Lylah’s Sweet First Birthday Cake Smash at Camden Lake Park in Elk Grove
Every cake smash session tells a little story—and Lylah’s was pure sweetness from start to finish. I’ve had the joy of photographing her since she was just a newborn, and it’s been so special watching her grow through her milestone sessions. For her one-year session, we chose the beautiful Camden Lake Park in Elk Grove, surrounded by sunshine, green grass, and gentle willow trees.
We planned the session for golden hour, when the light turns warm and glowy—creating that soft, dreamy look that makes outdoor portraits feel so magical. Lylah’s theme was soft and girly, with a sage green dress, blush pink accents, and delicate floral touches. Mom Stephanie and big sister Tiara joined in to help bring out those adorable smiles, making it an evening full of laughter and love.
Daisies, Banners, and Big Birthday Smiles
We started the evening with a classic outdoor setup that perfectly matched Lylah’s sweet personality. Her soft sage green dress with embroidered florals was simply adorable and looked beautiful against the park’s green backdrop. The white ladder, burlap banner, and daisy details brought just the right amount of whimsy.
Lylah loved exploring the setup, flashing big smiles and showing off her curiosity. The golden hour light filtering through the trees created a soft, glowing atmosphere, my favorite kind of natural light for milestone portraits. Every photo captured her joyful energy and the gentle beauty of the park around her.
Party Hats and Favorite Stuffed Friends
Next up came the stuffed-animal celebration! Minnie Mouse, a plush elephant, and a few of Lylah’s other favorite toys joined in for the fun—all wearing tiny party hats, of course. This setup brought out her playful side right away.
She clapped her hands, giggled at her toys, and gave the sweetest little expressions as her sister cheered her on from behind the camera. It was the perfect mix of personality and play—showing that one-year-old wonder that makes milestone photos so special.
Pretty Florals and Cake Smash Fun
The final setup was a dreamy cake smash scene filled with soft pink florals, pastel blocks, and Lylah’s sprinkle-covered cake. The “ONE” sign tied everything together beautifully, while the natural greenery of Camden Lake Park added the perfect outdoor charm.
Lylah was a little cautious at first—tapping the cake and studying the frosting—but it didn’t take long before she was all smiles and sweet messes! She didn’t fully go into the cake and was still reserved but her smiles made all of us smile and giggle. Her expressions were priceless, from her curious looks to her happy cake-covered grin. This setup was the perfect end to a beautiful first birthday session.
Watching Her Grow
It’s been such an honor to photograph Lylah throughout her first year—from her cozy newborn session to her six-month milestone portraits, and now this beautiful first birthday celebration. Watching little ones grow is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and seeing familiar families return year after year truly means the world.
Happy first birthday, sweet Lylah! You are so loved, and I can’t wait to see the adventures your next year brings.
To see other cake smashes and milestone sessions see below:
