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Celebrating a baby’s first birthday is always special—but baby Aliza’s cake smash session was truly something magical. With the help of Florance and Graham, an incredibly talented florist based in Skokie, we transformed our Chicago studio into a soft, floral dream. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and the result was a session full of sweetness, joy, and timeless beauty.
The standout feature of Aliza’s cake smash setup was the custom floral garland designed by Florance and Graham. Using a delicate mix of soft pinks, creams, muted greens, and gentle peach tones, the garland brought a fresh, organic feel to the studio. It framed the white backdrop perfectly—elevating the entire session while still keeping the focus on baby Aliza.
The florals added a soft, garden-inspired touch without overwhelming the clean, minimal aesthetic we’re known for. It was the perfect blend of natural beauty and studio simplicity.
We paired the setup with a beautiful naked cake, keeping things classic and simple. Topped with a few coordinating florals, it looked almost too pretty to eat—but Aliza had no problem digging in!
She was full of giggles and curiosity as she explored the cake—smushing, tasting, and having the time of her life. These are the kinds of genuine, joyful moments we love capturing. Her expressions ranged from delight to full-on frosting-covered happiness, and we made sure to photograph every sweet second.
After the session, Aliza’s mom selected her favorite images to be featured in a custom heirloom album. The final product is absolutely stunning—filled with soft, airy images that tell the story of this milestone day. Printed on thick archival pages with a timeless layout, it’s a keepsake the family will treasure forever.
The album now lives in their home as a beautiful reminder of Aliza’s first birthday—a celebration of her personality, her smile, and her journey so far.
If your little one is about to turn one, a cake smash session is the perfect way to celebrate. Whether you love the idea of florals, a seasonal theme, or something uniquely yours, we’ll work together to design a setup that feels personal and timeless.
📍 Located in Chicago | Custom cake smash sessions for 1st birthdays
🌸 Florals by: Florance and Graham – Skokie, IL
Your baby will only be this small for a short time, and those early days pass in the blink of an eye. In this guide, you’ll learn the best time to schedule your newborn session and how to plan ahead for a calm, seamless photography experience.
When to Book a Newborn Photoshoot: The Best Time for Baby Photography
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Rena Meystel is a Chicago-based portrait photographer specializing in newborn, baby, and family, and headshot photography. Rena offers a full-service luxury portrait experience and takes great pride in creating irreplaceable photographs and heirloom artwork for families to cherish forever. Based in Chicago and serving the Chicagoland area including Burr Ridge, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Evanston, Forest Glen, Fort Sheridan, Glencoe, Glenview, Gold Coast, Highland Park, Highwood, Hinsdale, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lincoln Park, Lincolnwood, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook, River Forest, River North, Riverwoods, Skokie, Streeterville, South Barrington, Western Springs, Wilmette, Winnetka, and the surrounding areas.