Mermaid Magic: A Whimsical "Under the Sea" Cake Smash & Splash
There is something so special about a first birthday. It’s a year of first steps, first words, and—if you’re lucky—the first time you get to dive face-first into a giant pile of frosting. Recently, I had the absolute joy of hosting a "Little Mermaid" themed cake smash in the studio, and it was every bit as bubbly and fun as it sounds.
Setting the Scene in the Studio
We turned the studio into a shimmering underwater oasis. We went with soft aquas, corals, and lavender tones, scattered with seashells and starfish to give it that serene seabed feel. But the real magic happened when we brought out the bubbles! There’s nothing like a cloud of bubbles to get a one-year-old’s eyes to light up.
Our Little Mermaid
Our star of the show arrived in the cutest shimmering scales and a tutu that looked like sun-dappled waves. She even had a tiny crown made of shells and pearls—the perfect finishing touch for the reigning queen of the day.
The centerpiece of the session was a stunning creation from Lovelee Cakes in Monroe, WA. If you haven't seen their work, it’s incredible. This cake looked like a piece of a coral reef, topped with a gorgeous mermaid tail. It almost felt like a shame to smash it—almost.
The Smash and the Splash
She started off just like most one-year-olds: a little bit curious and a lot bit cautious. She gave the frosting a gentle poke, but once she realized how good it tasted, all bets were off! There were gleeful splashes of blue frosting everywhere, and her laughter was absolutely infectious.
After the cake was thoroughly "smashed," we moved on to the "Splash" part of the session. We brought out a tiny tub for a bubble bath, which is always a hit. It’s the perfect way to get those clean, glowing photos (and it helps get all that Monroe-made frosting off their toes before heading home!).
Why I Love These Milestones
After 10 years of shooting weddings and families in the Bothell and Seattle area, these first birthday sessions remain some of my absolute favorites. They are a celebration of a whole year of growth and a beautiful way to document your family’s story. We even took a few moments to snap some updated family portraits during the session, because Mom and Dad deserve to be in the frame, too!
To our radiant little mermaid: may your life always be filled with wonder and waves of happiness. Thank you for letting me capture your very first journey "under the sea!"
