Lets Make a Mess of Memories! | Denver Cake Smash Photography | Baby's First Birthday | Denver Photographer

What Matters Most in Your Baby's Denver Cake Smash Session

Welcome to the sweetest—and admittedly messiest—moment in a baby’s first year! At Aspen Trails Photography, our cake smash sessions capture the pure joy, wonder, and delight of little ones as they dive face-first into their very first birthday cake. It’s one part celebration, one part adorably chaotic—and 100% unforgettable.


Your little one's first year has gone by so fast, and oh, how they have changed. Their personalities are shining through, milestones are peeking or emerging and its time to celebrate all you have been through together.


As a mom of two wild little boys, and a Denver cake smash photographer, I can tell you how important it is to capture those little milestones. This is a special time for your family, especially for your almost one year old! Capture those little facial expressions, those little hand gestures, those tiny toes - remember where they are right now.



Why You’ll Love a Cake Smash Session


  • Pure Emotion: There’s nothing quite like the look on a little one’s face when they taste cake for the first time. We’re here to freeze that expression in time—wide eyes, big smiles, and some even candid gasps!
  • One-and-Only Keepsake: Baby’s first birthday comes just once—this is the perfect way to commemorate it in style (and in frosting).
  • A Fun Family Event: These sessions are lighthearted and festive, perfect for capturing candid moments between baby and loved ones.


Baby in white outfit crawls on floor with blue and white balloon decorations in bright modern room.
A baby surrounded by blue and white balloons sits on a wooden chair during a special occasion.

First Birthday | Milestone Options

When booking your Denver cake smash session you can choose from several options:

  • Portraits only - A simple, clean portrait session of your little with one outfit.
  • Cake Smash session with baby only and two sets - A simple, clean portrait set and a fun, celebratory set. You choose if you would like a balloon garland, and what the color scheme will be. I take care of the rest. This session also includes (but totally optional) a splash session! Clean off those little cakey hands in a little white tub with bubbles.
  • Cake Smash + Session includes family portraits! This is a full session with family portrait options as well as a cake smash and splash for your birthday little.
Baby wearing white sweater lying down on soft white fabric in gentle, minimalist nursery setting.
Decorative baby photo setup with white bathtub, blue and white balloons, and pastel bunting flags against white backdrop.
A series of three photos showing a baby crawling under a wooden slatted crib divider in progressive stages.

What is included in the Denver Cake Smash Sessions?

I have hand picked props and outfits for your use during every Cake Smash session. My client closet consists of adorable, quality, outfits ranging from 9 to 18 months. Don't like or want one of my outfits from the client closet? No problem! Bring your own. I welcome any outfits, props or heirlooms that you might want to include in your session.


Balloon arches, garland and other backdrops are always included in my Denver Cake Smash Sessions. During the booking process, I will find out what your ideal session would include and what that would look like. You choose a color scheme (always feel free to send me inspiration images)! Let me take care of the rest!


As long as your little doesn't have any allergies - I include the cake! My Denver cake smash sessions include a small 4 inch double layer round cake. I like to keep it simple and stick to the color scheme or keep it white. We want the focus on your little one, not the cake they are smashing into!


Don't worry about cleanup! I want you to come, have fun, make some memories and not have to worry about the mess.

What to Expect in the Denver Cake Smash and Baby Portraits?


  1. Family Photo Option: Before we get going with the portraits and cake smash, I like to start with family portraits, if that is the package of choice. I like to make a quick session and get those sweet moments in between moments before the messiness starts!
  2. Pre-Smash Prep: We’ll style the scene with your cake of choice, coordinating backdrops, and a select theme—whether that’s whimsical forest with neutral tones or bright balloons and confetti.
  3. Candid & Portrait Shots: We start with a few gentle, posed portraits before the sugar hits. These treasured images give a timeless feel to your gallery. We get baby with a simple backdrop so the focus is on them, capturing those little moments and gestures. Starting with one portrait outfit, then changing into the cake smash outfit of your choice!
  4. The Main Event: Cue the cake! We let loose, let baby get messy, and capture every crumb and congealed frosting smile. Don’t worry—we have cleaning wipes and a quick tidy-up option ready. You don't have to worry about any of the cleanup!
  5. Cake Smash AND SPLASH: An optional add on for your baby's cake smash session is a post-smash bubble bath! Your little one might have some cakey hands and face, so lets let them splash it all away in an adorable splash session after the cake smash. I follow baby's lead, so if they aren't feeling it, no worries! its all optional!



