There is something incredibly special about documenting a baby’s first birthday with a one year milestone and cake smash session right at home — in the space where they are most comfortable, most themselves, and most loved.

Wren’s one year milestone session with the Lavender family was everything I adore about this stage of childhood: simple, intentional, and deeply emotional.

When Style Alignment Feels Effortless

Ashley (mom) and I are always on the exact same wavelength when it comes to style — and sessions like this are proof of how magical that alignment can be.

We both believe that less truly is more. That simplicity allows emotion to rise to the surface. And that timelessness will always outlast trends.

From the very beginning, we envisioned a clean, white backdrop for Wren’s final milestone membership session — her one year milestone and cake smash session — allowing her expressions, curiosity, and quiet sweetness to truly shine. The result was nothing short of beautiful.

In- Home One Year Milestone and Cake Smash- A Photographer’s Dream Setup

This session was truly a photographer’s dream.

Using a portable backdrop and stand allowed us to create a soft, studio-style look right inside the Lavender family’s home — without disrupting Wren’s routine or comfort.

The details were minimal but perfect:

• A cozy sweater romper that photographed beautifully and added just the right amount of texture
• A single first birthday balloon — simple, symbolic, and timeless
• A candle holder filled with colorful candles, adding a gentle pop of joy without overwhelming the frame

Big Brother Love (and the Cherry on Top)

And then there was big brother Ivan — proudly joining in on the celebration in the cutest Beaufort Bonnet Company pajamas. (click HERE to “add to cart” because… necessary 🤪)

Ivan was beyond sweet and so incredibly helpful, patiently showing little sister exactly how this whole cake smash thing was done. Watching him cheer her on, guide her, and love on her so naturally was truly the cherry on top of this session.

Those sibling moments — the unscripted ones — are always some of my favorites.

Black & White That You Feel

Ashley and I wholeheartedly agree on one thing: there is nothing better than a heartfelt, emotional black & white image.

The white backdrop was truly chef’s kiss for this vision.

It allowed the light to wrap softly around Wren. It highlighted tiny expressions and fleeting in-between moments. And it created space for emotion — the kind you feel more than you see.

These are the images that stop time. The ones that grow more meaningful with every passing year.

Why One Year Milestone and Cake Smash Sessions Matter & why in-home milestones will forever be my favorite…

One year goes by in the blink of an eye.

An in-home milestone session keeps the focus exactly where it belongs:

• On your baby
• On connection
• On sibling relationships
• On the feeling of this season

With a simple setup, familiar surroundings, and a baby-led pace, we’re able to create images that feel honest, relaxed, and deeply personal.

Wren’s session was a reminder that you don’t need elaborate sets or over-the-top props to tell a beautiful story.

Sometimes, all you need is: soft light, intentional details, and a shared vision.

Lavender family — thank you for trusting me to document such a meaningful milestone. Watching Wren explore, pause, and take it all in (with Ivan by her side) was pure magic.

One year, beautifully and simply told. 🤍

One Year Milestone and Cake Smash Session Cleanup Crew Approved 🐶

And of course, no Lavender family session would be complete without Yogi making an appearance. Once Wren was finished celebrating, Yogi happily stepped in for cleanup duty — carefully inspecting every last crumb and frosting smudge. Watching him take his role very seriously brought so much laughter and was the perfect, real-life ending to this milestone moment. These are the little unscripted touches that make sessions feel like your family — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Year Worth Celebrating

Lavender family — thank you for trusting me with such an incredible year of memories. From those early days to this sweet one year milestone, it has been the greatest honor to watch Wren grow and to document your family exactly as you are — full of love, connection, and so much heart.

I’m so grateful for the trust, the laughter, and the moments we’ve shared, and I cannot wait for all the fun memories still to come in the years ahead.

And to any mommas reading this and feeling that little tug in your heart — I would absolutely love to chat about your family’s story and help you document it in a way that feels meaningful, timeless, and beautifully you. These fleeting seasons deserve to be remembered 🤍

Click HERE to send us a message (we always LOVE to hear from you!)

P.S. If you’d like to see where this journey began, you can view the Lavender family’s maternity session by clicking the image below!

Sending all the love

xoxo

Alex