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

Minnie Mouse Cake Smash – 1st birthday

1st Birthday Cake Smash Themes for Girls – Minnie Mouse

We loved Elena’s Minnie Mouse cake smash session!  To get started, we took a few photos in her new dress on a white background. This always helps the child get warmed up to the photographer, the flashing lights, and the camera.  Next, it’s time to smash some the cake!  Elena didn’t mind getting messy and remained happy during the entire session.  After the cake smash, we brought in the warm baby bath tub.

Building custom themed sets is one of our favorite parts of cake smash photography.  Each design concept is a challenge and it’s so rewarding to create what our moms have only pictured in their minds!  To see the look on their faces when they walk into the studio is always fun.

Cake Smash Set Design by Gilmore Studios

The Minnie Mouse dress and ears are from Party City. The checkered floor was hand painted (it’s the same floor as the Mad Hatter set we are building).  We also created the “ONE” lettering (check out the tutorial!)  The rest of the props were created right here in the studio.  We made puff balls out of tissue paper and found the balloons on Amazon.  The cake was made by French’s Cupcake Bakery in Costa Mesa.

Follow @GilmoreStudiosBabies on Instagram

Minnie Mouse Cake Smash Prop Tutorial

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Gilmore Studios is a first birthday cake smash photographer also specializing in maternitynewbornchildren, family, and wedding photography in Orange County, CA. 

Please 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.

Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your 2019 photography sessions. Cake smash sessions are $250 and by reservation only. All birthday cake smash sets are custom built to your theme or color scheme and include a yummy cake from French’s Cupcake Bakery. Let us create your Minnie Mouse Cake Smash theme or choose from any of our previous themes seen here.

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team that serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas. We specialize in fine wedding photography, family portraits, and newborn photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Cake Smash

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Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram
1. Keep posing gentle and natural.
At this age, kids don’t need stiff, formal poses. Simple prompts like “look over your shoulder,” “hold your dress,” or “twirl once” help them feel at ease and still keep the focus on the special meaning of the day.
2. Give them space to feel grown-up and little.
Eight is a magical age, old enough to understand the moment, but still so innocent. I like to sneak in a few detail shots of their hair, dress, or tiny hands to capture that in-between.
3. Talk to them like a friend.
An 8-year-old is more relaxed when they feel seen and heard. I always ask about their favorite part of getting ready, or what they’re most excited about. The best smiles come when they feel proud of what this milestone means. #BaptismPhotography #BaptismPortraits #ChildPortraitPhotography #LDSBaptism #ldstemple
1. Simple is beautiful.
Soft, neutral outfits photograph best on a white background. You don’t need fancy clothes or lots of props, just pieces that feel comfortable and timeless so the focus stays on you and your little one.
2. The magic is in the in-between.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t looking at the camera the whole time. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen when you’re snuggling, playing, or just being together.
3. It’s okay if it feels a little chaotic.
Kids wiggle, giggle, and sometimes melt down. I’m a mom too, and I’ve seen it all. I’ll guide you through every moment so you can relax and soak up this sweet time together.#maternityphotosession #maternityphotoshoot #maternityphotography #mommyandme
🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for the freedoms we have, the people who built this country, and every brave person who has served — past and present — to protect it.

Wishing you a day of fireworks, family, and a moment to appreciate just how lucky we are to call the USA home. ❤️🤍💙

#4thofjuly #GratefulHeart #USA #Freedom #GilmoreStudios
1. These photos will mean even more with time.
Right now, it might feel like a fun excuse to get everyone together, but years from now these are the images your family will go back to. The ones that hang on walls, show up in slideshows, and get pulled out during the holidays. It’s more than a session, it’s a gift for your future self.
2. Group photos are just the beginning.
Once I capture the big group shot, I break it down into smaller combinations like siblings, individual families, and grandkids with grandparents. You’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like a full family album.
3. I’ve got the chaos covered.
Big groups can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I know how to keep things moving, lighthearted, and fun. You don’t have to direct or organize anyone. Just show up and enjoy the moment, I’ll take care of the rest.
#extendedfamily #extendedfamilysession #familyphotographer
1. It’s totally normal to feel awkward at first.
You’re not professional models, you’re just two people in love. The best photos happen once you relax, talk, laugh, and just enjoy each other. I’ll guide you through it all.
2. Outfits matter, but comfort matters too.
Wear something that feels like YOU. You’ll move more naturally and feel more confident, which always shows up in the final images.
3. Your location should mean something.
Whether it’s where you had your first date or just somewhere that feels like you, personalizing your session makes the photos even more meaningful.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only