and what better way to celebrate this cherished moment than with a milestone session and cake smash? These sessions are full of joy, laughter, and just the right amount of mess!
Every session at MMP is designed to be seamless and stress-free. Milestone sessions last about one hour, allowing us to capture everything without feeling rushed. We begin with a family session to celebrate this milestone together– in fact, all sessions booked through me are family sessions, so all immediate family members, including your pets, are welcome! This is the perfect opportunity to document the love, connection, and growth of your family during your baby’s first year. Once we’ve captured those tender family moments, if you choose, we will finish our time together with a fun cake smash.
The cake smash is usually the highlight of the session and always takes place at the very end. Why? Because things are about to get messy! Your baby will have the chance to explore, play, and maybe even taste their cake for the first time. The cake smash is more than just an adorable moment; it’s a celebration of everything this year has been. It’s a chance to embrace the sweetness, the mess, and the fleeting joy of this moment. It’s a milestone you’ll want to remember forever, and I’m here to capture every detail so you can look back on this chapter with a full heart.
Here’s are a few other details regarding what you can expect when booking a first birthday cake smash session with me:
Truly, timing for a first birthday milestone is everything. While many babies at this age have dropped to one nap, many still nap 2-3x a day. It is so important to me that I maintain flexibility in my schedule so we can choose a time that fits into baby's natural daily rhythm doing our best to ensure they're well rested, fed, and happy!

Sessions can take place at an outdoor location, in the comfort of your home, or at a rented studio space in Columbus, Ohio. Together, we’ll choose the setting that feels most meaningful and suits your vision. Whether it’s the warm familiarity of your home or a beautiful outdoor backdrop, each option is thoughtfully curated to create timeless images you’ll treasure for years to come.
This session took place at one of my favorite natural light studios in Deleware, Ohio.

From timeless classics to playful looks, I’ve got you covered! I’ll help you select outfits from my carefully curated client wardrobe or guide you with personalized styling tips. Neutral tones, soft textures, and coordinating palettes photograph beautifully, allowing the focus to stay on your connection.
For the cake smash, I recommend a simple outfit for your little one— think a sweet romper or bloomers for boys or a darling dress or tutu for girls. We’ll coordinate everything to ensure the look matches the overall aesthetic of your session.
For this session, this membership family chose to use pieces from their own closet along with a few pieces from client wardrobe, including baby's outfit pictured here.

We’ll work together to choose the perfect cake ahead of time— a simple, baby-sized option with minimal icing works best to avoid staining clothes and hands. If you’d like, I can recommend trusted local bakeries that specialize in smash cakes, but feel free to make your own. I'm happy to even pick one up on your behalf– Whole Foods sells the perfect petite cakes, like the one pictured here, for $10-$15!
And don’t worry about the cleanup— we’ll have wipes, a change of clothes, and a plastic bag for cake-covered outfits ready to go.
Read more about how to prepare for a first birthday milestone session and cake smash here!

Ready to celebrate your baby’s first year in a way you’ll treasure forever?
Let’s plan a session that’s as unique and special as your little one. I can’t wait to capture these memories with you!
Let me handle all the details, so you can focus on what matters most— cherishing your family and celebrating baby's first year. If you're ready to schedule a relaxed, personalized session that reflects your family's unique story, reach out today. I can't wait to help you create memories you'll treasure forever!