Photos Below!
A Custom Theme Designed Just for Your Child
For Willow's session, her mom requested a sunshine theme inspired by a sweet tradition they share together. Every day, she sings "You Are My Sunshine" to her daughter, so incorporating warm sunshine elements felt like the perfect way to celebrate her first birthday.
Using shades of orange, soft clouds, a sunshine backdrop, I created a bright and cheerful set that reflected Willow's sunny personality.
This was one of my custom cake smash sessions, where families can choose a personalized theme that is meaningful to them.
What Is Included in a Cake Smash Session?
Every cake smash session is designed to be simple, fun, and stress-free for parents.
Sessions typically include:
- A themed backdrop and styled setup
- Portraits before the cake comes out
- Cake smash portion of the session
- A gallery of professionally edited images
- Access to props and styling elements
- Plenty of time for your child to warm up and explore
Many parents choose to bring their own cake, just as Willow's family did. However, I also offer the option to include a professionally made cake from a local baker for an additional $50. The cakes are designed to complement your chosen theme and keep the planning process even easier.
What If My Baby Is Shy?
One of the most common concerns parents have is whether their baby will cooperate.
The truth is—almost every baby needs a few minutes to settle in, and that's completely normal.
When Willow first arrived, she was feeling a little overwhelmed by the new environment. Rather than jumping straight into photos, we spent time playing, singing, and letting her explore the space. My goal is always to make sessions feel more like a playdate than a photoshoot.
Within a few minutes, she was smiling, clapping, and completely comfortable in front of the camera.
The Best Part? Watching Their Personality Shine
Once the cake made its appearance, Willow was all in.
She had everyone laughing as she danced along to her favorite songs and threw her hands up in the air whenever the music started. Her excitement was contagious.
And when it came to the cake? Mom was absolutely right, Willow loved it. I honestly think she would have eaten the entire thing if we had let her!
Those genuine reactions are what make cake smash sessions so much fun. Every baby approaches the experience differently, and that's what makes each gallery unique.
Capturing This Sweet Stage
First birthdays only happen once, and cake smash sessions are one of my favorite ways to celebrate them. Between the smiles, curiosity, messy fingers, and frosting-covered faces, these sessions create memories families will cherish for years to come.
Willow's session was bright, joyful, and full of personality—just like she is.
If you're planning your little one's first birthday and are interested in a custom cake smash session, I'd love to help create something meaningful and unique for your family.
Courtney Lee Photography specializes in cake smash, milestone, newborn, maternity, and family photography throughout Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Areas Served
Cake Smash Photography Throughout Southern New Hampshire & Northern Massachusetts
Courtney Lee Photography offers custom cake smash, milestone, newborn, maternity, and family photography throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Families frequently travel from Pelham, Windham, Salem, Derry, Londonderry, Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack, Manchester, Atkinson, Hampstead, and surrounding communities for studio cake smash sessions.
I also work with families from Dracut, Methuen, Tyngsborough, Lowell, Andover, North Andover, Haverhill, Newburyport, and other nearby Massachusetts towns looking for personalized first birthday and milestone photography.
Whether you're planning a simple cake smash or a fully customized themed session, I'd love to help celebrate your little one's first birthday with images you'll treasure for years to come.
