Baby’s first birthday is such an important milestone in a family’s life. For 12 months, the parents have cared for their baby’s every need, watched their baby learn so many new things, seen so many firsts – first words, first foods, first smiles. A first birthday is absolutely something that should be celebrated! It’s not only baby’s day, it’s the anniversary of the day that a couple became parents.
This first birthday session took place on a warm early spring day – we went down to Kershaw park for a few photos of the family together. Their sweet girl was a bit unsure of the prospect of being outdoors in an unfamiliar place with so many unfamiliar people around, but we did get some very sweet shots of them together!
One of my favorite things about my job is the fact that I am always meeting new people. I get to help them celebrate some of their life’s big and little celebrations – new babies, first birthday blessings, wiggly teeth, first bike rides, and even births. During this recent cake smash birthday session, I was introduced to the Issho Mochi ceremony – the Japanese ritual where baby wears a heavy sticky rice cake on their back. Many babies, who have only recently learned to crawl or walk, stumble under the heavy weight. Many babies feel uncomfortable and cry.
But not every baby cries during their Issho Mochi ceremony! This sweet girl was a little confused and couldn’t sit under the heavy weight, but after she fell down, she rolled right over and flashed us the biggest toothy smile you’ve ever seen!
We also got some adorable photos in the studio, although she was unsure about the outdoors, she felt perfectly at home in the studio and kept smiling the biggest sweetest smiles!
And last but not least… a custom designed cake smash! This was one of my favorite sets so far, with a (delicious) cake from Sweet Solutions right in Canandaigua. The beautiful light pink set was so perfect for spring! And of course we got all girly with a pretty tutu and flowers. You can’t tell it from the photos, but she wasn’t terribly crazy about her cake… we had to trick her a bit by putting dried yogurt bites in the icing. Thankfully, they were the exact shade of pink and blended right in.
I’m definitely on board with a baby session where we can photograph not just one, but two important traditions! These are the moments that tell a family’s story.
Mischief and Laughs is a custom photographer specializing in baby and family photography. To set up your baby’s cake smash session, call Cara today! Everything is customized to suit your preferences and we can work together to make any vision come to life!
