Planning Your Baby's First Birthday Cake Smash Session

Your baby's first birthday is a chance to celebrate everything that has changed in one year: their expressions, their curiosity, and the personality you are getting to know. At Portraits by Chaya, your cake smash session is thoughtfully planned to preserve all of it, with a varied gallery of first birthday portraits and a relaxed experience for your family.

When should you book your cake smash session?

I recommend reaching out when your baby is around nine to ten months old. This gives us time to discuss your ideas, plan the styling, and schedule the session around their first birthday. If you would like photographs ready for a birthday celebration, let me know during your consultation so we can plan the timing of your session, reveal, and finished artwork.

Custom sets, a coordinating cake, and outfits prepared for you

We begin with a consultation to choose your colors and the overall feel of the session. I design the set, coordinate a custom cake through one of my professional bakers, and help you choose from the outfits in the studio's client closet.

You might love soft florals, a butterfly-inspired set, or a simple palette with carefully chosen details. We bring the backdrop, cake, and clothing together so the finished portraits feel cohesive. For a closer look at that process, see how a custom cake smash comes to life, from the initial design to the finished photographs.

Your baby’s first birthday session can be as simple as you love. Soft, neutral backdrops, a thoughtfully chosen outfit, and a beautiful cake create timeless portraits with your baby’s expressions at the center. Balloons and themed sets are entirely optional—we’ll plan a look that reflects your taste, whether you prefer understated styling or a more detailed birthday design.

What happens during your first birthday session?

We begin with portraits before the cake comes out. Alongside the custom birthday set, I include simple monochromatic portraits and time in the studio's lifestyle area. Parents and siblings are welcome to join; we'll plan those portraits and coordinate everyone's clothing during your consultation.

Then it is time to explore the cake. Some babies dive into the frosting, while others begin with a curious touch. With unlimited session time, there is space to settle in, take a break, and follow your baby's pace. A milk-bath finale is another option we can plan together.

Explore the full baby milestone and cake smash experience for more about planning your visit.

What should you bring, and how should you prepare?

We'll discuss your baby's usual naps and meals when choosing a session time. Bring their feeding and changing essentials, a familiar comfort item, and clean clothes for the trip home. Your baby's portrait outfits and custom cake are provided, and I'll guide you on anything else needed for your chosen setup.

Please share any food allergies or dietary requirements before the cake is ordered, so we can discuss ingredients and preparation with the baker. Cakes are not assumed to be allergen-free.

What if your baby doesn't want to smash the cake?

That is completely okay. A thoughtful look, a frosting-covered finger, or a smile toward Mom can be just as meaningful as a big messy moment. There is no required reaction, and I never need your baby to perform for the camera.

The portraits we create before the cake, along with the different looks throughout your session, give you a gallery full of expressions and details to remember. You can browse the first birthday and cake smash portrait gallery to see that variety.

Choosing your photographs and enjoying them at home

At your in-person reveal and ordering appointment, I'll guide you in choosing your favorite images for purchase and deciding how you would love to enjoy them.

A custom-designed heirloom album brings the session together in a book you can revisit for a lifetime. You choose the cover and text, and I take care of the album design. Heirloom albums and bespoke framed wall art give your baby's first birthday portraits a lasting place in your home.

My Connecticut studio welcomes families from Fairfield, New Haven, Hartford, and Litchfield Counties. Schedule your discovery call today to begin planning your baby's first birthday session.