Mama Of Two, Gray Benko, Invites Us Into Her Happy Southern Home
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Clay Austin
When one envisions their version of “The South”, there’s a good chance the image contains a mix of year-round warm weather, evening baseball games, freshly baked apple pie, and a kind demeanor that’s unlike anywhere else in the States. Lucky for us, we’re getting a firsthand account of what life looks like in a southern city that seems to have it all. Our resident tour guide is none other than Gray Benko, a Charleston, South Carolina-dwelling photographer and mother of two (daughter Farris, 8, and son Charlie, 5).
While dressed head-to-toe in Old Navy‘s latest and greatest for Spring (think new brights, stripes, and graphic tees!), the adorable red-headed trio allowed us to tag along as they spent the day hitting up some of their favorite local hangs. The icing on the cake? We received the grand tour of the family’s colorful 1890s home that both Gray and her husband Michael have thoughtfully restored and curated themselves.
So, pull up a chair, grab your morning cup, and get to clicking through our oh-so inspiring and smile-inducing gallery, where Benko fills us in on her deeply planted Southern roots, raising kids in today’s modern age, and all things real-life motherhood.
This post is brought to you by Mother + Old Navy. Old Navy is currently hosting a huge sale, in which you can score up to 50% off hundreds of Kids & Baby items! Check it out here.
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“The biggest surprise for me was that things will never go as planned. Literally, never.”
Farris wears a Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“Seeing them learn and grow and develop these amazing little personalities that are all their own, and completely separate from me.”
Farris wears a Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“Hands down, the internet. I have told both of my children that they can’t have a cell phone until they are 16, and I just hope and pray that their friends’ parents follow suit, so that they don’t hate me too much for it. Also, middle school. Can we skip that?”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I get much less sleep and have many more grey hairs, but the love and humor that my kids bring into my life makes up for it tenfold.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I think it’s important to give them the freedom to be as self-sufficient as possible, and not rely on us for every little thing. Farris has gotten to where she will wake up, get dressed for school, make her bed, and feed herself breakfast all on her own. Charlie? Not so much, but baby steps.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“I was really very fortunate to have a pretty picture-perfect upbringing. As an adult, now with my own family, I’ve had to slowly learn that I can’t beat myself up if I fail to meet those same standards. Every family is different. One thing I have managed to pull from my own childhood is to always make time to sit down as a family and have dinner together—no matter what.”
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“Don’t take books or other people's advice as the Bible. Every child is different and every experience is different. Do what works for you.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“Hold on to your britches!”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“Charlie has gotten really into skate boarding, and I can’t get Farris to ever take her roller skates off.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“Farris was named after my paternal grandfather. I found the name Charles when I was looking through a family history book from my mother’s side of the family. I came across some letters that were written to my great great great grandmother by one of her sons during the Civil War. He wrote to her about his brother Charles, who had just been killed in the war and was only 16. He spoke of how he knew ‘Charlie’ had been her favorite, as he was all of their favorites, due to his kind and loving spirit, and let her know that he was bringing him home. I felt an instant connection to his story, and the fact that he had never had children or grandchildren of his own to pass his name down to. I knew right away what my son’s name would be.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“We wake up slowly, then spend the day outside together. We love walking down to the local pharmacy to get ice cream and inviting friends over to cook out.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“Farris’ sense of humor and Charlie’s sweet nature.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“I am much more right-brained than my mother is, but we are both very sensitive and will cry during a Hallmark commercial. She likes to say that I got my ‘sweet nature’ from her. She’s also sitting right beside me and told me to say that!”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“It’s okay to let them cry it out."
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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“I always marvel at the supermoms who seem to have it all together and can run a business flawlessly, while still managing to keep a pristine home and have a home-cooked meal on the table every night. How do they do that? Is there a pill I can take? That’s not me, but a girl can dream.”
Gray wears a Hooded Twill Utility Jacket, $49.99, Old Navy; Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic, $22, Old Navy; Mid-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans, $29.99, Old Navy; and Canvas Sneakers, $20, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Twill Hooded Field Jacket, $39.99, Old Navy; Lace-Up-Yoke Slub-Knit Tee, $14, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Denim Shorts, $19, Old Navy; a Floppy Straw Sun Hat, $16.99, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Huaraches, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped Crew-Neck Tee, $8, Old Navy; Twill Shorts, $17.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Boat Shoes, $26.99, Old Navy.
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- “It has always been a dream of mine to find a historic home to raise my family in. So, when I heard that this house was on the market, I raced over to see it—creaky floors, wavy glass, wonky doors, and all. It was love at first sight! The house was built in the 1890s as a summer cottage and still has so many of its original features, including the dreamy gingerbread trim along the roof. We converted the attic into two bedrooms for our children, and I am so glad they get to grow up in the eaves of this magical place.”
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- “I am always trying to strike a balance between old and new—honoring the history of the house, while introducing whimsical, modern touches. This house is over 120 years old and will be here long after we are gone, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun while we are here. When we moved in, the first thing we did was paint the entire house white. I needed a clean slate to clear my head and let the house reveal itself. Over time, we’ve added colorful art, wallpaper, and fixtures to make it our own.”
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- “The wonderful thing about having kids is how it lets you display a collection of Troll dolls without anybody being the wiser. The only thing I do differently now is try to select fabrics that hide dirt and marker a little better.”
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- “Be comfortable, be happy, and don't take anything too seriously.”
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- The family dog Goose.
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“My children's play room is one of my favorites. You have to pass through it to get almost anywhere else in the house, so it sees lots of traffic. It's such a happy space, filled with toys, art supplies, and books. My collection of vintage portraits hangs in the playroom, which is probably my favorite wall in the entire house.”
