the first year, beautifully
captured
captured
The first year passes quickly — in late nights, first smiles, steadying hands, and tiny shifts that feel sudden and unforgettable.
One year ago, they fit in your arms differently.
A first birthday cake smash is more than a celebration. It is a chance to pause and see who your baby is at this exact stage — the way they sit confidently, the curiosity in their expression, the way they still look to you for reassurance.
As a Denver cake smash photographer, I serve families throughout the Denver metro area and Northern Colorado with first birthday sessions that are thoughtfully styled, custom cake coordinated, and refined in every detail — keeping the focus exactly where it belongs, on your baby.
Denver Cake Smash Photographer
Custom cake smash sessions with minimalist styling and intentional design.
serving denver metro & Northern Colorado
FIRST BIRTHDAY PHOTOGRAPHY IN DENVER
First birthday cake smash sessions can be designed as a smash-only mini or as a more complete first birthday experience.
Some families choose a cake smash mini that begins with the cake right away — beautifully styled, simple, and centered on their baby’s natural reactions in the moment.
Others prefer the full first birthday session. These begin with clean, timeless portraits before the cake is introduced. If desired, family and sibling portraits can be added during this portion of the session, allowing you to see the difference in how they fit in your arms now compared to those early newborn days.
At one year old, they sit taller. They reach with more confidence. And yet, they still lean into you in familiar ways.
Whether you choose a smash-only mini or the full experience, each Denver cake smash session is thoughtfully styled and gently guided at your baby’s pace.
Some families choose a cake smash mini that begins with the cake right away — beautifully styled, simple, and centered on their baby’s natural reactions in the moment.
Others prefer the full first birthday session. These begin with clean, timeless portraits before the cake is introduced. If desired, family and sibling portraits can be added during this portion of the session, allowing you to see the difference in how they fit in your arms now compared to those early newborn days.
At one year old, they sit taller. They reach with more confidence. And yet, they still lean into you in familiar ways.
Whether you choose a smash-only mini or the full experience, each Denver cake smash session is thoughtfully styled and gently guided at your baby’s pace.
Studio and Outdoor Cake Smash Sessions in Denver
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.
Most cake smash sessions take place in our Loveland studio, thoughtfully designed for maternity, newborn, and baby photography. The space is styled in soft, neutral tones with layered textures and natural light that keeps the focus on your baby.
Balloon styling is kept minimal and refined, creating a cohesive look that feels elevated rather than overly themed. Each setup is coordinated around a custom cake and thoughtfully selected elements that keep the focus on your baby.
Outdoor cake smash sessions are available seasonally for families who prefer natural Colorado light. Open space and soft movement create a different feel while maintaining the same intentional styling.
For families who prefer a different location, sessions may also be arranged at select studio spaces throughout the Denver area when available. Our Loveland studio remains the primary and preferred location for its intentional design and curated styling options.
Our Loveland studio welcomes families from Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Erie, Fort Collins, and surrounding Northern Colorado communities for first birthday cake smash sessions designed with intention, simplicity, and refined detail. Seasonal outdoor sessions are available in select Denver and Northern Colorado locations throughout the year.
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 FAQ
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.
Baby Milestone Photography in Denver
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.