Check out my studio space and props here

A young child in teal and white party decorations enjoys a white frosted cake with colorful sprinkles.
Baby in teal romper smashing cake during first birthday photoshoot with blue and white balloon decorations.

Planning Your Perfect Session


  • Choose Your Theme & Cake: We’ll guide you through styling options that complement your nursery, the season, or even your baby’s favorite color.
  • Timing Is Everything: We recommend scheduling around nap and feeding times so baby is fresh and ready. Usually mid-morning works perfectly.
  • Wardrobe Tips: I have hand chosen neutral, simple and quality style outfits or cake-friendly romper. Bonus: coordinating parents’ outfits ties everything together! If you prefer your own outfit selections, I'm all for it!
  • Props & Decor: Hand selected wood or bamboo props - quality outfits ranging in many sizes, with timeless and neutral color options. I love keeping things simple so the focus is on baby.


Baby in white bathtub with blue and white balloon decorations during milestone photo session.
A professional photo session setup with teal and white balloons for a baby milestone or cake smash shoot.
Cake smash photo session setup with white and turquoise balloons and decorations for milestone celebration.

A Few Tips for a Smooth Session


  • Expect the unexpected - Sometimes they love and sometimes they hate the attention and the cake! No worries! It's all part of the process.
  • Bring fresh diapers, wipes & a change of clothes (for baby and maybe a backup for you too!)
  • Keep water nearby—both for hydration and a quick rinse - or we do a SPLASH!
  • Embrace the mess—it’s all part of the moment! (Don't worry, I take care of it all)
  • Let baby explore at their pace; that’s where the magic happens


Aspen trails photography is your denver, castle rock Cake smash photographer

Aspen Trails Photography is based in Castle Rock, and I proudly serve families throughout Denver metro area, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Cherry Creek, Elizabeth, Larkspur, and Colorado Springs. Whether you're in Denver, Colorado Springs, or the surrounding areas of Denver, I'm here to help you celebrate your little one’s big milestone with joy, color, and creativity.


Aspen Trails Photography Studio is located just downtown Castle Rock.

Festive first birthday party setup with blue and white balloons, bunting flags, and a small wooden stool against white backdrop.
Baby in white knit sweater sits near wooden stool with turquoise and white balloons in background.
Baby bath photo session with white and turquoise balloons and decorative bunting flags in the background.
Family portrait session with matching green outfits and balloons showing tender moments between parent and children.
First birthday party setup with green balloons, decorations and a wooden high chair against white walls.
Baby in white knit sweater sits beside balloons against bright window with soft natural lighting.
A baby sits in a vintage style white bathtub with green and white balloon decorations in the background.
Decorative white ONE letters with scattered delicate purple bellflowers on a white background.
First birthday party setup with purple balloon arch and white cake on stand against white background.
Elegant white and purple balloon arch with lilac flowers decorates a dreamy studio setup with decorative white boxes.
Baby in white dress sits on floor with purple balloon arch and floral decor for first birthday photoshoot.
Elegant first birthday cake decorated with butterflies and pink accents next to golden balloons and floral arrangements.
Sweet baby in light green shirt poses against pastel balloon arch backdrop for milestone photo session.
A baby wearing a pink dress sticks tongue out while posing with purple balloons and floral decorations in the background.
Baby dressed in white crawls near a stylish rattan crib on white background.