A Party Animal Cake Smash for Rocco

Happy birthday, Rocco!! I can’t believe that Rocco is already a year old. He was my first newborn session for the year. Now 2022 is almost over, and this guy is ONE! Time is flying by, seriously. We planned a fun cake smash in the studio to celebrate his milestone birthday. Leah, his mom, asked if we could plan a theme that matched his party invitations, so we designed a “party animal” theme! 

Between Leah and I, we were able to create a gorgeous setup for this little guy. We used lots of fun confetti filled balloons to create a garland backdrop and Leah brought in some stuffed animals she’s planning to use for the birthday party. While everything was colorful and bright - perfect for a one year old - we still managed to keep a pretty clean style, which I absolutely love (and am known for!). This style allows us to really focus on the birthday boy during his portraits!

As with all of my cake smash sessions, we made sure to capture some updated family photos of Rocco and his parents. We also got the most adorable updated photos of him alone in a sweet little plaid shirt. He even had a baseball cap for one photo! I love when we do these milestone photos, because it’s a great time to photograph your baby’s personality and new skills. Once those were done, it was time for cake! Rocco loved digging into the icing and even knocked his cake off the stand at one point. I’m here for it!! We ended their session with a little bath for him, which he loved. He was seriously so happy the whole session and that makes me super excited! 

baby in teal jumper crawls across confetti on floor during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in teal jumper knocks small white cake with confetti icing off stand during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in teal jumper smiles in front of confetti balloon garland during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in teal jumper eats icing during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in teal jumper eats icing off wooden spoon during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in teal jumper eats icing and stretches during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in teal crawls around on floor with confetti after knocking cake over off stand during party animal cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sits in bathtub after cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sits in bathtub surrounded by stuffed animals wearing party hats after cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sits in bathtub surrounded by stuffed animals wearing party hats after cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby claps in bathtub surrounded by stuffed animals wearing party hats after cake smash with Saratoga Springs cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in ONE hat sits in black plaid shirt with jeans during milestone photos in studio with Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in green dress holds son on lap sitting on sofa photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in forest green shirt holds son on lap sitting on sofa photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in green dress laughs with one year old son in plaid shirt photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in forest green shirt holds son on lap sitting on sofa photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and dad hug one year old son in plaid shirt photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
one year old in plaid shirt claps hands sitting on white floor in studio photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
one year old in plaid shirt crawls on white floor in studio photographed by Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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a colorful party animal cake smash with stuffed animals in party hats and confetti balloon garland photographed by Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A succulent themed cake smash for baby boy

Happy first birthday, Colton! This little guy is a Baby Plan graduate. I’ve had the pleasure of documenting all of his milestones this year… from his newborn portraits, tummy time milestone, sitter milestone, holiday portraits, and even an extended family portrait session. Now, it’s time to celebrate with his very own case smash session. I’ve known this family since Colton’s big sister, Elliana, was little too. It’s been such a joy to watch them both grow.

When we began to plan Colton’s cake smash, we looked to his sister’s cake smash for inspiration. Elliana’s cake smash was also succulent themed. We wanted to change things up and make sure the entire session felt a little more “masculine” for Colton. WIth that in mind, we stuck to natural textures with gold accents. It was just perfect for this little guy!!

As with all my cake smashes, we also took the time for some updated family portraits in the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Spa State Park. I’m so happy I got to see everyone again and I can’t wait until their next family photos!

siblings sit on wooden crate while big sister kisses baby brother during family photos at the Hall of Springs with Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom kisses daughter during Hall of Springs family portraits at Saratoga Spa State Park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four poses at the Hall of Springs during Saratoga Springs NY family session with Nicole Starr Photography in the spring
family of four poses at the Hall of Springs during Saratoga Springs NY family session with Nicole Starr Photography
siblings sit on wooden crate during family photos at the Hall of Springs with Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad and son hug during family photos at the Hall of Springs with Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in green jumper sits on white chair during succulent themed cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in green jumper sits on white chair during succulent themed cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in olive green jumper plays with wooden cake topper during succulent themed cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in olive green jumper plays with wooden spoon and icing during succulent themed cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in olive green jumper plays with wooden spoon and icing during succulent themed cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in olive green jumper and sister play in front of succulent themed cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sister plays with wooden spoon while baby brother looks at cake during first birthday cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
one year old in green jumper plays with wooden “one” sign on cake during first birthday cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sits in tub after succulent cake smash with Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Succulent themed cake smash for baby boy with gold details in studio photographed by Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Cake Smash for Carter

Another Baby Planner celebrated his first birthday with a cake smash at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio! I loved celebrating Carter’s first year with his family, and it’s hard to believe that this sweet boy is already ONE! Actually, he’s one and then some — we had to postpone a few times due to covid, but it was definitely worth the wait to capture these adorable portraits!

We planned a timeless and neutral Twinkle Twinkle Little Star cake smash theme for the birthday boy, using all cream and gold in the decor. It really makes Carter pop as the star of the show, don’t you think?

Read more about my obsession with neutral colors in the studio here!