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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“My art is all very special to me! I love my collection of vintage portraits, as well as my larger pieces by Charleston artists Teil Duncan, Chambers Austelle, and Anne Darby Parker.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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- #farrisdoesfaces
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- “We have a playroom, but let's be real—the stuff is everywhere. We try and keep it picked up, but I don't stress too much about it. Our house is meant to be lived in.”
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- Look at that rattan bed frame—complete with dog and cat!
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“Their rooms are upstairs together with a jack-and-jill bathroom. We moved them up there last year after renovating. Before that, they were downstairs in a shared room. I was sort of sad about separating them, but it's been fun to decorate their two distinct spaces.”
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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“I love the overall feel of my son’s bedroom. My dad grew up in the 1950s and his bedroom—in my grandmother’s house—still reflects this. I’ve always loved the feel of it, so I wanted Charlie’s bedroom to have the same vibe. I have spent a lot of time searching for vintage artwork and decor that would lend itself to that aesthetic. Farris’ room is all about the lemon wallpaper, but I also love the portrait of my mom as a little girl that hangs over her bed.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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- Say "hello" to Lex.
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“I’m going to be honest here: I have never read a single parenting book.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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“I’ll let you know when and if I ever figure that one out.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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“You never know where life will take you, but I think I’m good for now.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Graphic Crew-Neck, $9, Old Navy; and Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy.
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“Our teeny-tiny kitchen is the command center of our house. It's amazing what you can get done in 25 square feet!”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“We call it steak-on-a-plate, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Slice up an avocado, and you've got everything covered.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“‘Me time’ usually includes popping on some headphones and disappearing into my favorite podcast, 'My Favorite Murder', while I go about my day. SSDGM.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I am a photographer—that means different things on different days, and I love the variety.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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- “It hasn't changed much. Luckily, I work for myself, which makes my schedule fairly flexible. I am careful to structure my work, so that I can drop off my kids and pick them up 99% of the time.”
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- A close-up of the beloved portrait wall.
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“I had the good fortune to live in Japan and work as a model when I was younger. While being in front of the camera was definitely not something that I was cut out for, that experience led me to study photography and the rest is history.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I love meeting new people and working creatively every day. The flexibility is wonderful, too.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“My children. They are definitely my muses.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“Always show up. School parties, field trips, talent shows. It matters to your children, and they'll remember you were there.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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- “My parents are wonderfully supportive, and we have incredible friends who can help in a pinch.”
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- The aforementioned Troll doll collection.
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"I'm looking forward to further developing the commercial side of my photography business. I've had the good fortune to work with some incredible brands, and it’s really given me the itch to do more of that kind of work. Aside from that, I really want to put a lot more focus on picking up my camera and doing more personal work.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I value comfort over all else—jeans, sneakers, and a tee for life.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“If you are referring to the fact that I stumble out of the house at 7:30 a.m. for school drop-off, while still wearing my pajamas, then yes.”
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“Jeans and breezy dresses in the summer.”
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I’m definitely an online shopper."
Gray wears a Tie-Waist Tencel Jumpsuit, $34, Old Navy; and Double-Strap Sandals, $14, Old Navy.
Farris wears a Sleeveless Jersey-Knit Jumpsuit, $22.99, Old Navy; and Sueded Bow-Back Ballet Flats, $19.99, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Striped French-Terry Pullover, $29.99, Old Navy; Slim Taper Khakis, $16, Old Navy; and Sueded Canvas-Trim Slip-Ons, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I never forget to wash my face before bed, which I think is so important. Even if I’m coming home at 2 a.m., you better believe I’m going to shower and wash my face before I climb into my sheets. Also, True Botanicals has changed my life.”
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“I am devoted to my morning matcha latte ritual—does that count as wellness?”
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“There's a reason 48 new people move to Charleston every day—that is a real statistic! I grew up in the Lowcountry, so I'm incredibly biased, but this part of the world is one of the very best places on earth. Amazing food, warm winters, year-round flowers, windswept beaches? It’s the dream."
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“My Charleston roots are awfully deep, but if someone offered to let me live out the rest of my life somewhere in the Caribbean, I’d have a real tough time turning them down.”
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“This area is an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. You could spend a lifetime here, and still not see everything. I hope it instills a sense of wonder and natural curiosity in my children.”
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“We love riding bikes, going on walks, and taking trips to the beach.”
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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"We love hopping in the car and spending the day at Botany Bay in Edisto, South Carolina. It’s one of the most magical places you can imagine.”
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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“Charleston has an aamazing food scene, so I love to spend time eating out with friends. Xaio Bao Biscuit, Little Jacks, the bar at The Ordinary, and Basic Kitchen are some of our staples. And, Halls Chophouse when I feel like a good steak. Their bison fillet is one of the most incredible things I have ever put in my mouth.”
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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For more on Gray, her photography, and her family, visit her Instagram page.
For all of the clothing featured in this shoot, head to Old Navy!
Gray wears a Sleeveless Ruffle-Trim Shirt Dress, $32, Old Navy; Open-Front Sweater, $22.99, Old Navy; Classic Sneakers, $24.99, Old Navy; and a Sueded Crossbody Camera Bag, $26.99, Old Navy.
Farris wears Tiered Bell-Sleeve Swing Dress, $22.99, Old Navy; and Pink-Sueded Rainbow Sneakers, $17, Old Navy.
Charlie wears a Flex Pocket Shirt, $16.99, Old Navy; Max Karate Jeans, $28, Old Navy; and Sueded Sneakers, $19.99, Old Navy.
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