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

Watermelon Cake Smash – Girls 1st Birthday Photography

There’s nothing quite like celebrating a first birthday with a cake smash when it’s paired with a fun summer theme! Recently, we had the pleasure of photographing a delightful watermelon-themed cake smash for a sweet one-year-old girl, and it was a session full of laughter, joy, and sticky fingers!

A Splash of Summer with a Watermelon Theme

The theme for this cake smash was all about summer, and what says summer more than watermelon? The photography set was vibrant and playful, with green and red tones reflecting the juicy fruit. We adorned the backdrop with watermelon slices, balloons, and decorations that perfectly captured the essence of a sunny summer day.

The Cake Smash Experience

As soon as the watermelon-shaped cake was placed in front of her, it was pure joy! The cake was a beautifully crafted masterpiece, complete with pink frosting to resemble a real watermelon. Our little model was initially curious, gently touching the cake before diving in with both hands. Capturing these moments was an absolute delight.

Why We Love Cake Smash Sessions

Cake smash sessions like this one are the best! They’re not just about capturing cute pictures; they’re about celebrating milestones and creating memories that families will cherish forever. The watermelon theme was a perfect choice for summer, bringing together all the elements of the season in a fun and memorable way.

Wrapping Up the Session

As the session wrapped up, it was time for a quick bath. The images from this watermelon cake smash will undoubtedly bring smiles to their faces for years to come.

If you’re planning a first birthday and are looking for a creative and joyful way to celebrate, a themed cake smash session is a wonderful option. Whether you choose a watermelon theme or something entirely different, we’re here to help bring your vision to life and capture those sweet moments that make each milestone special.

Ready to plan your own cake smash session? Contact us today to discuss your ideas and let’s create something truly memorable!

Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.

Adorable toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a cute red dress with watermelon patterns as the background, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.Adorable 1 year old toddler enjoying a summer-themed watermelon cake smash. The child is dressed in a red dress with watermelon patterns, surrounded by vibrant decorations like fresh watermelon slices, green and red balloons, and a picnic-style setup. The toddler is happily smashing into a watermelon-shaped cake, with frosting on their cheeks and hands, creating a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for capturing joyful summer memories.

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

Featured On the blog

Read more
Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram
What nobody tells you about being in front of a camera.

It feels awkward… at first.

You don’t know what to do with your hands.
You’re thinking about your smile.

That part? Completely normal.

Here’s what actually happens:
I guide you through everything, keep it moving, fix the little details…

And then it shifts.

You relax.
You stop thinking about the camera.
And it finally feels like you.

📍Coto de Caza

Do you think you’d feel awkward in photos? 👇
Here are things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer.

This decision matters more than most couples realize.

Because once the day is over…
this is what you have left.

Here’s how to actually choose the right one:

1. Style that reflects your vision
If you don’t love how it looks now, you won’t love it later.
2. Experience handling real wedding days
Timelines shift. Lighting changes. You want someone who can adapt.
3. A genuine connection
You’ll spend a lot of your day with them. It should feel easy.
4. Professionalism you can count on
Clear communication, reliability, and someone who shows up prepared.
5. Full galleries, not just highlights
Anyone can post the best 10 images. Ask to see the whole story.
6. Real reviews and reputation
Look for consistency, not just one good experience.
7. Value that matches what you expect
Not just price… what are you actually getting?

Here’s what I’m doing behind the scenes:
guiding when needed, adjusting to the day as it unfolds, and making sure nothing important is missed.

Because your photos shouldn’t just look good…
they should feel like your day.

What matters most to you when choosing a photographer? 👇
Most people think they’re just for announcements… But they end up being so much more.

This countdown? One of my favorites.

Here’s why:
It gives you something to look forward to. A way to mark the days, celebrate the little milestones, and stay connected while they’re away.

And it turns these photos into something you actually use… not just something that sits on your phone.

Because this season? It’s a big one.

And having something tangible to hold onto during it…
matters more than you think. 🤍

Would you do a countdown like this? Comment MISSIONARYSTORE for our item on Etsy Shop
How long does a cake smash session really take?

About 45 minutes and here is everything we fit into that time.
We start with portraits first. Clean outfit, no cake, just your baby being adorable. Then we bring in the cake, swap into the smash outfit and let the chaos begin. 🎂

And if you want to keep going, we can do a quick splash session at the end. Some of the biggest smiles of the whole session happen right there.

Three different looks. One session. 45 minutes.
It goes fast so I make sure every minute counts.

Are you surprised we fit all of that in? 👇
Ready to book your cake smash?
Should you still get photos done when your kids are teenagers and older?

Life starts changing fast.

Schedules don’t line up the same.
They’re out with friends more.
Conversations get shorter.
And before you realize it… the house feels a little quieter.

Here’s how I approach these sessions:
I don’t force anything that feels unnatural. No overly posed moments. I guide you into simple, relaxed interactions so it still feels like your family, just in this season.

Are your kids at this stage yet? 👇
Ready to book your family session?

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

Secret Link