Your baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone! A whole year of love, laughter, and memories! A cake smash session is the perfect way to celebrate this special occasion and capture your little one’s personality as they turn one. But did you know that your cake smash photoshoot can be even more meaningful if it connects back to your baby’s newborn session?
At Jade Eaton Photography, I love helping families in Belfast create continuity from those first sleepy newborn portraits right through to that fun, smile-filled first birthday cake smash photoshoot. Here’s how you can plan your baby’s cake smash in my Belfast studio, so it beautifully reflects your baby’s journey from tiny to toddler.
1. Celebrate Their Growth by Reusing Newborn Props
One of the sweetest ways to link your baby’s sessions is by including elements from your newborn photoshoot.
Maybe you brought a special blanket or a favourite teddy to your newborn session. Or perhaps we used one of my bowls or baskets for your newbron photos – we can bring that out for your older baby and you can marvel at the change in their size in 12 short months!
Including props and important items again can show just how much your baby has grown. It’s a lovely reminder of that first year of change and makes for beautiful before-and-after comparisons.
Even something simple like using the same colour palette (creamy neutrals, soft pinks, calming blues, or earthy tones) creates a link when you look back at your photos over time.
2. Match Your Cake Smash Theme to Your Home Décor
When planning your cake smash, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of themes and colours – but thinking ahead about how you’ll display the photos can make your final gallery even more special.
How about choosing tones or themes that suit your home decoration? If your newborn images are displayed in soft, airy tones in your living room, you might want to continue that style with your cake smash session. The result will be a beautifully coordinated wall gallery that tells your baby’s story from the very beginning, perfectly styled to your home.
3. Tell a Story Through Your Photos
Your baby’s first year is full of milestones! From the first smiles, to sitting up. Crawling through to standing, and maybe even taking those first wobbly steps! Including some pre-cake family portraits in your cake smash session is a great way to capture your baby’s personality and development.
I love to include a short family portrait session before the cake comes out, with some classic portraits or even re-creations of your favourite newborn poses. Then, when the cake arrives, it’s time for fun and giggles! This helps your final gallery tell the full story of your baby turning one – calm, beautiful portraits followed by joyful, messy fun.
4. Bring Meaningful Details Into the Session
Whether it’s a handmade outfit, a family heirloom, or a special toy, adding sentimental touches helps make your cake smash shoot uniquely yours. Some families love to include items that were used in their newborn session – like a headband, blanket, or personalised wooden toy – while others choose to bring something completely new to represent the start of a new chapter.
6. Create a Year-in-the-Life Display
Imagine having a set of images that show your baby as a newborn, at six months, and then at one year old. Each image shows their growth and character. These timeless keepsakes make perfect wall art or a beautiful album you’ll treasure forever.
If you’ve already had a newborn session with me, we can look back at your gallery together to design a plan for your cake smash shoot. And if you’re just starting out, it’s never too late to begin documenting your baby’s story!
Ready to Plan Your Cake Smash Photoshoot in Belfast?
Your baby’s first birthday deserves to be celebrated in style! A cake smash session is the perfect way to do it. Whether you’d like to recreate elements from your newborn photoshoot or start fresh with something completely new, I’ll help you plan every detail to suit your baby’s personality and your home’s style.
Get in touch today to plan your cake smash photoshoot in Belfast, and let’s create images that you’ll love long after the cake crumbs are gone.
