What is a cake smash? A cake smash is a session we do to celebrate a birthday and the baby or child is given a cake. We photograph them eating it to help commemorate this special event. It's that simple....except it's not..

So, what exactly is involved in a session and what does it include?

All of my cake smash sessions are customized to my clients' wishes, last around an hour, and include several different parts.
 
The first part is a simple, neutral set-up where I will take pictures of the baby or child (kids of ALL ages LOVE this type of session, including my own daughter!) , as well as a couple sibling/family portraits if you wish. I like to take these pictures because I find if parents are going to choose images to put on their walls, they often prefer classic, timeless portraits rather than a theme in the background.
 
When the simple set-up is over, we move onto part 2, the more elaborate set-up. I will then take a few more portraits of your child and then we bring out the cake and let the fun begin! Most babies do not typically eat much of the cake, but it's certainly a good time watching them play in it. When baby is done with the cake, we take pictures splashing in a little bath afterward. Smash-and-splash!
 
I will customize the set-up to your theme and colors and provide all decorations. I even have several outfits here for my little clients to wear, but you’re always welcome to bring your own if you'd prefer. Babies/children are able to wear an outfit for simple portraits and then change outfits for the smash. You are only responsible for bringing the cake, but I can give baker recommendations if you need. The best part is you get to go home and leave all the cleaning up to me!
 
After your session we will set up a time for you to come back to the studio for a Viewing & Ordering appointment. This is when you will get to see all images from your session, decide on your favorites, and what you would like to do with them. In the images below, you can see what a typical order looks like - an album to hold your memories, a set of mini-accordions to keep or share with grandparents, and small prints to do whatever you'd like with!

As you can see below, little Molly was a rock star for her session and LOVED her cake and bath!

Do you have a little one who will be turning the big one this year? Cake smashes are a great way to celebrate this once in a lifetime milestone!

All of my cake smash sessions are completely tailored to your preferences and we'll plan out every detail of this portrait session together during our consultation and planning appointment. A cake smash session includes several parts and lasts around 1-1.5 hours long.
 
The first part is a simple, neutral set-up where I will take pictures of baby, as well as a couple sibling/family portraits if you wish. I like to take these pictures because I find if parents are going to choose images to put on their walls, they often prefer classic, timeless portraits rather than a theme in the background. (See first set of images in the slideshow above for examples).
 
When the simple set-up is over, we move onto part 2, the more elaborate set-up. I will then take a few more portraits of your child and then we bring out the cake and let the fun begin! Most babies do not typically eat much of the cake, but it's certainly a good time watching them play in it. When baby is done with the cake, we take pictures splashing in a little bath afterward. Smash-and-splash! (See the themed images in the slideshow above for examples of this part).
 
I will customize the set-up to your theme and colors and provide all decorations. I even have several outfits here for my little clients to wear, but you’re always welcome to bring your own if you'd prefer. You are only responsible for bringing the baby and the cake. The best part is you get to go home and leave all the cleaning up to me!
 
After your session we will set up a time for you to come back to the studio for a Viewing & Ordering appointment. This is when you will get to see all images from your session, decide on your favorites, and what you would like to do with them. (See examples of a client order at the end of the slideshow above).
 
A cake smash session fee is $200, and is the only amount due upon booking. This fee covers an in-studio planning appointment to customize your session, a portrait session lasting 1-1.5 hours, and the ordering appointment where you'll get to see your final images for the very first time (everyone's favorite part!). All products are purchased separately at that appointment. Prints begin at $190, collections range from $990-2990, large framed art begins at $1090, and albums begin at $1990. Matching digital files are provided for every image you purchase in print form. The ultimate "final" price is completely dependent on clients and what they choose to purchase. Some clients are looking for a few, key portraits and some are interested in lots of images in an album and pieces for their walls. Coming into the studio to see all of the artwork options helps in better explaining all of the product details.

Still have more questions? Read on for some more answers:

When should I book my baby's session?
Cake smashes *usually* take place around 11-12 months of age, so please contact me by the time baby is 8-10 months old. I can occasionally accommodate a last minute session, but typically I book up at least a month or two in advance.

