Yep, you read that right — I cry at 1st birthday cake smash photoshoots. And here’s why…
That first birthday isn’t just about balloons and cake. It’s the celebration of surviving (and thriving through) the very first year of parenthood. And what a year it is.
There are the unforgettable highs: their first smile, those squishy snuggles you wish would never end, and of course the holy grail moment — the first time they sleep through the night (I celebrated like a good’un, even if it only lasted one night!).
And then there are the lows: the endless broken sleep, the worry when they’re poorly, and… did I mention the lack of sleep!?
So when you finally reach that first birthday, you’re not just looking at a baby — you’re looking at a little human with their own personality, quirks, and spirit. Without sounding too cheesy, it’s a milestone that deserves to be celebrated.
That’s exactly why I designed my cake smash sessions. They’re not just about cake (though watching your little one dig in is hilarious). They’re about joy. We sing songs, blow bubbles, throw feathers, and then let them dive into the most delicious cake before splashing about in the cutest mini roll-top tub you’ve ever seen.
But here’s the part that gets me every single time. When I sit down to edit those galleries, I see more than just messy faces and icing-covered fingers. I see the way parents look at their child with pure love. I hear the laughter, remember the silly faces, and feel the energy of that hour when mum and dad are 100% in the moment with their baby.
That’s why cake smashes make me cry. Because at their core, they’re not about the cake or the bath. They’re about connection. They’re about freezing that milestone in time — one year of love, growth, exhaustion, and joy — all wrapped up in an hour of messy, magical fun.
And honestly? That’s the best reason to shed a happy tear.