Women and tea parties. The tradition dates back to generations far removed. There is something charming, innocent, decadent, and calming about a tea party. It’s a moment in time where a pretty dress feels right, sitting up straight comes naturally, and eyes widen with each dessert presented. A scone drenched in raspberry compote is enjoyed amongst women who want to be with one another. Tea parties elicit a sense of friendship, togetherness and warmth. Yesterday, we were treated to a beautiful tea by my mom {grammy, to the grandchildren}. This has become a tradition in our family but yesterday was especially heart felt and meaningful. My beautiful niece is headed off for college next week. While overwhelmingly exciting, it is also a moment for our family. She is the first of five grandchildren. She also happens to be an incredible sister, daughter, cousin, friend and niece. We took time out to savor in the relationships that life is meant to be about. My daughter looks up to these girls with an immense admiration and deep love. She will miss her oldest cousin greatly. We all will. And so we tried to capture just a fraction of the love and connection in the photos below. Thank you for letting me share. 
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When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be; 
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me. 
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; 
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.
You raise me up… To more than I can be. ……… Katie . . . you have raised all of us up since the day that you were born. We love you. We are so very proud of you. Go out and do good in this world. It’s who you are.
That song always makes me cry and it fit so nicely with those pictures. How nice for your daughter to have such beautiful role models for cousins!
So sweet! Congratulations!
Just beautiful and what a wonderful tradition. I'm sure Katie will make her mark just as her mother and aunt have!
My brother and mom danced to that song at his wedding 🙂 Sweet photos and such a lovely tradition!
What a lovely day and what a beautiful family. Having tea at an elegant hotel is such a fun way to spend an afternoon.
What a sweet tradition, I love it. Tea parties are always a good idea 🙂
What a sweet tradition! Beautiful girls! Blessings to Katie and your family! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thrilled for Katie's new adventure. Hope she loves South Quad as much as Aunt Courtney! (and her profile is your CLONE!!) xoxo Go Irish!
this song always makes me cry. sometimes it is happy tears and sometimes it is sad. glad someone else shares the same love for it as my family does.
Absolutely lovely post!
What beautiful girls (and grandma) Such a sweet tradition, makes me miss my grandmother even more. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
I adore that song. What a fun tradition. Thanks for sharing. (time to plan a tea party with my daughter)
What a wonderful send off! Best wishes for a fun and successful year for her. We will be taking baby girl back on Monday for year 2. The first went by way too fast.
How beautiful and what a great tradition!
What a lovely lovely post. It brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful tradition. We did this as well every year…my Mom, sister, niece and myself. I treasure those memories. Your Mom is a beautiful woman Courtney……so classy and elegant. An exciting time in Katie's life! I wish her a fantastic first year of college!!
Such a lovely post my sweet friend! I adore that song. Beautiful tradition and such sweet sincere photos of you beautiful girls!
Perfect. Making it a celebration and a send-off instead of a sad loss…Katie will do wonderful things with such a strong foundation underneath her. And that song! Perfect.
What a special moment for your family! Love those sweet smiles – captured so perfectly!
So beautiful! Tea parties and lots of smiles and laughs…there's nothing better!
So much sweetness. Love the tea party tradition and best wishes to your niece. This was so beautifully captured.
xo,
Jen
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