Connor’s Naming Day Celebration | A Baby Surrounded by Love in Shortland
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Connor’s Naming Day Celebration in Shortland was a beautiful reminder that some children arrive into the world already knowing they have an army behind them. From the moment I walked into his celebration, it was obvious this wasn’t just a party for a baby. It was a celebration of an entire village coming together to welcome him into the world.
A Room Filled with Love During A Beautiful Naming Day Celebration in Shortland
Connor’s parents, Codi and Matthew, had originally planned to hold his Naming Day in their garden, but when the weather forecast started looking grim, they didn’t panic. They booked one of the function areas at their local pub, The Shortland Hotel, and honestly, it worked beautifully.
The room was the perfect size—not so large that guests felt scattered, but spacious enough for everyone to gather comfortably. Even better, there was no venue hire fee. The family simply ordered catering from the pub, making it a relaxed and affordable option.
One of my favourite little details was how they made use of the televisions around the room. Throughout the celebration, they displayed photo slideshows of Connor and his family, giving guests plenty of opportunities to smile, reminisce and admire just how much this little boy had already experienced in his first few months of life.
The Personal Touches
If you’ve ever wondered whether guests notice the little details, the answer is absolutely yes. Connor’s mum, Codi, poured so much love into every part of the celebration. She designed custom chocolate wrappers herself before having them printed at Officeworks, creating personalised favours for every guest. It’s one of those simple ideas that looks incredibly impressive without costing a fortune.
The room was beautifully decorated, with every element thoughtfully chosen to make the day feel warm, welcoming and perfectly on theme in baby blue. It wasn’t over-the-top or extravagant. It simply reflected the enormous amount of love that had gone into planning a day celebrating one very special little boy.
A Child Already Surrounded by His Village
One of the things I loved most about Connor’s ceremony was seeing just how many people already play an important role in his life. His siblings, grandparents, great-grandmother, aunties, uncles, cousins and close friends all gathered together to officially welcome him.
There were touching moments as candles were lit in memory of family members who had passed away but were there in our thoughts, alongside plenty of laughter as stories were shared about Connor’s dramatic arrival into the world and his cheeky little personality.
Connr’s big sister Lucy completely stole everyone’s hearts by singing *You Are My Sunshine* to Connor.
Connor’s older brother Caleb proudly read a poem about looking after his little brother.
My brother is a nuisance, my brother is a pain,
If it was up to me, I’d leave him out in the rain.
But don’t you tease my brother, or be mean to him,
‘Cause I’ll stick up for this little guy,
Because he thinks I’m ten feet tall.
These are the moments that nobody forgets.
Five Godparents, One Very Lucky Little Boy
Connor also has an incredible team of godparents standing beside him.
His five godparents all wore white during the ceremony, creating a lovely visual moment as they gathered around him to make their promises.
Rather than simply signing a certificate, each godparent publicly committed to being someone Connor could laugh with, learn from, lean on and turn to throughout his life.
It’s a beautiful reminder that parenting isn’t something we do alone. Children flourish when they’re surrounded by people who choose to love them.
Why They Didn’t Wait Until His First Birthday
One thing I really loved about Connor’s Naming Day was that Codi and Matthew didn’t wait until his first birthday to celebrate it. Many families choose to combine a Naming Day with a first birthday party, which makes perfect sense—you’ve already got everyone together, after all. But Codi loves an occasion and wanted Connor’s Naming Day to stand on its own as a celebration of welcoming him into the family, rather than combining the two occasions.
At just four months old, Connor was still very much discovering the world, and while we didn’t have his full personality profile just yet, we still had plenty to celebrate. We talked about the way he’d already slotted into the beautiful chaos of family life, his relationship with the family dog, how surprisingly well he was sleeping, the origins of his Irish name, the qualities his parents hope he’ll inherit, and the values they dream of passing on as he grows.
Babies don’t need to be walking or talking for a Naming Day to feel meaningful. Even at four months old, Connor already had a story worth telling.
A Little Irish Tradition During A Naming Day Celebration in Shortland
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I have a bit of a tradition. Before the ceremony begins, I invite the dad Matthew to join me for a cheeky shot of whiskey. Being Irish, it would almost be rude not to!
Matt was more than happy to oblige, and it immediately broke the ice. It settled any pre-ceremony nerves, gave everyone a laugh, and reminded guests that while these ceremonies are heartfelt and meaningful, they’re also meant to be fun, relaxed celebrations. It certainly set the tone for Connor’s Naming Day, with plenty of smiles before we’d even officially begun.
What I Loved Most About This Naming Day Celebration in Shortland
As a celebrant, I’ve been lucky enough to witness every kind of ceremony imaginable—playful, emotional, hilarious, and everything in between.
Connor’s was defined by one simple thing: love. Not just from Mum and Dad, but from every single person in the room.
Throughout the ceremony I found myself coming back to one thought over and over again: this little boy will never have to wonder whether he belongs.
He is growing up surrounded by people who will cheer him on, guide him, spoil him, and remind him every day that he is deeply, unconditionally loved.
And really, isn’t that exactly what a Naming Day should celebrate?
Review
“The most amazing person and celebrant I have ever met. My son’s naming day was perfect thanks to Julie! The ceremony was beautiful,funny and perfectly personalised.”
– Codi
Thinking About Planning a Naming Day?
A Naming Day is a wonderful way to officially welcome your child into your family and community.
Unlike a christening, there’s no religious element, which means every ceremony is completely personalised. We can include family stories, readings, siblings, grandparents, guide parents, music, symbolic rituals and promises that reflect the people who matter most to your family.
Whether you’re planning something in a function room, your backyard, a local park or your favourite pub, the most important ingredient isn’t the venue.
It’s bringing together the people who will help your little one grow up feeling loved.
Check out my other Baby Naming Day Blogs for inspiration on readings, rituals and locations around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
Get in touch if you’d like to book me for your child’s Baby Naming/ Naming Day Celebration.
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