A Twinkle Twinkle Little Star cake smash photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
peach and gold Twinkle Twikle Little Star cake smash photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
classic cake smash with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash

Carter wore the cutest outfit with shorts & suspenders, and I love how classic it looked with the setup. These portraits are going to be timeless 20 years from now, and they will never go out of style!

He dug right into his cake and he really smashed it! The wooden spoon was a big hit and kept him busy!

cake smash with little boy for first birthday with gold stars photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
one year old eats cake with gold and peach cake smash photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
gold, ivory, and peach cake smash with baby boy photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
cake smash session in Saratoga Springs NY photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
one year old plays in bubble bath after cake smash in New York photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
tub time for one year old in New York after cake smash photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
bubble bath with rubber duck in Saratoga Springs photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash

We finished Carter’s session with a bathtub splash in our white clawfoot tub. Carter loved his bubble bath, and this cute photo of him singing (below) will be hanging on the wall in his family’s bathroom to make them smile every day.

tub time after cake smash in Saratoga Springs photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
family portraits before cake smash in Saratoga Springs photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
family of three photographed in New York by photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
dad throws one year old in the air during cake smash session photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
toddler in bow tie smiles for one year portraits photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
mom holds toddler son for family photos photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
toddler claps during first year portraits photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash
toddler portraits before cake smash photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, New York cake smash photographer | Delmar NY cake smash, Loudonville NY cake smash, Albany NY Cake smash

Love this Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star cake smash? Save this image or any from the post above for inspiration later!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star cake smash photographed by New York cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A red, white, and blue firework cake smash for a 4th of July baby!

Fourth of July babies are one of my favorite themes for the summertime!

Baby Axel was born on July 3, and I loved celebrating this little firecracker’s first birthday with a red, white, and blue cake smash. This gorgeous fabric flag is one of my favorite props that I’ve made (see it in last year’s cake smash with Oscar!) , and I spray painted fireworks on the floor for an extra special touch for the birthday boy.

Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…

Axel LOVED his cake! He was the happiest baby and he was all smiles and giggles once he tasted the frosting. He truly was the most efficient cake smasher that I have ever had the pleasure of photographing. I always like to look back at the timestamp on my camera for quick babies like this one, and he spent 8 minutes from start to finish with his cake, and less than 1.5 minutes in the tub! In the end we got a full gallery of smiles, laughs, and lots of cute little expressions from the birthday boy.

Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…
Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…

Love this patriotic cake smash? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Nicole Starr Photography | Boston MA Cake smash photographer, Saratoga Springs NY cake smash photographer, Delmar NY cake smash photographer, Loudonville NY Cake smash photographer, New York cake smash photographer, cake smash photographer, patrioti…

Cake Smash Series: 70+ Theme Ideas for your Next Cake Smash Session

Your baby's first birthday is coming up, and it's time to party!  What better way to celebrate than with a portrait session?  Personally, cake smashes are my FAVORITE! 

We've come up with a list of the most popular (and also some of the most unique!) ideas for first birthday sessions and cake smashes.  We hope that you'll be inspired to plan a one-of-a-kind cake smash for your baby's first birthday!


Cake Smash Themes, Nicole Starr Photography

Classic themes:

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Construction/Trucks
Baseball
Nautical
Tea party
Circus
Flowers
Airplanes
Dr. Seuss
Rubber Duckies
Music/Band/Instruments
Sock Monkeys
Superheroes
Rainbow colors
Bohemian
Circus
Camping
Shabby Chic
Ballet


Animals:

Unicorns
Teddy bears
Farm animals
Woodland animals
Ocean animals
Zoo animals
Bumble bees
Monkeys
Owls
Whales
Butterflies


Seasonal cake smash theme ideas, Nicole Starr Photography

Seasonal:

Winter wonderland
Valentine’s
At the beach
Surf’s up
Cherry blossoms
Spring garden
Falling leaves
Halloween
Christmas
New Years Eve
Snowmen


Cake Smash Themes with Children's Books, Nicole Starr Photography

Classic Children’s Books:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Guess How Much I Love You
Corduroy
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Oh the Places You’ll Go
The Little Prince
Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter books
Where the Wild Things Are
Make Way for Ducklings
Blueberries for Sal
Goodnight Moon
Harry Potter
Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan
Alice in Wonderland
 


Cake Smash Alternatives, Nicole Starr Photography

Food alternatives:

Spaghetti & meatballs
Watermelon
Pumpkin pie
Pancakes
Seasonal fruit (strawberries, blueberries)
Cheerios
Pineapple
Apples/apple pie for fall
Tacos
Waffles
Donuts
Ice cream
Pie
Cookies & milk


You've got the perfect theme -- now what do you decorate with?  I provide all of the decor for my cake smash sessions at the studio.  Here are some of my favorite items I like to keep on hand to make our sessions a little more whimsical, creative, and fun!

Decor ideas:

Paper bunting in many shapes
Tulle balls
Tissue paper puffs
Twinkle lights
Patio lights
Lanterns
Cotton clouds
Hanging flowers
Ribbon streamers
Flower garlands
Eucalyptus garlands
Fake flowers to hang from the ceiling
Mason jars
Beaded curtains
 


Don't forget to check out the other posts in our Cake Smash Series!