A Ballerina's Maternity Shoot

Nov 26

Professional ballet dancer Meredith "Strathmeyer" Worobec has been a joy to work with since I met her 2011. When she became pregnant, photographer Amanda Tipton and I knew we had to create something special for her maternity photos.

I designed a custom gown specifically for Meredith's shoot, combining goddess and ballerina aesthetics to celebrate both her pregnancy and artistry. Using 27 yards of chiffon in lemon yellow, tangerine, rust orange, and scarlet, I layered the colors to symbolize the energy and vitality of new life. The scarlet top layer complemented her complexion while the warm oranges and yellows flowed beneath. I added an antique gold spangled bodice with fire opal Swarovski crystals and cut the skirts for maximum movement.

At 30 weeks pregnant, Meredith danced en pointe in muddy, cool conditions like the professional she is. Amanda's photography perfectly captured our vision of Meredith as the goddess we see her as during this beautiful chapter of her life.

The design, which I named "Tiger Lilies & Fire Opals," was everything we hoped for—a celebration of motherhood, artistry, and strength.