Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

1st Birthday Cake Smash – Space Theme

Outer Space 1st birthday cake smash

C’s parents requested an “outer space” theme for her 1st birthday cake smash. This was a new one on us but we were up for the challenge! We looked around online and found this awesome starry sky background at HSD Backdrops. The solar system planets were purchased on amazon. We bought a few different sets, but this one worked best because we could hang them with fishing line. The puff balls were handmade with tissue paper at the studio. These are great for tying in the colors requested by the client. We also found a cool space shuttle at Hobby Lobby but you can’t really see it! Next we had to find the perfect cake… French’s Cupcake Bakery always comes through in this area. Rosie even found some blue glitter icing complete with yellow edible stars sprinkled on the cake!

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team maternity, newborn, children and family photography studio in Orange County, CA. Contact us for more info about booking your studio or on location session in the Southern California area. Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in studio & natural light photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your summer and fall 2017 photography sessions. Cake smash sessions are $250 and by reservation only. All cake smash sets are custom built to the client’s theme or color scheme and include a cake.

Props

Backdrop: Hazy Skies Designs

Cake designer/bakery : French’s Cupcake Bakery

3-D Solar System decorations: Amazon

We always love a new concept for a 1st birthday cake smash! Is your little one turning one? Let’s hear some of your ideas for the next session.

1st birthday cake smash photographer

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach & Queen Creek

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Cake Smash

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Simple Sophistication

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The secret to an stress-free session?
Choosing the right location.

This family had a party right after, so we kept everything simple and close. No extra driving, no rushing… just time together.

And it made all the difference.

If you’re planning family photos, I’ll help you choose a location that actually works for your day.

Send me a message and let’s plan it.
Three things every parent should know before sending their child on a mission.

First… this season is full of lasts.
But it’s also the beginning of a whole new life of firsts for them.

Second… saying goodbye at the airport is hard.
You prepare for it, you know it’s the right thing… but you still miss them more than you expect.
And suddenly, everything reminds you of them.

And third… P-days become the day you look forward to the most.
That one day a week when you get to hear their voice, read their messages, and feel connected again.

• Save this if you’re in this season 🤍
OR
• Send this to a parent preparing for a mission

It’s a big transition… for them and for you. #missionarymom #missionary #ldsmission
Turn your body slightly instead of facing the camera straight on.

Shift your weight to one leg, relax your shoulders, and bring your heads a little closer together.

Small adjustments like this make your photos feel more natural immediately.

Comment POSE if you want more simple tips.
In my experience, shooting during the first few weeks is ideal. During these early days, babies tend to sleep more and curl up in those naturally cozy positions we all adore in newborn portraits. Make sure to reach out and get on the calendar before the baby is born. We want to have some wiggle room with timing once the little one arrives.
The open environment at Back Bay invites your kids to explore, walk, and twirl safely. I’m there to guide you into natural poses, creating moments that are genuine rather than staged. The golden hour (right before sunset) is the best time for a session at this location.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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