There is nothing cuter than watching a baby smash into their first birthday cake! I love seeing the curiosity and excitement on their face as they are given permission to dig into their very own cake and make as big of a mess as they want while everyone cheers them on! Such a fun birthday tradition!
CAKE SMASH PREPARATION
Cake smash sessions are an excellent way to celebrate your baby’s first…or second birthday while capturing some adorable moments. Sessions are generally booked no more than two weeks before baby’s actual birthday. With a standard or deluxe smash cake session I will take care of the Backdrop, Lights, theme décor and cake while you will need to provide the outfits for the session. I can also provide the number candle if you request it.
The Cake: The cake is the second most important part of the session. In order to make the parents (and grandparents) life easier I have now included the smash cakes as part of the standard and deluxe pricing. Speak with me about a theme for the session and I will get a cake to match the theme. We have partnered with multiple bakers to provide smash cakes for your session. Standard sessions will get a simple cake while Deluxe sessions will get a deluxe cake.
Outfits & Order: These sessions can last an hour. We will begin your baby’s session with a few non-cake smashing poses. You are more than welcome to provide a few outfits for different looks. Boys look great in blue jeans paired with suspenders or a tie. Or, a onesie, and a cute hat will do the trick. For girls, ruffle bums, leggings, and tutus are always perfect. Rompers are pretty spectacular as well.
Themes and Colors: I love a good theme and I love to go all out for a first birthday. If there is a theme you prefer, please let me know in advance, so I can do what I can to accommodate.
Deposits/Cancellations: I try to to make each shoot a little more unique and end up purchasing new material for each session. Since I do this and the fact that I'm now covering the cost of the cake I need to make sure I don't have any cancellations. I'm now asking for non-refundable deposits which differs based upon the type of session. If you need to reschedule please let me know 24-48 hours in advance so that I don't purchase something perishable such as helium filled balloons or cakes until right before your shoot.
The Day Of: We will keep the room at a nice temperature to be sure your baby if comfortable should he/she take a few shots with just a diaper on. Also for many babies, this may be their first time eating cake. Don’t be alarmed if baby doesn’ttear away at the frosting immediately. Some babies eat neatly, while others face dive. Some babies need a little assistance from mom or dad to figure out what to do. It’s all a process and one that should be exciting and fun for both of you.
Nap Time: Please be sure to schedule your cake smash with me after your baby’s nap time. Rested babies are happy babies.
Birthday Candle: I can provide a #1 or #2 Candle if you request it. However they can be purchased at your local grocery store in the bakery dept. for under $1.
Diaper Cover/Outfit For Smash: Unisex: Diaper Covers can be purchased just about anywhere and you do not have to get fancy. A solid color works just fine. Boys: Denim Pants with out a shirt or socks and shoes. A Tie or Bow Tie is optional. Girls: Some Parents like to order a romper or tutu from Etsy and they are cute.
I recommend simple with lots of skin showing to get messy. Accessories such as party hats, bows, ribbons or fun ties and necklaces can add interest to your photos. Of course, make sure that any outfit you choose will be easy to wash after the festivities are over The Mess Naturally, your little one is going to make quite a mess during the photo shoot – and that’s a big part of the fun! Bring lots of water, wipes, and a change of clothes to make sure the baby is happy and comfortable after the festivities.
Recomendations:
Bring some puffs of Cheerios to sneak in the cake in case your little one isn’t into the
cake too much – we can at least make it look like they are eating cake.
Sippy cup full of water to wash down the sweetness of their cake
***Wipes, Wipes and more wipes