Simple Sophistication

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

Simple Sophistication

Once Upon A Time Cake Smash 1st Birthday – Corona del Mar Photographer

Once Upon A Time Cake Smash 1st Birthday – Corona del Mar Photographer

Once-Upon-A-Time-Cake-Smash-Baby-Smiling
Storybook-Cake-Smash-Session-First-Birthday-Milestone

Not every cake smash needs confetti or balloons—sometimes, all it takes is a favorite story and a little bit of imagination like Once Upon A Time Cake Smash 1st Birthday – Corona del Mar Photographer

This Once Upon a Time themed session was one of the most heartfelt 1st birthday shoots I’ve had the joy of photographing. The parents came in with a clear vision: they wanted something timeless, soft, and inspired by their love of books. And not just any books—they brought in vintage hardcovers, including a beautifully aged copy of Gone With the Wind, to help set the scene.

As a Corona del Mar photographer, I love when families bring meaning into their sessions. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—it just has to feel like you. In this case, a few well-loved pages and thoughtful touches created a cozy, whimsical backdrop that made their little one’s personality shine.

If you’re looking to plan a milestone session in a charming beachside area, take some time to explore Visit Corona del Mar for local inspiration, favorite parks, and nearby dining to make your day extra special.

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How Storybook Cake Smash Photos Stand Out

When you choose a unique theme like a Once Upon A Time Cake Smash 1st Birthday – Corona del Mar Photographer, you’re telling your child’s story in a way that’s totally yours. Books remind us of imagination, adventure, and the beauty of family traditions — all things you want captured in those milestone moments.

Looking for ideas to make your child’s cake smash extra special? Check out Pinterest’s Cake Smash Ideas for more inspiration.

Making the Theme Personal

Their daughter was a dream to photograph—happy, curious, and fully into the experience (and the frosting!). We kept the setup intentionally simple: soft neutral colors, classic props, and lots of open space for her to explore.

The vintage books added just the right texture and depth to the set without distracting from what mattered most—this joyful milestone moment.

A Tip for Fellow Photographers

One of my favorite parts of working with families is hearing their stories and helping them bring those ideas to life.

Photographer tip: Ask parents if there’s something personal they’d like to include in the session. Whether it’s a favorite bedtime book, a handmade blanket, or a family keepsake—those little details often lead to the most meaningful images.

In this case, the storybook theme wasn’t just a concept—it was a glimpse into this family’s love for storytelling, imagination, and tradition. And that’s what made it so memorable.

Final Thoughts on Once Upon A Time Cake Smash 1st Birthday – Corona del Mar Photographer

To this sweet family: thank you for trusting Gilmore Studios to help tell the beginning of her story. Your vision was thoughtful and beautiful, and your daughter brought it all to life in the sweetest way.

If you’re planning a 1st birthday session and want something truly personal, I’d love to help bring your idea to life. Whether it’s a themed cake smash or something classic and simple—let’s make it unforgettable.

Book your session at Gilmore Studios
Photographers: Want tips for planning unique, meaningful cake smashes? Visit Photographers Roadmap for ideas and resources.

by Gilmore TeamPosted in Cake SmashesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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  • Corona-del-Mar-Photographer-Cake-Smash-Backdrop
  • Gilmore-Studios-Cake-Smash-Smiling-Baby
  • Cake-Smash-Vintage-Props-Baby-Session
  • Storybook-Birthday-Theme-Sitting-Smash
  • Neutral-Cake-Smash-Studio-Session-Baby
  • First-Birthday-Smash-Books-Backdrop
  • Cake-Smash-Session-Vintage-Story-Theme
  • Baby-Girl-Cake-Smash-Once-Upon-A-Time
  • Storytime-Cake-Smash-Birthday-Photos
  • Corona-del-Mar-Cake-Smash-Vintage-Look

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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Absolutely… and honestly, I love when they do.

Some of the sweetest moments happen before the cake even comes out, when siblings are laughing, helping, (or trying to sneak a bite early 😅).

It turns a birthday session into something even more meaningful… capturing their relationship right now, not just the milestone.

And those are the photos parents end up loving the most 🤍 shout out for a throwback to this session 💕

3 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18015432698673140
Absolutely… and honestly, I love when they do. Some of the sweetest moments happen before the cake even comes out, when siblings are laughing, helping, (or trying to sneak a bite early 😅). It turns a birthday session into something even more meaningful… capturing their relationship right now, not just the milestone. And those are the photos parents end up loving the most 🤍 shout out for a throwback to this session 💕

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.

17 1
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17867791689502716
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

68 13
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18071074220246612
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.

5 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18081524000059480
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.

3 1
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18104041495873964
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.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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