Southern NH Cake Smash Photographer

Whimsical Alice in Wonderland Cake Smash Session | Southern NH First Birthday Photographer

“We’re all mad here.” As a Southern NH cake smash photographer, I’ve photographed all kinds of cake smash themes over the years. This whimsical Alice in Wonderland setup felt like stepping right into the pages of a favorite childhood story.

Honestly, after spending a year raising a baby, most parents can probably relate.

Making it to the first birthday deserves a celebration. It is not easy, between the sleepless nights, and the endless cycles of dishes and laundry. Not to mention the mysterious ability babies have to find the one thing they’re not supposed to touch. I am pretty sure the brain suppresses all of that when it is time to ask the age ole’ question, “should we try for one more.” Somehow all we seem to remember are best parts. The way a newborn will arch its back when it stretches. Or the sound of those belly laughs. How about the way you feel when you sweet baby is asleep in your arms. All I know is never seem to have enough pictures of it all. So, what better way to memorialize a first birthday than with an Alice in Wonderland cake smash session?

And just like the story itself, this session was full of surprises.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Before the session, Mom gave me a heads-up that it might take some time for her baby to warm up. As every photographer knows, every baby is different, so I was prepared to take things at her pace.

As it turns out, I didn’t need to worry at all.

From the moment she arrived, she was all smiles and personality. She immediately settled in and seemed completely ready for the adventure. In fact, she was a total ham for the camera the entire session.

One of my favorite things about photographing one-year-olds is seeing all the different expressions they can fit into a single session, and she gave us plenty. She was curious as she explored. She seemed moderately amused by my antics but it was Mom and Dad that got those big smiles we are always hoping for. At one point she was even dancing to a chorus of the Bluey them song sung by the three adults in the room. But ain’t no shame in my game, Bluey is a family favorite in our house even though our youngest are 10.

The Curious Case of the Birthday Cake

When it was time for the cake smash portion of the session, there was absolutely no hesitation.

Some babies spend several minutes carefully investigating their cake before deciding whether or not it’s worth touching. Not this birthday girl.

She got right to work.

The cake had her complete attention, and she approached the task with the kind of focus most adults wish they could bring to their daily responsibilities. She carefully explored every bit of frosting and cake within reach, determined not to miss a single detail. And when she was done exploring with her hands, she decided to test out using her feet.

Watching her enjoy every moment was half the fun. Between the sweet smiles, frosting-covered fingers, and intense concentration, she gave us exactly what every cake smash photographer hopes for—a baby who was completely in the moment and having the time of her life.

Splish Splash Onderland

As much as she enjoyed the cake, the bubble bath cleanup was equally as amusing.

The moment she got into the tub, her playful personality went into overdrive.

She splashed enthusiastically, laughed at the bubbles, and seemed determined to send as much water flying as possible. My personal favorite moment was watching her repeatedly smack the bubbles right into her own face and then react with a mix of shock and delight every single time.

The combination of bubbles, water, and freedom to splash as much as she wanted created the perfect ending to an already wonderful session.

Celebrating the First Year

While the cake is certainly fun, first birthday sessions are really about celebrating something much bigger.

The first year is filled with milestones. First smiles, first giggles, first kisses (drool and all), and countless memories that somehow pass by much faster than anyone expects.

One day you’re bringing home a tiny newborn (only 4 pounds in this little lady’s case), and the next you’re watching your little one laugh, dance, smash cake, and splash bubbles with a personality all their own.

These are the moments families want to remember, and I feel incredibly lucky to help preserve them.

Looking for a Southern NH Cake Smash Photographer?

If you’re currently planning your own celebration, be sure to check out my guide to cake smash photography in Southern NH for tips on choosing themes, timing your session, and creating a stress-free experience for your little one. You can also browse another adorable first birthday photography session for more inspiration and ideas. The first year goes by incredibly fast, and before you know it, your tiny newborn has become a curious, laughing toddler with a personality all their own. That’s one reason milestone sessions are so meaningful—they preserve a stage that seems to disappear overnight. If you’re interested in a bakery for your first birthday party needs be sure to check out The Sunflower – Bakery & Café but do it now because they fill up quickly.

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