Ben’s First Birthday Cake Smash Session in Richmond, Virginia
- Aug 24
- 5 min read
Ben’s first birthday cake smash session in Richmond, Virginia, was such a special one for me because I carry this little family so close to my heart.
Throughout their journey into parenthood, Thais and Alef became friends, and they trusted me to photograph every special moment of their first baby’s life… before he was even born.
I had the honor of keeping the sweetest secret for Ben’s gender reveal. Remember that BEAUTIFUL session we did in the studio and then outside in the snow?
Then came their unforgettable maternity session, Ben’s newborn photos at home, their fall family session, Christmas Minis, and now…
His cake smash and first birthday photos.
I mean…
How is he already ONE?!
From a Gender Reveal to Ben’s First Birthday Cake Smash Session in Richmond, Virginia
One of my favorite things about being a Richmond portrait photographer is being invited back into a family’s life again and again. It is so special to meet a couple while they are waiting for their baby, photograph those first days at home, and then watch that tiny newborn slowly become this happy little person with the sweetest smile and so much personality.
With Thais, Alef, and Ben, I have had the joy of photographing nearly every part of their story. I photographed the excitement before they knew they were having a boy, the beautiful waiting season during their maternity photos, and those quiet newborn days at home when Ben was still so tiny. Then came the family sessions, the holidays, and all the little changes that happen during a baby’s first year.
And suddenly, he was standing in front of my camera for his first birthday.
Little did I know when this story started that I would grow to love this sweet boy as if he were part of my own family.
Family Photos Before the Cake Smash
We started the session with family photos, which I always love including before the cake comes out. Thais, Alef, and Ben wore soft white and neutral colors, and the whole session felt bright, happy, and so full of them. There were bubbles, cuddles, big smiles, and so many of those little interactions that show exactly what life feels like for their family right now.
First birthday sessions may be planned to celebrate the baby, but they are also such a big milestone for the parents. You made it through the first year! The sleepless nights, the first smiles, the first foods, the first holidays, all the changes, and all the moments that somehow went by much faster than you expected.
That is why I always recommend taking a few family photos in Richmond before the cake smash begins. One day, Ben will see how little he was in his parents’ arms, how they looked at him, and how much happiness surrounded him as he turned one.
And those photos will mean so much more with time.
Ben’s Outdoor Cake Smash Session in Richmond, VA
For the cake smash, Thais planned the sweetest blue-and-white setup with balloons arranged above a woven basket, a little “ONE” banner, bubbles, baby’s breath, and the cutest teddy bear and stuffed animal details. The cake was simple and beautiful, finished with fresh berries on top, and the whole setup felt playful without taking the attention away from the real star of the session.
Baby Ben, of course.
I love letting babies explore during cake smash sessions because you never really know what they are going to do. Some immediately reach for the cake. Some carefully inspect it. Some are much more interested in the decorations, the balloons, or what their parents are doing behind me.
And honestly, that is part of the fun.
A first birthday session does not need to be perfectly posed from beginning to end. Babies are going to move, make faces, get distracted, and decide what they want to do next. My job is to gently guide the session, follow their personality, and photograph the sweet little moments happening in between.
For Ben, that meant curiosity, tiny fingers reaching into the cake, the cutest birthday hat, and plenty of expressions that made all of us laugh. His cake smash session in Richmond felt joyful, personal, and completely like him.
Why First Birthday Photos Matter So Much
The first birthday is one of those milestones that feels happy and emotional at the same time. Your baby is still little, but you can already see so much of the person they are becoming. Their smile is familiar. Their personality is showing. They have favorite people, favorite foods, funny little habits, and all these expressions that somehow belong completely to them.
And after spending the entire first year taking hundreds of photos on your phone, a first birthday session gives you the chance to step into the pictures too. To hold your baby, laugh together, and have this season documented as a family.
If you are planning a cake smash, it does not have to be a huge or complicated production. It can be colorful and full of details, or it can be simple and timeless. It can happen outdoors or in the studio. You can include a traditional cake, fruit, pancakes, or something else your baby already loves. What matters most is creating something that feels right for your family and allows your baby to be themselves.
Many of my families begin with maternity and newborn photography in Richmond and continue returning for milestones throughout their baby’s first year. Watching those galleries grow alongside the family is truly one of the greatest gifts of this job.
Happy First Birthday, Baby Ben!
Thais and Alef, thank you for trusting me with all these memories and for allowing me to watch your family grow. From holding the secret at your gender reveal to photographing Ben with his first birthday cake, every session with you has meant so much to me.
And Ben…
How are you already one?!
You are so happy, so loved, and already have the sweetest little personality. I cannot wait to continue watching you grow and to see all the adventures ahead for your beautiful family.
Happy first birthday, baby Ben!!!!
We love you so much! 🤍
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a cake smash session?
It is best to reserve your cake smash session before your baby’s first birthday, especially if you would like to use the photos for invitations or birthday decorations. Booking early also gives us time to plan the location, outfits, colors, cake, and any meaningful details you want to include.
Can parents be included in first birthday photos?
Absolutely! I love beginning cake smash sessions with family portraits before introducing the cake. It gives parents beautiful photos with their baby and creates a gallery that documents the whole family during this milestone.
Does a cake smash need an elaborate theme?
Not at all. A cake smash can include balloons, flowers, and a full theme, or it can be very simple and timeless. The most important part is choosing a setup that feels like your family and keeps the focus on your baby.
Where can cake smash sessions take place in Richmond?
Cake smash sessions can take place outdoors, in the studio, or in another setting that works well for your family and the look you want. Ben’s session took place outdoors, which gave us room for family photos, bubbles, balloons, and his birthday setup.
Do you photograph other milestones during a baby’s first year?
Yes. Munhoz Photography offers gender reveal, maternity, newborn, family, holiday, and first birthday photography in Richmond and surrounding Virginia areas. Thais and Alef chose to document Ben’s story from before birth through his first birthday, creating a beautiful collection of memories from his first year.
If you're in the early stages of planning, you may also find these helpful:
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