Utah County Cake Smash Sessions
Let’s Talk Utah County Cake Smash Sessions!
It’s almost your little one’s birthday! I bet it seems like this first year has flown by, and your sweet newborn is turning into a fun-loving, personality filled toddler. First birthdays are the icing on the cake of documenting a year of your baby growing and changing. Cake smashes have become a popular way to celebrate your little person’s very first birthday, and make for a fun photo op!
I like to separate Cake Smashes into three smaller photo shoots (in the same session). This gives you a chance to get professional photos of your baby, some fun pictures of your baby with their first birthday cake, and some sweet photos of baby in the bath afterward (most babies really love this part).
Milestone Portraits
We’ll start out with a quick Milestone Session for your little one. You can bring another outfit for this session to make it stand out even more from the Cake Smash pictures.
Bring something that reflect’s baby’s personality- I love neutral, solid items for baby. We want baby to look cute, but we also want all the attention on your baby’s cute face (not all on baby’s outfit).
We’ll set baby up on a simple backdrop and get a few professional photos that you can print for your wall or send to family.
Cake Smash
Next we’ll move on to your Cake Smash! I’ll take a quick portrait of the setup before we add baby in and let the cake party begin! Then we’ll give baby a few minutes to explore the taste and textures of their cake.
There are many options for cake decor here- you can do anything from a simple white frosted cake to a professionally themed cake. I’ll send out an email with a few tips regarding cakes prior to baby’s session.
I have a few different cake stands available and will choose one that matches your session theme for you to use.
SPlash!
These splash sessions are often baby’s favorite part of the entire day! I’ll bring out my claw tooth tub and a little rug, and we’ll fill it with a little bit of Johnson and Johnson Baby Bubble Bath.
Baby will get to splash around for a few minutes and we’ll get some really cute bath-time photos for you to keep! Parents love having these in baby’s album or using them to decorate baby’s bathroom.
What About Backdrops?
I try to make my Utah County Cake Smash Sessions available for parents in all budgets. For this reason, I have three basic backdrop options at varying price points.
Each session includes the three mini sessions described above. Basic Cake Smash Packages include the use of my simple colored backdrops in the studio. I love this option because it really brings the attention to your little one. This basic package also includes two sets of balloons (filled with helium). We’ll place these balloons to each side of baby to give that birthday celebration vibe.
The next option for a backdrop is to add on a balloon arch. You’ll get to choose the colors (usually around 3-4) and I’ll purchase the balloons and have the arch ready for you on your session day. Balloon arches can sit along the backdrop or may be hung in a slight arch. We’ll keep it low to the ground to make sure it’s in the picture frame with baby.
If you have a more specific theme in mind, you can add on a custom backdrop. I have a few backdrop vendors I like, and there are so many backdrops to choose from! You’ll give me the theme you have in mind (and any pictures if you have examples) and I’ll do some homework and send over some options for you to choose from.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Cake?
Cakes are not included in the Cake Smash fee. Parents are required to purchase and bring the cake of their choice to the session. Simple cakes can be purchased at grocery stores such as Maceys or Smiths (just make sure it’s a small layered cake, not a sheet cake). You can also use professionally decorated cakes- just make sure you ask for buttercream frosting rather than fondant, as fondant is usually pretty hard and won’t make that perfect gooey mess we’re looking for.
How Much Does an Utah County Cake Smash Session Cost?
My Cake Smash Sessions start with one Standard Fee, including the portrait session, cake smash session, and splash session. Backdrop (and balloon arch) add-ons are available so you can customize your Cake Smash to get exactly what you’d like.
- Simple First Birthday Setup
- Cake Smash (Simple Background & 2 Sets of Balloons)
- Splash Session (Bubble Bath)
- 30 Edited Images
- $50 Print Credit
- $50 Balloon Arch
- $200 Custom Backdrop
Choosing your Portraits and Products
Within two weeks of your Utah Cake Smash Session, you’ll meet back in my studio to view your photos for the first time, to choose your digitals and to purchase your products. This is when you’ll use your print credit as well. Check out the products available and their pricing here.
I’d love to be your Utah County Cake Smash Photographer!
If you’re interested in scheduling a session, or just have a few questions, drop me a note at the link below or call/text me at 801-369-2159