn out FABULOUS…no matter what they choose to wear.
Secondly, I’m lovin’ those patterned heels. You always manage to find such great items.
yes, yes, yes. I never even considered a family photo because I didn’t want to do dark jeans and white tops. BOOOORRRRRING. I’m so anxious to get a family shot. Great questions, greater answers!
Kiera
Aww thank you Stephanie! You just made my day
LOVE this! I’ve always wanted to do a family photo where we “coordinate” but don’t go all matchy matchy…. just never really understood how so many people pull it off with a combo of prints and solids and all sorts of colors. I don’t think I would be able to put something this great together! I love this… now I’ll have to wait to have some kids so me and the hubby have little people to style!
Hahaha, photoshoot heard round the world is my favorite blog quote ever! Working with Gabby was so fun! I’m glad you liked it too! It was quite a lovely surprise to see it here on a blog I read and admire.
Candice Stringham
[...] excited about our family pictures because I was going to use some of Emily’s ideas/tips from this post and this post. I liked the idea of wearing clothing that coordinates but [...]
[...] the colors in these photos! Loni is even wearing the dress suggested in this post! Thanks for sending these in [...]
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