CAKE SMASH Guide
welcome!
Cake smash sessions are best scheduled when your little one is around 10–11 months old so we can capture their milestone photos before their first birthday. However, I can also accommodate sessions a couple of months after their birthday if needed.
All sessions take place in my studio, which is fully prepared for your cake smash setup. I keep the space comfortable and styled based on your chosen theme so everything feels cohesive and personalized for your little one’s big milestone.
Studio address is: 925 N. Lapeer Rd. Oxford, MI, 48371
Suite 193.
(This is located at the north end of the Legacy building, next to the Celtic Cove Bookstore. You will need to park at this end and go through the breezeway to enter into my suite)
Your session includes a fully customized setup, cake smash styling, and everything needed to create a fun, relaxed experience for your little one. I guide the session at their pace so they can explore, play, and enjoy their cake without pressure.
Below you’ll find everything you need to feel prepared and excited for your session.
Preparing Baby
In the days leading up to your cake smash session, it can be really helpful to let your baby explore a little bit of cake or a cupcake at home if they haven’t had much exposure to sweets yet, as this helps them become familiar with the taste and texture before the session and often makes them more comfortable during the cake portion.
I also recommend scheduling the session after a good nap whenever possible so baby is well-rested and happiest, and making sure they’ve had a light snack or meal beforehand so they’re not arriving overly hungry.
We typically start with clean portraits first before moving into the cake smash, so you don’t need to worry about keeping outfits clean, as mess is expected and part of the fun. Feel free to bring along a favorite toy or comfort item as well, as familiar items can help little ones feel more relaxed in a new environment.
Most importantly, every baby is different, and we always follow their lead at their pace so the experience stays fun, relaxed, and stress-free.
Quick Highlight (Because it really matters ♡ )
* nap timing
* food timing
* cake exposure
Those are the ones that truly change how the session goes.
What to Expect
It’s very normal for babies at this age to experience a bit of “stranger danger,” especially since I’m someone they may only have met once or twice—or not at all yet. Because of that, some babies are instantly happy and playful, while others may need a little time to warm up, and crying is completely normal too. I do my very best to encourage smiles and keep things light and fun, and I often ask parents to help by making silly sounds, playing peek-a-boo, or even moving around behind me to help get baby’s attention.
Throughout the session, I’m always working in between moments, whether baby is smiling, observing, or even upset, to capture a full gallery of natural expressions and emotions. A lot of parents are surprised when they see their final images because even if it felt like baby was fussy during the session, we still end up with a wide variety of beautiful photos that truly tell the story of their personality at this stage.
There is absolutely no pressure on your baby to “perform,” and just as importantly, no pressure on you as parents either. My goal is always to create a relaxed space where we follow baby’s lead and capture genuine moments as they unfold.
What to wear (for parents)
If you decided to be included in some of the most meaningful images, then keeping things simple and timeless is best.
Neutral tones photograph beautifully (creams, beige, browns, khaki tones, etc.)
Stick to solid colors and avoid busy patterns or logos
Soft, comfortable clothing always looks best on camera
Moms, if possible, avoid chipped nail polish since your hands may be in some of the images.
And don’t worry, I’ll guide you into flattering, natural poses so you feel comfortable and confident.
1st Birthday outfit
For cake smash sessions, I always recommend choosing your baby’s outfit based on the theme and colors you’ve selected for your set. The best approach is to pick one coordinating color from your theme so everything feels cohesive and your baby stands out beautifully against the backdrop.
Solid colors photograph best for this type of session, as busy patterns or bulky outfits can distract from baby and sometimes blend too much into the setup. We want your little one to be the main focus in every image.
For boys, I love simple overalls, rompers, or diaper covers paired with a basic top. For girls, dresses and rompers are always adorable—especially pieces with soft texture, tulle, or simple details that photograph beautifully without overwhelming the set.
WHERE TO BUY:
One of my favorite places to shop for cake smash outfits is Amazon, since outfits can sometimes get stained from cake or frosting. This helps you find something cute and affordable without worrying about it being too precious or expensive, since the main focus of the session is always your baby’s expressions and personality—not the outfit itself.
Final Thoughts
My goal for your session is to create a fun, relaxed experience where your baby can explore, play, and just be themselves. These sessions are all about personality, expression, and capturing this once-in-a-lifetime milestone in a way that feels natural and true to your little one.
I can't wait to meet you!!
