Throwing a first birthday party is a big milestone for both babes and their parents! But when it comes to party planning, many mammas are left feeling a overwhelmed and burnt out by the big day. This often results in forgetting to take photos or worse, worrying so much about capturing everything just right that you miss the moments completely. This Burlington Mamma, (planner extraordinaire Krista of Kj&Co) knew what was up when she booked my party portrait collection to capture all the first birthday festivities. She got to sit back, enjoy the salsa and soak up everyone celebrating her special babe knowing all the little details and sweet moments would be documented.
During our initial consult, we decided to play on her planned Taco party theme. We scheduled in a “first fiesta” themed styled cake smash a couple of days before little H’s party. This allowed for less of a sugar rush on the day but also time for me to edit a few images and have them ready for mom to share with family and friends on the day of the party. I did a variety of fun backdrops for this session and oh boy did everyone enjoy a little taste of the cake by The Dessert Room.
5 quick tips for a successful Cake Smash:
1. Book the session in the morning to allow for the sugar to wear off and make sure your little love has had a good breakfast before.
2. Bring along a couple of towels, wipes, a fresh change of clothes and any additional outfits you have planned. Some littles last longer than others and generally the shoot flows according to how much they can handle.
3. Music is always playing but make sure to let me know ahead of time if there’s a specific song that really gets them into it.
4. Expect to have to help them with the initial smash.
5. The more relaxed and into it you are, the more they will be. It usually takes them a little while to warm up to the idea but once they get going we have loads of fun!
Is there anything cuter than a kid covered in cake with a crinkle nose laugh? Nope! 
Can we “taco bout” this first birthday theme? Custom taco party balloons, DIY fiesta decor and lots and lots of tacos pulled this sweet day together. Burlington Lions Club was the perfect spot to host the morning with lots of space for the older kids to run around, great amenities and a spacious kitchen to cater for the event. A little more cake was eaten and cute cheeks were pinched. Oh and of course, custom cactus cookie favours wrapped up the day in sweet and simple style.
Have a special event coming up? Let’s take care of the photos for you!
