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

Cake Smash Boho Doors – Newport Coast Photographer

A baby’s first birthday is such a milestone — not just for them, but for the whole family. And what better way to celebrate than with a cake smash photography session that’s as stylish as it is fun? Our Boho Doors theme blends rustic charm with warm, neutral tones, creating a timeless backdrop that feels just as beautiful now as it will when you look back decades from now.

At Gilmore Studios, we love creating one-of-a-kind setups that match your family’s style. For this session, we featured distressed wooden boho-style doors, greenery, soft neutrals, and a perfectly coordinated cake. The result? A relaxed, earthy vibe that photographs beautifully and lets your little one shine.

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Why Boho Cake Smash Sessions Are Special

This isn’t just about messy cake photos (although those are always a favorite!). A boho cake smash session:

  • Celebrates your baby’s first big milestone in a stylish, timeless way
  • Creates a beautiful keepsake for albums, wall art, and family gifts
  • Captures personality-filled portraits you’ll cherish forever
  • Works for both boys and girls — boho neutrals are versatile and gender-friendly

A year from now, your little one will look completely different. These portraits freeze the sweet, curious, playful stage of turning one — so you can revisit it anytime.

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What to Wear for a Boho Cake Smash

The Boho Doors backdrop is neutral, warm, and textured — so your baby’s outfit can be soft and subtle or feature warm earth tones. Here are some ideas:

👗 For Girls: Linen rompers, cream lace dresses, or soft floral prints. Add a flower crown or bow for a delicate touch.

👕 For Boys: Cotton suspender sets, white or beige button-ups, or knitted rompers in browns or tans.

🚫 Avoid neon or bold primary colors — they’ll distract from the boho palette.

Need more inspiration? Check out this What to Wear for Cake Smash Sessions guide on Pinterest.

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Where to Eat After Your Newport Coast Cake Smash Session

After all that cake-smashing fun, you might want to head out for a family meal. Some great local options near Newport Coast include:

Why These Sessions Matter

Life moves fast, and the first year is a whirlwind. Your little one will never be this tiny, curious, and giggly again. A cake smash photography session not only documents their big milestone but also creates heirloom images that will always bring you back to this season of life.

At Gilmore Studios, we’ve been photographing milestone sessions for over 20 years. We know how to keep your baby happy and engaged, capture every sweet expression, and deliver a gallery that feels authentic to your family.

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Book Your Boho Cake Smash Session in Newport Coast

Ready to celebrate your baby’s first birthday in style? Let’s create a Boho Doors setup that feels perfectly you.

📸 Book your session at Gilmore Studios

👩‍🏫 Photographers: Want to learn how to create stunning cake smash setups for your own clients? Visit Photographers Roadmap for courses, templates, and business tips.

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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

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Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram
Shoot with me at the happiest place on earth. ✨

This is actually an older session…

but it’s one I still come back to all the time.

Because it’s not just about the location.

Yes, it’s Disney.
But what really makes it work is how personal it feels.

We keep it moving, use the light, and let the moments happen naturally.

That’s how it goes from “photos at Disney”
to something that actually feels like you.

Would you ever do your senior photos here? 👇
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?

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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