The great thing about first birthday cake smash sessions is that they are super customizable. And that means both the session itself AND the cake smash celebration. A first birthday session can include classic family portraits and a fun, themed cake smash without having to choose between the two. Miss E’s first birthday session at Crabapple Photography’s Andover studio is a perfect example of how to combine timeless first birthday milestone portraits with a little Halloween magic.

Timeless First Birthday and Family Photos

We started Miss E’s session with simple, classic portraits of her and her family. A dark wood background and floor gave the photos a warm, understated look, while the clothing kept everything coordinated without being too matchy. Soft pinks and neutrals for Miss E and Mom, along with blue, neutral, and muted teal tones for Dad and her siblings, created a cohesive look that will still feel beautiful years from now.

We captured individual portraits of Miss E, family photos, and plenty of combinations with her older brother and sister. These images are an important part of a first birthday gallery, preserving not only how much a baby has grown but also the family relationships that are changing right alongside her.

A Spooky Halloween Cake Smash

For the second half of Miss E’s session, we switched things up with a Halloween cake smash! Her black dress with tutu were a perfect fit for the gothic inspired Halloween backdrop, featuring a weathered brick fireplace, black and white pumpkins, eerie candelabras, bats, and a dramatic black feather wreath. A little cake decorated with a spiderweb design completed the setup.

The themed styling gave these portraits a completely different personality from the family photos. Miss E could explore her birthday cake and enjoy the fun of the setup while we captured a playful collection of Halloween inspired first birthday portraits. When parents choose to take inspiration from the season or time of year it always feels a little more special. This is a great way to really celebrate the season your little one is in.

The Best of Both Worlds

One of the benefits of a combination first birthday session like this is that you don’t have to commit your entire gallery to a single theme. You can have classic portraits to display in your home and share with family, plus something seasonal and creative that makes your child’s birthday feel extra special.

If your baby’s first birthday falls in the fall, a Halloween cake smash is a fun way to celebrate. And when you include family and sibling portraits, you come away with a gallery that captures more than just the cake smash.

Planning a Halloween Cake Smash in Andover, MA?

At Crabapple Photography, our Andover studio offers first birthday sessions that can be tailored to your family, whether you prefer a timeless look, a playful theme, or a combination of both. With a little planning, we can create a gallery that celebrates your baby’s personality and this exciting stage of family life. Follow along on Pinterest or Instagram for more.

Ready to plan your baby’s first birthday portraits? Contact Kate at Crabapple Photography or text at (617) 918-7149 to talk about your ideas for a first birthday session in Andover, MA.