Photographing This Family Again
One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is getting to watch families grow over the years.
Several years ago, I photographed this family's little boy for his first birthday cake smash. His theme was Lightning McQueen, and to this day, I still remember it because it was one of my first really big, elaborate setups. The bold reds, yellows, and racing details made it such a fun session to create, and it pushed me to think even bigger with my cake smash designs.
Fast forward a few years, and it was finally little sister's turn.
Starting with Family Portraits
We started the session with family portraits so everyone could be included in celebrating her first birthday. At first, she was all business. She gave me those adorable serious expressions that babies are so good at, carefully watching everything that was happening around her. But once we moved into her individual portraits, her personality started to shine. Before long, her little sense of humor came out, and she had us smiling right along with her.
A Custom Floral Cake Smash Setup
For her cake smash, Mom wanted something just as memorable as her brother's session, and I was so excited to make that happen.
This time, we traded race cars for flowers.
Her custom setup featured beautiful shades of purple, sage green, and soft pinks. I created a large floral backdrop with cascading flowers, layers of greenery, and a balloon garland filled with purple balloons and metallic gold accents. The finished setup felt whimsical, elegant, and perfect for celebrating such a special milestone. I love designing custom cake smash themes because every family has a different vision, and no two sessions ever look exactly alike.
Cake Time!
Once the cake was placed in front of her, she didn't hesitate to dig in. Watching babies explore frosting for the first time is always one of my favorite parts of a cake smash session. Every baby reacts differently, and that's what makes each session unique.
Ending with a Bath Splash
After all the frosting-covered fun, we finished the session with a bath splash.
The bath splash has become one of my favorite ways to wrap up a cake smash. Not only does it help wash away all the frosting, but it also creates some of the sweetest photos of the day. Babies love splashing in the warm water, playing with bubbles, and ending their session on a happy note. Parents love it too because their little one leaves the studio clean instead of covered in frosting!
The bath splash is included with my Platinum Cake Smash Package, or it can be added to any cake smash session for just $25.
Thank You for Coming Back
Getting to photograph both of these siblings for their first birthdays has been such an honor. Seeing families come back year after year is one of the greatest compliments I can receive, and I feel so thankful to be trusted with preserving these milestones.
If you're planning your baby's first birthday, I'd love to help create a custom cake smash that's every bit as unique as your little one. My Puyallup studio specializes in personalized cake smash photography with custom-designed setups, family portraits, and optional bath splash sessions to complete the experience. I proudly serve families throughout Puyallup, Tacoma, Seattle, and the surrounding areas, and I can't wait to help celebrate your baby's first birthday.