There’s nothing quite like celebrating a baby’s very first birthday — it’s a milestone full of laughter, curiosity, and unforgettable expressions. This week, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a magical cake smash session for a beautiful 1-year-old birthday girl, and the theme? Purple butterflies and balloons!
From the moment she stepped (or rather, crawled) into the set, this little one lit up the room with her bright eyes and contagious giggles. The scene was straight out of a fairytale — a dreamy display of soft lavender, violet, and lilac tones, fluttering butterflies, and balloons that seemed to float like magic.
The Setup
We designed the session with a playful, yet elegant theme in mind. Floating pastel and metallic balloons created the perfect backdrop, while hand-cut butterfly accents “flew” across the set to add movement and a touch of enchantment. A purple ombré rosette cake sat center stage, ready for tiny fingers and curious hands to explore.
To tie it all together, our birthday girl wore the sweetest lavender tutu with a matching butterfly headband. She looked like a little woodland fairy — and she knew she was the star of the show!
The Cake Smash
As soon as the cake was within reach, the real fun began. First came cautious pokes, then joyful fistfuls of frosting, followed by the biggest gummy grin you’ve ever seen. She smeared, smashed, and giggled her way through layers of soft sponge and swirls of buttercream — and every second was a memory worth keeping forever.
The best part? Those frosting-covered fingers reaching toward the camera like, “Want some?”
The Magic of One
First birthdays are more than just a celebration — they’re a reflection of a year filled with firsts: first smiles, first steps, first words. This cake smash session captured all the wonder, joy, and sweetness that comes with turning one.
Happy 1st birthday, sweet girl. You are full of light, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief. May you always chase butterflies, float with the balloons, and never be afraid to dive headfirst into the cake.
If you’re dreaming of a custom-themed cake smash session to celebrate your little one’s big day, I’d love to bring your vision to life. Because one only turns one… once.
🎈🦋🎂
Stephanie Walls Photography https://www.stephaniewalls.com/maternity-newborn-portraits/
Where first birthdays are frosted in magic.
