There is something so incredibly bittersweet about watching your tiny baby turn into a full-fledged toddler. That first year goes by in a blink. From those late-night feedings and first gummy smiles to standing up on wobbly legs and discovering their big personality.
A 1st birthday cake smash session is the ultimate way to pause time and celebrate this huge milestone! It’s fun, a little messy, and captures the pure joy and curiosity of your baby taking on the world (and a pile of cake/frosting or other food item!).
If your little one is fast approaching their first birthday, here is everything you need to know about planning a stress-free, custom milestone session to mark the occasion.
Studio vs. Outdoor Cake Smash:
Which Experience Fits Your Vision?
Every family’s style is different, so I offer options to match the vibe you want for your child’s portraits.
In-Studio Cake Smash (Focused on the Birthday Boy or Girl)
Our classic in-studio 1st Birthday Session is designed specifically to put your 1-year-old in the spotlight! In a cozy, controlled environment, we can create custom-styled sets without worrying about South Carolina heat, bugs, or sudden rain. Studio sessions focus entirely on birthday baby, the budding personality and the grand (sometimes chaotic) fun of the grand finale cake (or other food item!) smash! The Studio is located in Chapin, SC.
Outdoor Cake Smash (Perfect for Family Portraits Included)
If you prefer soft natural light, lush greenery, or want to include the whole family, an outdoor session somewhere around the Lexington, Columbia or Chapin area is a fantastic choice (I travel throughout South Carolina as well!)! Outdoor sessions allow us to start with updated family and sibling portraits first, while wrapping up the session with a simple and fun food smash just for your 1 year old at the end.
Planning Your Session Timeline
To make sure your session runs smoothly and your portraits are ready when you need them, keep these key timeline milestones in mind:
When to Reach Out: Preferably when your little one is 7.5 to 8 Months Old. Booking when your baby is in that age range gives plenty of time to collaborate on styling, order custom props, or design balloon arches.
{Have a last-minute request? Reach out anyway! I can occasionally accommodate last-minute openings if studio schedule allows.}
When to Have the Session: Typically 5 to 6 Weeks or so before the Birthday. If you plan to use these portraits for 1st birthday party invitations, display boards, or social media announcements on their actual birthday, having the session 5 to 6 weeks in advance helps provide enough time to receive your edited images before the birthday. Not worried about having the images back in time for the birthday? Then we can absolutely do the session closer to your little one's actual birthday!
Styling, Backdrops, and What's Included
You don't have to worry about building an elaborate setup from scratch—I love bringing your vision to life!
-Custom Setups & Backdrops: I offer a selection of printed backdrops as well as custom balloon arrangements tailored to your chosen theme, whether you want something soft and timeless, bright and fun, or whimsical and enchanting. As long as I have enough advance notice I can possibly order a backdrop if I do not already have something on hand that suits your vision. Not sure what setup you want for your little one? We can work together to come up with something that suits your little one!
Investment: Sessions typically range from $350 to $425 depending on the complexity of your set styling and backdrop choice. Pricing may change as costs change for props/backdrops/etc.
What’s Included: Every cake smash session includes a 1-hour session and 20 high-resolution digital images hand-edited with love.
What You Need to Provide:
-You will need to provide the little smash cake OR other food item for the session. I've had clients bring everything from cookies/donuts, to fruit and whipped cream, pancakes, taco's......and I've done an adorable outdoor STEAK Smash too! There are lots of options for food other than cake!
-You will also need to provide a little outfit or two for your little one.
-If you have any special items you'd like to incorporate into the session, we can absolutely try to do so! Just let me know when we are discussing possible themes/setups for your session.
Ready to Celebrate Your Baby's First Milestone in
Columbia & Lexington, SC?
Whether you envision a sweet studio setup with custom balloon art or an outdoor sunset session that includes sweet hugs with mom and dad, let’s make turning ONE unforgettable!
I love working with families across Columbia, Lexington, and the surrounding Midlands area to design custom milestone sessions. Reach out ASAP when your little one hits that 7–8 month mark so we can start dreaming up their 1st birthday setup! I look forward to documenting this super fun session for you!