Planning your baby’s first birthday session should feel just as magical as the milestone itself — and at Heartfelt Captures, I’ve designed the cake smash experience to be equal parts celebration, play, and keepsake creation. From the first idea you send my way to the final, professionally edited gallery delivered straight to your inbox, here's exactly what to expect when you book a cake smash with me.

Step One: Dream It Up

Every cake smash session begins with your vision. Whether you’re imagining a whimsical fairy tale scene or a playful picnic with teddy bears, I want to hear it! Once you share your theme, I’ll take that idea and run with it — dreaming up a completely custom-designed set tailored to your baby’s personality and your aesthetic.

Want a mermaid moment? A forest full of fireflies? A hot air balloon ride through the clouds? Yes, yes, and yes. My job is to create a magical little world just for your baby to explore.

Step Two: All the Extras

Once the theme is set, I gather everything needed to bring it to life — and that includes costumes! I have a growing collection of special outfits and accessories, like fairy wings, crowns, mermaid tails, suspenders, bonnets, and more. If your chosen theme calls for something extra, chances are I have it (and if I don’t yet, I’ll go find it for you).

The cake is also included in your session — as long as baby doesn’t have allergies to dairy, eggs, or gluten/wheat. If there are dietary restrictions, I’ll kindly ask that you provide the cake to ensure safety and prevent any cross-contamination. If your baby hasn’t yet tried common allergens like dairy or eggs, I recommend introducing those at least two weeks before your session to help avoid any unexpected reactions.

Step Three: Time to Shoot

We always start gently. First up are some simple, clean portraits with your baby in their outfit, surrounded by the beautiful set we’ve created. These classic shots are perfect for framing, printing, and sharing with loved ones.

Then, I usually include a little something extra, depending on the theme. This could be storytime with a beautifully illustrated book, bubble-blowing magic, a peek into a vintage mirror, or even a mini hot air balloon to sit in! I love adding that unique touch to make your baby’s photos stand out.

Step Four: Let Them Eat Cake

Next up: the main event! I’ll bring in the cake on a custom cake stand, complete with a unique topper that matches your theme. I snap a few quick shots while everything is still picture-perfect... and then, we let baby dive in.

From here, it’s all about personality. Some babies dive in face-first. Others prefer to poke and prod with tiny fingers (or even ask for a fork — yes, really!). There’s no right or wrong way to smash a cake. I always remind parents not to expect a certain reaction — this is their first time doing anything like this, and the joy is in watching them explore it in their own way.

We give baby 10-15 minutes to enjoy the moment, making sure they feel safe and happy the entire time. And no matter how messy, gentle, or wild your baby gets, I promise: I’m getting the photos.

Step Five: The Splash!

This is one of my favorite parts of the whole session — the optional Splash add-on. After all that cake, baby deserves a bath... and a photo op! I bring out a beautiful vintage tub filled with warm, soapy water. We let baby splash, play with rubber duckies, blow more bubbles, and capture some of the most adorable, joy-filled images of the day.

Afterward, I provide a warm towel and have a changing area ready for you to dress your little one in something cozy before heading home.

After the Session

I always block off a full hour for cake smash sessions, though only about half of that time is spent shooting. The rest is for cuddles, diaper changes, snack breaks — whatever your baby needs to feel relaxed and ready. You’ll never feel rushed here.

Once our session wraps, I begin the editing process, and your gallery will be ready in 7–10 days. I recommend booking your session at least 14 days before baby’s birthday, or even earlier if you’re hoping to use the photos for invites, decorations, or gifts.

A Few Final Notes

I offer payment plans! The first payment is due two weeks before your session so I can purchase everything needed. The remainder is due before your gallery is delivered.

Indoor or outdoor — you choose. I’m happy to shoot in my cozy home studio or on location, depending on your theme and your vision.

Keepsakes galore. Once you receive your gallery, you’ll also have access to your very own online store, where you can order prints, albums, and more.

Whether this is your first time booking a photography session or you’re returning to me for another sweet milestone, I want your cake smash experience to feel as joyful and effortless as it is meaningful. Every detail is taken care of with love — so you can soak in this moment with your growing little one.

Ready to plan your baby’s big celebration? Let's chat about your theme!