This Georgia family knows a thing or two about a perfectly styled shoot. From the mom’s eccentric natural locks to the dad’s laced-in-red oxford shoes, we see where this adorable baby gets his style from. Get inspiration for your next family shoot or see how you can make your preppy wardrobe pop with help from the Dyson family!
All Images by Joe Carlos Photography
Names of Family Members
Dana (mom); Benjamin (dad); Colton (son)
Where’s the mom from?
Albany, Georgia
Where is your current location?
Smyrna, Georgia
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
My favorite thing about being a mom is just watching this little guy: his smiles, his giggles, his accomplishments…and at the end of the day when we pick him up from daycare – the sheer delight in his eyes!!!
What do you love about raising your children in the South?
The South is about close-knit friends that become family, an affordable cost-of-living, the change in seasons and mostly nice weather, amazing foods, and driving distance from the beach or mountains. Colton’s dad and I both are from the South so being able to raise him here is an added bonus.
What are some of their favorite southern dishes to eat? Which do they only eat if you make?
Colton is 13 months old and is yet to progress to eating “real” southern dishes, but hopefully he’ll have my affinity for macaroni & cheese and collard greens.
Why did you choose this location to do the family photo shoot?
The location for the family photo shoot was a recommendation from the photographer. We agreed because it was close to our home and is aesthetically pleasing with the fall foliage.
What are your favorite lessons to teach your children?
Some of our favorite lessons that we can’t wait to teach Colton about are the importance of sharing, being respectable, having manners, and how to lose and win gracefully.
What is your favorite southern activity to do with them?
Our favorite southern activities happen on ‘Sunday Funday’: church and brunch with our friends, The Carloses.
Do you have any favorite restaurants you like to take them?
Considering Colton is only 13 months, our favorites are any restaurants that are “kid-friendly”.
What are some of your favorite books you read to them?
“On the Night You Were Born” by Nancy Tillman
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault
“You Are My I Love You” by Maryann Cusimano Love and Satomi Ichikawa
Who styled the children for this shoot?
Colton was styled by his dad who takes great pride in dressing the little lad.
What southern values do you hope they inherit as they grow up?
Some of the values that we hope Colton will inherit as he grows up are love, determination, and honesty. Although, these are values that should be universal, being raised in the south they are forever engrained in my heart.
What advice did you get from your mother on parenting?
The repeated advice that I’ve gotten from my mother over the years, not necessarily on parenting, but it has definitely helped to get me through the rough days is: “Just do the best you can.” There will be good days, bad days, and some things beyond your control; however, doing your absolute best should give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to give it another try the next day.
Where did you get some of the clothing items?
Colton:
Sweater – Peek Kids (last season)
Pants – Gymboree
Shoes – Babies R Us
Dana:
Vest (last season) and sweater – Banana Republic
Pants – Gap (last season)
Booties – Macy’s
Michiel Perry
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes 🙂
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