When will my session take place?
Cake smash sessions should be scheduled when your baby is happiest! That means, after a good nap and possibly a small snack (not too much because we want them to be a bit hungry). Some babies are great car sleepers and can get their snooze on the way to the studio, if it is a long distance. Typically most parents schedule these sessions after baby's morning nap, usually around 11am-1pm. However, they can be scheduled anytime during business hours.

What kind of cake should I get?
Cakes should either be a 3-tiered 4" cake or a two-tiered 6" cake. They should be vanilla (no chocolate!), and have fluffy icing for easy smashing. Icing colors should be white or pastels as bright/dark colors tend to stain skin. You can make your own or find a reputable baker. Some local bakers that I recommend are Jeni's All About That Cake (Morgantown/Exton),  The Kake Lady (Quarryville) and the Cake Crafter (West Chester). If your child has allergies, Butter Cream Bliss by Bina makes amazing vegan cakes (dairy and egg free, soy-free upon request). All of the above bakers can accommodate nut-free ingredients.

What should my baby wear?
I have a large variety of outfits here that fit babies 6-18 months to make the experience stress free. There are TONS. of dresses and rompers in neutrals and pastel colors for baby girls and onesies, overalls, and suspender sets for baby boys. However, if you choose to bring your own outfit please choose one that fits the theme and colors. My favorite shops to choose outfits from are Mia Joy Studio, Cora and Violet, Indigo and Lace, Threads & Evergreen, Pretty Pink Ruffles, Fox & Heron, and of course Gap Kids and Janie & Jack if you need something in store and quickly.

Adorable, sweet, happy Daisy. How I will miss seeing you every 6 months! You have been a sweetheart since day 1 and I know you will continue to be such a light in your family's life always. I love that mom choose a completely simple session to focus and highlight YOU!

Happy first birthday, Daisy!

Sweet little Audrey was in the Kennett Square studio last week to celebrate her first birthday! Mom chose to do an English Garden theme for her Customized Bloom session. This theme is a nod to Audrey's heritage, as she has both American and British citizenships - so awesome!

Here are some of the favorites from her session, which included some simple, classic portraits (perfect for those big portraits on the wall!!) as well as the themed set-up.

When this family announced they were expecting twin girls, I was so over the moon for them! I have been photographing big brother, Adam, since he was a newborn, and was hoping I would get the chance to do so for these girls. Jacqueline Stella and Katherine Emma were born into the sweetest family and are truly a wonderful addition! They are such cuddle bugs and LOVE being next to each other. Also, LOOK AT THEIR LONG LASHES! I have total lash envy ;) I know mom and dad are soaking up all these newborn snuggles and Adam is handling all the changes like a champ while being a sweet big brother! This family is so blessed!

It's really amazing to watch a tiny baby I've photographed grow up, but it's even more incredible to watch them become a big sibling. Cruz is officially my first newborn turned big brother. There are so many more of "my" newborns who I will get to photograph as big siblings with their littles scheduled on my calendar this year, but Cruz will forever be a first! And, Cruz's little sister, Capri, was just as amazing as he was for his session. She slept like a dream and was simply adorable in pink, white, silver, and gold. Capri, you are such a wonderful addition to your sweet family and I look forward to watching you grow as well!

This fall, okay year....,was BUSY!! I've completely neglected the blog, and don't even get me started Instagram and Pinterest (yes, I have both, follow me!). But, one of my New Year's resolution is to be better with my social media presence. I'm really going to try hard and blog all my sessions this year after each gallery viewing, so parents can share their beautiful images.

First up is Brielle and her first birthday cake smash! Here are mom and dad's favorite images and her slideshow from her hot pink and silver princess themed cake smash!

It was such a pleasure to have little Ellie in the studio this morning to celebrate her first birthday with a cake smash. She has the biggest, most beautiful brown eyes and longest lashes ever! She is also so full of personality and smiles and had no problem digging right into her cake and getting messy! I'm sure with two older brothers that getting messy is a normal occurrence. ;)

Happy first birthday, Ellie!

