Celebrating with Sandy
If we cannot travel the world for the moment, nothing prevents us from meeting new families thanks to social media. First attracted by the beautiful pictures of little Madeleine's birthday, we became even more curious when we discovered the blog written by her mother dedicated to her childhood as well as her multicultural upbringing.
It is therefore with great pleasure that we are presenting Sandy Guja, her husband Kip and their one year old daughter Madeleine! An inspiring family with a love of celebration!
Can you share a little about yourself and your family please?
I was born in Peru, but my husband and I both grew up in New York, where we met. A couple of years ago we moved to California for Kip’s job in Palo Alto.
After working with various designers during New York Fashion Week, I felt inspired to create my own label. I launched my sustainable fashion line focusing on baby alpaca pieces, Llamita all handmade in Peru. Fashion definitely gives me a daily sense of party and joy! I love putting looks together and now that I have a daughter of my own, I get to style her in classic and feminine looks not only everyday but also on special occasions too!
Can you tell us about your blog and the way you celebrate childhood?
I started my blog Bebe on board as a keepsake and to share with family and friends who always love seeing and hearing all things Madeleine! I post about our vacations, big events and share our favorite products.
We tend to schedule a photoshoot for milestones and special occasions that way all 3 of us will be in the photos. Otherwise, we miss out on having my husband who usually takes pictures of us. Especially during these times when we are unable to travel, photos are one of the only things that will let us stay in touch with our family and friends.
I also write letters to Madeleine and write down notes and special moments that occur with her that I'm unable to document with pictures or videos.
Can you share about Madeleine's first birthday party?
I had been planning Madeleine’s Tea Party Themed First Birthday throughout the summer. Since we were unable to have real guests travel or gather because of Covid, it was an intimate celebration including stuffed animal friends and dolls as guests. Amid all the uncertainty in the world it was lovely to just focus on the wonderful year we’ve had with Madeleine and the joyful little girl she is becoming.
Her 1st Birthday took place inside the green house at Filoli Historic House and Garden. We also shot my maternity session here last year. It was so special to be back this time with Madeleine!
We had Rose Bunnies Tea party invitations and Thank you notes designed by Dogwood Hill.
The gorgeous red velvet cake was made by Jamie from JamieCakesSF. It had a custom medallion that was so sweetly placed and is now a keepsake. We also had adorable bespoke Morgan G Co. cookies.
For display, we had a custom Birthday plate and the book “Madelines Tea Party” which was gifted from my thoughtful friend, Brittany.
As far as the tablescape, my mom gifted us a Royal Albert China set which was so perfect for the tea party and to use at future gatherings.
To contribute to the “Garden Tea Party” feel, I decorated the spread with plenty of gorgeous roses from Bouqs which arrived just in time! They ended up making beautiful touches.
I gathered a few of Madeleine’s favorite stuffed animals from Hazel Village and her favorite MiniKane doll as guests.
For paper goods, I used the adorable Meri Meri English Tea Party banner and party hats for animal friend guests.
I wore a Zimmerman dress, one of my favorite designers. Madeleine wore an embroidered Gucci dress, another favorite of mine for special occasions.
Raising your child in the US but originally from Peru, lover of France and globe trotter, how do you incorporate and pass down this love of travelling to your child?
My husband and I love exploring and traveling. It has always been a priority for us to give Madeleine new experiences and memories. Once it is safe to travel by air, we plan to take her abroad often, starting with Peru and France, so that she can begin to learn more about other cultures outside of the US.
Prior to Madeleine's arrival, we had a map of Paris made into a dress for her nursery! Paris will always hold a such a special place in my heart for the food, fashion, and culture. I can’t wait to show her all things French!
In the meantime, we have been singing nursery rhymes and songs in French and Spanish. We are also reading Madeleine classic children’s books in both languages (including Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeleine of course)!
Can you share some of your favorite Instagram accounts?
@brittanypillard – Brittany has such feminine and timeless style! And great party planning skills. I love following along and her little family. Read Brittany's article
@teona.leona – Jackie is a friend of mine and a fellow Peruvian. Her daughter is Leona and she documents her with her BFF Teona on adventures all over the bay area! I love following them on IG on all their adventures.
@eothen – Katies florals are ethereal and I love the energy she brings when styling her tablescapes. I often get pieces from her for special occasions.
@thefashionbugblog – Laura has the best personal style! Her pieces are so classic yet bold at the same time!
@thiswildheart – She is a mom from Canada to a toddler boy and newborn girl.Her aesthetic is very minimal and Californian.
@darcymiller – Always has great party planning ideas! Her attention to detail is so special. I would love to collaborate one day on a future party.
@lewishmillerdesign – Lewis Millers floral designs and tablescapes are so inspirational. His flower flash pieces are the perfect piece to add joy to your daily life!
@ariviere – I’m always finding personal inspiration from Alexs chic style and travel!
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