There’s something so special about documenting a baby’s first birthday. It’s the celebration of an incredible milestone—not just for the little one, but for the whole family. Archie’s one-year birthday session was full of love, laughter, and thoughtful, meaningful details that made it truly one of a kind.

Starting with Family Portraits (Dog Included!)

We began the session in our cozy studio’s natural-light windowsill area—the perfect backdrop for timeless, relaxed family portraits. Archie’s parents brought along their sweet dog, and we captured some beautiful images of the four of them together. From cuddles on the bench to candid smiles and little Archie’s curious expressions, these moments were full of genuine connection.

Some of my favorite shots from this part of the session were of Archie with the dog—there’s nothing quite like the bond between babies and their pets, and these photos are ones the family will cherish forever.

A Custom Cake Smash Set, Designed Just for Archie

After portraits, it was time for the main event: the custom cake smash session!

We designed a completely unique set just for Archie, tailored to the family’s style and color preferences. From the cake to the props, we handled every single detail so all Mom and Dad had to do was show up and enjoy the moment. Archie absolutely loved digging into his cake, and we got a great mix of sweet, silly, and messy moments that perfectly captured his personality.

An Extra Special Touch: An Airplane-Themed Set

To make the session even more meaningful, we added a second set with an aviation theme—a surprise nod to Archie’s dad, who works in the aviation industry. It was such a fun and thoughtful addition, and Archie looked absolutely adorable surrounded by vintage-style props, toy planes, and clouds.

This is exactly why I love creating personalized birthday sessions—it’s about celebrating your child, your family, and the things that make your story unique.

Preserving the Memories: A Custom Album

With so many beautiful images from the session, the family chose to create a custom heirloom album—a stunning, tangible way to relive Archie’s big milestone for years to come. Albums are one of my favorite ways to bring your photos to life beyond the screen, and this one tells the story of Archie’s session from beginning to end.

Planning Your Child’s First Birthday Session?

Whether you’re dreaming of a classic cake smash, a themed set, or a full family experience like Archie’s, we’re here to make it effortless and unforgettable. Our full-service photography studio takes care of every detail—from set design and styling to heirloom artwork—so you can focus on celebrating your little one.

 Now booking first birthday and cake smash sessions! Reach out here to reserve your spot.