No better way to celebrate your baby's first birthday!
And just like that, your precious little newborn has reached the age of 1! You literally blinked and missed it. That first year is so full of highs and probably a few lows whilst getting used to being a parent to this little bundle of happiness (not always ha.) In the past, it's been a relatively low key thing and has been celebrated with a few loved ones and a cake and some balloons. But over the last few years, cake smashes have become popular all over the world.
You might be surprised to know that cake smashes didn't originate from the United States like so many think. They say it actually originates from MEXICO! In Mexico they celebrate what is called Mordida. It's a tradition, on the first birthday of a child, where the child's face is shoved into the cake!!! (say whatttttt.) They believe that the first bite brings good luck and the word Mordida is slang in Mexico for 'bite.'
So why have we adopted this new trend here in the UK? Well, it's just a nice way to celebrate baby's very first year of life. They are no longer a tiny newborn who relies on you for everything. They are growing and changing into their own little person, with their own personality and learning how to do things every day by themselves. Newborn photo sessions are important as they capture babies in all their dinkiness before they change in a matter of weeks but cake smashes, in my opinion are just as important! It's a nice way of saying 'Look at me, now!'
So, what happens at cake smashes at erin kate photography?
I offer two different types of cake smashes here. I offer the FULL sessions and also a MINI. The full sessions include portrait images on a plain backdrop first and then some family images before moving onto the cake smash and splash. The mini is just the cake smash and splash part.
The full sessions work out great value for money. You are essentially receiving 4 photo sessions in one package. The portrait images at the start of the session can include 1 or 2 different outfits for baby. This means you can have them in clothing that you particularly love them in from your own home or your own style that you have brought with you. You can also change them into one of my baby outfits such as a romper, to get those cute images typical of a photography session. We use cute little props such as bowls and beds for babies to sit on and we also use balloons and numbers to vary the images.
After that, parents can get into some images with baby to celebrate their wonderful family unit and update their pics at home. It's proven that children who grow up with family photographs at home, grow up with a greater sense of belonging and confidence. Even if you feel you aren't photogenic, I promise, you'll love your family photos and will be so grateful in years to come that you did that.
After this we move onto the cake smashing part. Believe me when I say all babies are different with how they react to the cake. Some babies love it and get all excited, sometimes going in face first! Some babies don't like the feel of it or don't even want to sit by it. It really is just is a matter of let's see what happens on the day. Anything goes at this point, eating it, playing with it, hitting it with a spoon. We try and make it as fun as possible.
THE CAKE
Well, as you can see, the cakes are sensational. They are all handmade by the very talented Tash at The Cupcake Kitchen. Each cake is made right here in Tamworth and they are made to match the colour backdrop that you choose. Whatever is left of the cake, you get to take home! We don't waste food here :-)
The splash part
This part of the session probably gets the most smiles. I don't think I have had one single baby who didn't enjoy that little splash in the tub at the end. I mean, who doesn't love splashing, right?! And yeah, some babies REALLY know how to splash! Ha. We sing songs, we get the little ducks out and we have a real good, splashy time. It's also perfect to get them nice and clean after the cake so you can take them home all fresh.
What if baby cries?
Don't worry! We have babies that cry. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming and they need to just have some time. And that's ok! Baby will never be rushed into the session and if they are not happy, we stop. We let them have a drink or a snack and a cuddle and we wait. Sometimes, baby is just not feeling themself and in these instances, I would always recommend rescheduling. It could be teeth or an illness looming so it's never a problem to rearrange for when they are feeling brighter.
What I know is that you won't ever regret having these images to treasure. Your baby will grow up so quickly and before you know it, they'll be turning 18 - AND YOU'LL BE NEEDING TO ENLARGE AND PRINT THESE PHOTOS FOR THEIR PARTY!!! Ha Ha Ha!!!