I really do love when my little newborn clients come back to see me! It always amazes me how much they've grown and all the personality they have now. Miss Gabriella is no exception. She's walking, talking, and is such a smiley baby! Mom was looking for a whimsical, fairy theme for her first birthday, and so she got just that. I think every little girl should be allowed to wear fairy wings and eat icing off a spoon on their birthday!

Happy first birthday, Gabriella!

It has been such a joy watching this little girl grow! From an unknown in momma's belly, to a beautiful newborn baby girl, and an independent one-year old, Keira is so full of life, curiosity, and cuteness! I will miss seeing her every 6 months; those lashes and dimples make me melt every time!! But, I hope to see her again in the future. Happy first birthday, cutie pie!

Last time I saw this adorable little guy, he was only 5 months old. Now look how big he is! That first year seriously goes by in the blink of an eye, and doesn't slow down!! Soak it all in, parents. Before you know it they will be off to kindergarden and then college. You want to remember all those little details and important milestones!

Lucas LOVES Elmo, it was even his Halloween costume! So, what better way to celebrate than with a Sesame Street themed cake smash, complete with an adorable cake by The Kake Lady and all his favorite main characters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUCAS!!! I hope your day was as wonderful and special as you are!

It's been a while since I've done a session in a client's home. Ever since I ended up with a herniated disk in my neck, I decide I would no longer be lugging so many props around for newborn sessions. Luckily this momma was totally okay with that and wanted a more lifestyle approach anyway. I never know what to except when I travel, and this was a pleasant surprise! Mom has decorated their house beautifully and all the natural light coming in was AMAZING! A photographer's dream! Not only that, but the girls were ADORABLE and WONDERFUL, mom is stunningly beautiful, and a 1 year old that cooperates, - more dreams come true! I'm pretty sure that had it not been for my daughter's doctor appointment, I probably could have stayed all day and photographed these cuties. Welcome to the world baby Camryn! You are SO loved already!

Watching little Miss Phoebe grow this past year has been a lot of fun. She is so full of personality and definitely knows what she likes and doesn't like, right mom?!


And, what better way to celebrate a first birthday than with a cake smash! These sessions are always so much fun - and messy! Phoebe's favorite part was by far the bubble bath, but she was all smiles throughout the session. Special thanks to The Kake Lady for the AMAZING cake!

Happy first birthday, Phoebe!

I can't believe another one of my babies have graduated from my Watch Me Grow plan! I really do love being able to see the progression they make in just a short year, it really is incredible! Mom said she wanted a garden theme for Lily's cake smash, so garden she got. Complete with loads of fresh flowers and an adorable bonnet from Violet's Playground! Happy first birthday, Lily!

Photographers don't like to shoot mid-day unless it's overcast because the light is so harsh. Instead, we prefer what is known as the golden hour (an hour before sunset or an hour after sunrise). This time, however, is not always ideal when you have children that have early bedtimes or need help getting ready in the morning. So, I try to tweak it a bit and pretend that golden hour stretches for about 2-3 hours ;) On Sunday morning though, I couldn't have asked for a better "golden hour." My session with this sweet family started at 8am at a local nature preserve and converted barn. The sun provided us with enough light, without being too harsh. Combine that with 3 adorable kiddos and their parents and we ended up with a fabulous family session! Little Emily just turned a year old and has officially "graduated" from my baby plan. I've so enjoyed watching her grow and I hope to see her again in the future. Happy first birthday, Emily, and thank you to her parents for allowing me to capture all these special memories!

Did you know that Nathan was my very first newborn client a year ago? I just can't believe how fast time has gone, and I know his parents can't either! This little cutie has gotten so big and even more adorable, if that's even possible! He is such a happy baby, and definitely loved his cake (made from scratch by mom and perfectly matched the set-up)! Nathan has gone down in my record book as best cake smasher ever, and I'm not sure if anyone can top this - just look at that mess! I LOVE it!

Although Mr. Ethan really only wanted to be in mom's arms the day of his first birthday cake smash, he did loosen up enough to get some great pictures. Which, isn't too hard to do when you're this cute! That bright blonde hair, blue eyes, and happy smile are just so adorable!