the first year, beautifully
captured
captured
The first year has a way of flying by. One day you're bringing your newborn home, and before you know it, they're full of giggles, crawling at lightning speed, stealing bites of your snacks, and showing off a personality that's all their own.
A first birthday cake smash is so much more than messy frosting and adorable photos. It's a chance to celebrate everything your baby has discovered during their very first year—the big smiles, the belly laughs, the curious expressions, and the little moments that make you stop and wonder how they're already one.
As a Denver cake smash photographer, I create first birthday sessions that are every bit as fun as they are timeless. From custom cake coordination and simple, refined styling to family photos before the cake comes out, every detail is planned so you can relax, laugh, and enjoy celebrating this incredible milestone with your little one.
One day, these photos won't just remind you of their first birthday. They'll take you back to the baby who covered their face in frosting, laughed at your silly voices, and made you wonder how the first year could possibly have gone by so fast.
Denver Cake Smash Photographer
First Birthday Photography in Denver
Our Loveland studio welcomes families from Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Erie, Fort Collins, and throughout Northern Colorado for timeless first birthday photography. Most sessions take place in the studio, where soft natural light, neutral tones, and refined styling keep the focus on your baby. Seasonal outdoor sessions are also available for families who love Colorado's natural beauty.
Choose between a smash-only mini or a full first birthday experience. Some families love jumping straight into the cake, while others begin with timeless portraits before the cake is introduced. Family and sibling portraits can also be included, creating a beautiful reminder of just how much has changed since those early newborn days.
Each setup is coordinated around a custom cake with simple, intentional styling that feels elevated rather than overly themed. Every session unfolds at your baby's pace, capturing genuine smiles, curious expressions, messy fingers, and all the little moments that make turning one so unforgettable.
At one year old, they sit taller, reach with more confidence, and somehow still fit perfectly in your arms.
Choose between a smash-only mini or a full first birthday experience. Some families love jumping straight into the cake, while others begin with timeless portraits before the cake is introduced. Family and sibling portraits can also be included, creating a beautiful reminder of just how much has changed since those early newborn days.
Each setup is coordinated around a custom cake with simple, intentional styling that feels elevated rather than overly themed. Every session unfolds at your baby's pace, capturing genuine smiles, curious expressions, messy fingers, and all the little moments that make turning one so unforgettable.
At one year old, they sit taller, reach with more confidence, and somehow still fit perfectly in your arms.
Baby Milestone Photography Before the First Birthday
Cake smash mini sessions begin at 590
The First Birthday Experience begins at 790
cake smash mini sessions begin at
590
These sessions begin with the cake right away and are designed to be playful and light. Your baby sets the tone — whether that means diving in confidently, inspecting it carefully, or flashing you that frosting-covered grin. It is simple, beautifully styled, and all about that first birthday energy.
Designed for families who want more than just the smash, this experience begins with clean, timeless portraits before the cake is introduced. There is space to see how much they have grown in one year — the way they sit taller now, the confidence in their expressions, the way they still lean into you.
Family and sibling portraits may be included during this portion of the session, creating a complete first birthday experience before the celebration turns playful.
Each session includes coordinated styling, minimalist balloon installations, curated high chairs and cake stands, and a custom cake selected to complement your chosen setup.
The Cake Smash Experience
"We have had the pleasure of working with Amanda for all of our family’s major milestones, beginning with our first baby’s newborn photos and continuing through her first year. When our second baby arrived, we didn’t hesitate to return for another round of beautiful images. Amanda makes the entire experience comfortable and fun, and she consistently delivers photographs we will treasure for years to come. We wouldn’t trust anyone else with these moments."
-Jordan D. Fort Collins, CO.
Denver Cake Smash & First Birthday Photography FAQs
When should I schedule a first birthday cake smash?
Most families schedule their Denver cake smash session when their baby is between 10 and 11 months old so images are ready before birthday celebrations. Booking at least a few weeks in advance is recommended to allow time for cake coordination and to ensure availability on your preferred date.
Do you provide the cake?
Yes. A cake is included with both collections. The Cake Smash Mini Session includes a simple coordinating cake, while the First Birthday Experience includes a custom cake designed to complement your selected setup.
Do you offer egg-free cake options?
Yes. Egg-free cake options are available for babies with allergies. Dietary needs can be discussed during planning to ensure everything is prepared safely.
Can we include family photos?
Family and sibling portraits may be included during the First Birthday Experience. If including family images is important to you, this collection provides the time and structure to do so comfortably.
Do you provide outfits and styling?
Yes. Styling guidance and coordinated wardrobe options are available for both the First Birthday Experience and the Cake Smash Mini Session to ensure everything feels cohesive and elevated.
Do you offer outdoor cake smash sessions?
Yes. Outdoor cake smash sessions are available seasonally for families who prefer natural Colorado light. Studio sessions take place in Loveland, serving families from Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, and throughout Northern Colorado.
In addition to first birthday sessions, simple baby milestone photography is available for families who wish to document the sitter stage and early personality milestones. These sessions are typically photographed when babies are sitting independently, often between five and seven months.
Milestone sessions focus on natural expression, subtle styling, and connection without elaborate themes. They may take place in studio or outdoors and are designed to complement newborn and first birthday photography.
