First Birthday Cake Smash | Sussex, WI Baby Milestone Photographer | Michelle Alyce Photography

We all have those favorite books, the ones we read over and over again, night after night, year after year as our little ones grow up. In our home, many of these books are now tucked away in the back of our bookshelf to make room for larger chapter books, fantastical fiction and graphic novels. It’s not often that we pull out our old picture books, but when we do, all of those feelings come rushing back. I felt those same feelings when preparing the sets for these book themed Smash & Splash portrait sessions as they were both very important books in my children’s childhoods.

two first cake smash set ups, monster at the end of this book and hungry little caterpillar

A lot of planning goes into my cake smash portrait sessions. At least a few weeks before the session, my clients and I discuss theme ideas. Some have very specific ideas (like a favorite book or TV show), others have preferred colors or styles and some others give me complete creative control. Regardless of how the theme is decided, I always do my best to create something beautifully unique that matches my vision and makes my clients happy.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this family for the last couple of years and have loved designing sets for both of their boys’ 1st birthday portrait sessions. Here they are, 2 years apart, in completely different book-themed sets. Aren’t they the cutest?!