Simple Sophistication

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

Simple Sophistication

Puppy Cake Smash! 1st birthday portrait

1st Birthday Cake Smash with a favorite furry friend!

Victoria had a blast with her birthday cake and dog. We never know how these cake smash pet sessions will go but this one was so good! It almost seemed like the dog had done this before. The cake was created by French’s Cupcake Bakery – with purple and pink buttercream frosting and a touch of gold. The banner was found at BabyBirdieBoutique. The backgrounds came from LemonDrop Backdrops. We hung gold door beads in front of the backdrops. The cute pink romper was purchased at PoshPeanutKids.

Pets and Birthday Cakes

Be sure to check with your vet. Dogs should not eat sugar or chocolate, it is REALLY bad for them. The owner of this animal stayed very close and would pull the dog back between photos. Sugar and fat will give your dog a stomach ache and smaller dogs can get very sick. If you want to make your dog a cake, you can actually make pet friendly frosting at home!

Booking your Cake Smash session

Ready to book your cake smash session? Awesome, let’s get started with your vision by calling the studio or emailing us. We would love to hear your ideas and get your child on the calendar. Best to book your date 3-6 weeks in advance so we have time to build your theme and set.

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 and backgrounds

We love these companies!

BabyBirdieBoutique

LemonDrop Backdrops

PoshPeanutKids

French’s Cupcake Bakery

 

Birthday cake smash photographer
by GilmorePosted in Cake SmashesTags: , , , , , , , , ,
  • 1 year old girl and her puppy
  • One year old girl with pink tutu and headband
  • Cute 1 year old at Gilmore Studios baby studio
  • One year old girl is ready to smash her birthday cake
  • Cake smash sharing your birthday cake with a furry friend
  • Pink and purple birthday cake smash portrait set
  • Cake smash celebrating your birthday with a favorite pet
  • 1 year old with pink romper smashing her birthday cake
  • Help from my furry friend - birthday cake smash
  • Cake smash puppy licks the frosting of the baby's birthday cake
  • Happy girl smashes her delicious birthday cake
  • Costa Mesa cake smash portrait photographer
  • Dog helping this one year old celebrate her 1st birthday.
  • Yummy frosting on a one year old's face
  • messy frosting all over her hands

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

Featured On the blog

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Simple Sophistication

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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

15 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18353093719155535
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

6 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18040696019322218
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

33 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18091179136632977
🇺🇸 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

5 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17973183527907105
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.

6 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17970124580871329
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