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.

With the snow outside today making driving out of the question, I figured it was a good day to stay inside, sit by the fireplace with a cup of coffee, and get caught up on sharing sessions.

First up is this gorgeous expecting mom who had her heart set on outdoor snow pictures and thankfully Mother Nature delivered! We were able to hop outside in the yard for a few quick pictures and then back in for the warmer portion!

Maternity sessions aren't something I do a lot of, but I wish I did more. I know many moms, like myself, didn't feel pretty or comfortable while pregnant, but I'm here to tell you that you are glowing! Pregnancy is such an amazing milestone to capture - your body is doing a miracle - it's growing a new life! The studio is filled with a variety of dresses for your use (all 4 of the dresses this mom is wearing are from the client closet here at the studio) and we can even arrange hair and make up to be done on site if you wish.

Considering getting maternity pictures done? Here are some frequently asked questions regarding sessions:

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When should I have maternity pictures done?
Maternity pictures are best done between 30-35 weeks when a woman has a nice round belly, without feeling too uncomfortable yet. However, this date could be earlier for those expecting multiples or who are anticipating an early delivery.

When should I book my maternity session?
Please contact me at least three months ahead of time. I can occasionally accommodate a last minute session, but typically I book up at least a month in advance.

How long will the session last?
Maternity sessions can be done as simple 30 minute sessions in the studio or outdoors. If you want to do both indoor and outdoor, we can arrange a time, or times, to do both!

Where will my session take place?
Maternity sessions can take place indoors year-round as well as outdoors from March-November. Yes, snow pictures can be taken in the winter too!

When will my session take place?
Maternity sessions are scheduled Monday-Friday. Outdoor maternity sessions are scheduled ~1 hour before sunset.

What should I wear?
I have a variety of different maternity dresses (pale blue, blush pink, white/cream, gray, black, navy, red, and champagne colored) for you to wear for your session. You will be able to see them in person when you come in for your pre-session consultation. However, if you choose to wear your own outfit or pose nude, that is fine too!

Baby Ashtyn was the first baby back in the studio for a posed newborn session. Born during the pandemic, she wasn't able to come in during the typical first 2 weeks of life, but at 6 weeks old, she proved that age is just a number! She was an AMAZING sleeper with a full belly, and that squish is perfection!!!

There are so many extra precautions being taken these days to ensure the safety of my little clients and their families, as well as my own. I'm so thankful parents put their trust in me to capture these extra special memories.

There is truly nothing I love more than watching my little clients grow up (okay....maybe that's tied with baby snuggles....) and these two have been with me since their newborn session. I cannot believe Jackie and Katie are 2 now! I feel like that first session was just the other day; time truly does get faster and faster every year.

To celebrate this momentous birthday, we had a baking party! Treats were courtesy of The Cake Crafter and the girls loved them all!

Happy 2nd birthday, Jackie and Katie!

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!

Another 2020 session in the books, another amazing little newborn! Baby Maclin was in the studio with his super sweet parents for his big modeling debut. He slept right through it all and when he was done, he was one of the most calm, alert babies ever. I know Mom and Dad are over the moon that he is finally here and are truly so blessed!

Welcome to the world, baby Mac!

Let's face it, 2 year olds are wild cards. Actually, all toddlers are. Those fickle creatures can be super sweet and loving one minute and throwing full blown tantrums the next. So, it goes without saying that I take a bunch of deep breaths a little bit before one comes into the studio. However, this beautiful little girl completely restored my faith (for now...) in toddlers! She was the most well-behaved, cooperative, sweet 2 year old I have ever met! Aria was eager to sit on my stool and look at the camera. Then, once the teddy bear came out, she immediately hugged and kissed it and gave the biggest smiles of the day. We had lots of smiley images, but I loved that mom choose a bunch of "serious" faces too because her sweet little eyes are so soulful!

Adorable little Charlotte was in the studio last month for her newborn session, and she was simply as perfect as could be. She was so calm, and peacefully sleeping that she barely moved as I was posing her. Sweet Charlottle was also surrounded by SO much love as her parents, big sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother joined her. It was such a pleasure to meet them all and they love they have for her already was just radiating throughout the room.

Below are some of my favorites from her session and I cannot wait to see how they look on their new gallery wall and in Charlotte's nursery!

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.

YIKES! It's been almost a year since my last blog post, and what a year it's been! We've moved, we are slowly beginning to start the next steps to my dream studio, and I've had the honor to photograph so many newborns, babies, children, and families since I last wrote! While you're here, check out the new website look and let me know what you think!

I'm going to *try* to be better about blogging each of my sessions once their gallery viewing & ordering appointments have taken place. But, for now, let me start with these new upcoming Limited Edition sessions that I am super excited about! As soon as I saw this backdrop released by one of my favorite backdrop companies, I knew I needed to have it! It basically fits the theme of our house, and is neutral enough for both boys and girls in the spring. My kids were dragging their feet about cooperating for me, but once they did, it was magic! I was worried that they might not though, so I had adorable 2 week old baby Thatcher model for me. He clearly approved since he flashed a few smiles! Should I open these sessions up to newborns too?

*NOTE: I do not and will never use live animals for my sessions. Despite all kids' best interests, it is completely unfair to use a live animal. Seeing Lila, who absolutely loves all creatures, hold the fake chick, further solidified my decision. One too tight squeeze, which she gave several times, and the poor chick would have been injured. Plus, animals sometimes bite and cannot control their pee and poop, so using fake, although realistic, stuffed animals is the way to go!

I know they say twins are double the trouble and double the fun. They are also double the sweetness, double the cuteness, and seriously give me all the heart eyes!!! 😍😍😍😍

Teeny tiny Sloane and Scarlett were such a dream to cuddle and photograph. They loved being snuggled up to one another and in their mom and dad's arms! There were so many favorites from their session, and I'll try not to share any from their birth announcements, but I need to share all this adorableness with the world!! Enjoy and you're welcome! 😉

On this first day of spring, what could be more appropriate than sharing an adorable session filled with florals? Of course it's way better than looking out the window, which is showing nothing but sleet and snow. :( Where is spring?! It sure seems like the never ending winter here.

Miss Penelope came in for her session session the other week and it was so fun to see how much she has grown since she was a newborn! She's now full of smiles and personality and it was nice her big brother, Jamison, was able to get in a few pictures too. I can't wait to see her again in just a few short months for the cake smash. The first year really flies by way too fast!

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!

I.can't.even! The rolls, the cheeks, the big smile!!! There simply aren't enough words to describe how adorable and yummy sweet Emersyn is. Such a good baby and I love the colors mom picked out for the session - blush pink, whites/creams, and mint. Here are their favorites from her session. LOVE!

Another perk of my job (besides snuggling babies!) is that it has allowed me to connect with people from my past. I've gotten to photograph old friends' babies and in this case, the teacher who took over for my second grade class when I went out on maternity leave with my son. I am so happy for Colleen and her husband, Dan, on their newest addition. Dylan is just the sweetest little thing and I hope these pictures go wonderfully in his navy, gray, and elephant themed nursery and play room. He is one lucky little guy to have such amazing parents, and they are lucky to have him too!

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!