Back in August, on her ninth wedding anniversary, Ashley Graham announced that she was expecting her first child with her husband, Justin Ervin. A couple of weeks later, Ashley, who actively works to promote body-positive conversations, posted a nude, strategically covered photo featuring her stretch marks. We last saw Ashley a couple of weeks ago at the premiere of The Morning Show. She had been excited because she had DMed Jennifer Aniston shortly after Jennifer joined Instagram, and Jennifer had written back and the two kept chatting.
Ashley had her baby shower last Friday, and everyone there had the option of leaving with more than a trinket: They could get a tattoo, manicure, and piercings:
Twerking mama to be! Ashley Graham ditched the finger sandwiches and traditional baby games for body jewelry and tattoos at her baby shower on Friday, November 8.
The supermodel, 32, and her husband, Justin Ervin, welcomed guests at The Foundry in New York City where they enjoyed a candy bar, a manicure station, a tattoo station and a piercing station. The venue was decorated with cream, yellow and purple balloons that read, “It’s a Mom.”
“Thank you so much,” Graham said to her guests with her filmmaker hubby, 31, by her side. “This is bigger than our wedding. This is like Christmas!”
A source at the party gave more details to ET:
The expectant mother was all smiles at the shower, which began around 6:30 p.m. ET, the source says. She was rocking a red midi dress by Victor Glemaud and sneakers, and she even busted out some dance moves with music playing all night long, which included tunes by Mary J. Blige and Aaliyah.
According to the source, with Ervin by her side, the mom-to-be took the microphone during the celebration to thank their family and friends for being there. Graham sent her gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support, saying, “We can’t raise this baby boy without all of you and we’re so excited to do it with all of you. You are our community, our loved ones.” Graham finished her speech cheering, “Let’s party!”
Ashley and Justin look so happy, and it sounds like the shower was a blast! I can’t stand cheesy shower games, so I’m always excited when people decide to forego them. That gives people more time to chat, eat, and spend time with the guests of honor. I don’t really think anyone actually wants to play them, so I wish people would ditch them altogether. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone offering tattoos or piercings as an alternate activity, though. I recently got another tattoo and I can’t quite imagine getting it in a party setting, either. Luckily for the guests there were henna and Inkbox temporary tattoos too.
Ashley visited Ellen last week and announced during a rapid-fire Q&A that she was having a boy. She told Ellen that her trip to the show would be her last trip before the baby is born and that she’s due in January sometime before Ellen’s birthday on the 26th. I’m so happy for her, Justin, and their baby. He is going to be adored. I hope the rest of Ashley’s pregnancy goes smoothly!
Look at how much in love Ashley and her husband Justin are!
Photos credit: Avalon.red and via Instagram
I mean, in general, it sounds much better than a super cheesy shower or gender reveal. However, getting a tattoo at a party sounds like a poor idea, even if the party is low key and the artist is super sanitary. Mixing alcohol and tattoos not only is bad for your judgement, it impedes the tattoo and healing process and every shop I’ve been to will not tattoo you if you’re under the influence, as it should be. Maybe the artist abided by this, who knows, but who wants a permanent party favor? I say this as someone who has many tattoos. It’s kind of like those Friday the 13th tattoo events a lot of shops have where people get a tattoo just to get tattooed and then are surprised when they realize they regret their decision.
ITA. I’m all for henna or temporary tattoos at a party, but permanent tattoos are a whole other issue. One, there is a safety issue: people dancing and milling around can bump into the artist or the work station and drop things on the design. Two, people don’t make the best decisions when they drink, especially if they are being encouraged by friends. The shop where I’ve gone to get my ink won’t let anyone who appears drunk in the shop and won’t tattoo or pierce someone if they smell alcohol or other substances on them. It’s to protect all parties.
Conspicuous consumption is always gross. “This is bigger than our wedding. This is like Christmas”.
To quote a persona non grata, “if Jesus was what was going on in his name, he’d never stop throwing up. “
So true Sarah. What has happened in the world over 2000 in “the name of Christianity” is appalling.
What a lovely couple. I saw on the DM where an article said she was “twerking,” I didn’t see any evidence of that. So people were posting nasty comments about her twerking, when she wasn’t even doing it! Irritated me. Congratulations to them on their baby
She did a booty shaking dance and bent over while backing it up. I’m old. I don’t know if that qualifies as tweerking. I’m further along than her and I do stupid dances around the house too. Maybe not infront of people but whatever she’s having fun.
Yeah, I saw that but that is not twerking. Twerking is where you stand still and make your butt jiggle. (I think, I’m old too)
Why is Frida Mom sponsoring her baby shower? I mean why isn’t #ad tagged, too? It’s literally on the balloons.
And they’re kind of gentle products for mom and baby…. not really the tattooing, piercing ad group. Such a random company tie-in.
I like the idea of the “It’s a Mom!” rather than making the baby’s gender the focus of the party.
And yes, while it is still quite obviously a rich person’s party, people like the Kardashians could take some hints on how not to be so crass and over the top when celebrating an important event.
the “It’s a Mom!” is because of Frida Mom sponsorship- that’s their tagline.
Ohhhhh. I can’t believe I missed that.
Baby showers always seem like organised begging to me. But then I am old fashioned.
Baby showers have been going on for a looong time. It’s nothing new. I like the trend of the father being at the shower as well as other male friends and family. I could never stomach the “women folk only” baby/ wedding shower tradition. Talk about old fashioned and sexist.
This looks like a fun time!
Having been to more traditional baby and wedding showers than I care to count, this sounds like a blast. Would love to attend one where it’s a final blowout before parenthood and fun for everyone vs. guests sitting around watching gifts get unwrapped and playing goofy shower/bridal games.
This sounds like a lot of fun! I’d get a tattoo at a friend’s shower. I have several and this would would be attached to a cool memory of a friend.
I would too! It’s a fun idea!
I got my first tattoo in July and I totally understand why people want to get more. They’re cool.
The only thing I wish was to get it on another part of my body. I love it though
Sounds like a fun baby shower!
The whole of this exhausts me.
OT: I’ve loved and followed your website for years and I’m afraid I’m dipping out now. Your pop up Cover Girl ads are a cancer. I’ve had it pop up four times just while browsing a few minutes today. This is happening every time I access your website on mobile and it makes it super difficult to read anything.
She’s incredibly beautiful and I’ve always enjoyed seeing her modeling. I’d love to see more curvy supermodels out there. All women need to be represented in fashion.