Capturing Milestones: A One Year Photo Shoot & Cake Smash

One of the greatest joys of being a photographer is the opportunity to be a part of some of life’s sweetest and most memorable moments. Recently, I had the honor of doing just that with the wonderful Beasley family for their son Beau’s one-year photo shoot, which included an adorable cake smash. Held at the stunning Social Butterfly Studio in Nolensville this past July, this session was full of love, laughter, and a bit of cake-covered fun. 

Before I share some of the precious photos, if you’re ready to capture beautiful memories and celebrate your little one’s milestones, I’d love to help bring your vision to life! Peruse more of my photography style, and I hope that you’ll see how I create timeless, heartfelt moments that you’ll treasure for years to come. Visit my about page and contact me today to book your session – let’s create something special together!

Until then, let’s walk through some of my favorite details from their session, from the beautifully coordinated outfits, the heartwarming family portraits, and, of course, the ultimate cake smash!

Meet the Beasley Family

This wasn’t just any family – Lawson Beasley, part of The Beasley Brothers band, and his lovely wife Alicia brought their precious son Beau in for what would become a delightful celebration of his first big milestone. It’s always exciting to meet clients, but when I found out I would be photographing a local Nashville artist and his family, I was beyond thrilled! It was such a privilege to be trusted with capturing these special memories for them! 

Choosing the Perfect Setting: Social Butterfly Studio

When Alicia and Lawson reached out to schedule Beau’s one-year photo shoot, we discussed various options for the location. After talking through their vision, we collectively decided that Social Butterfly Studio was the ideal spot for this special occasion. The studio is such a lovely space, providing a bright and welcoming environment, perfect for both classic portraits and cake smash fun. The versatility of the space allowed us to seamlessly transition from the more formal family portraits to the playful cake smash without missing a beat.

If you’re planning a one year photo shoot, I highly recommend finding a location that offers flexibility and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Don’t worry if you can’t think of a location offhand either, that’s one of the things I will help you with as we plan your family session. A great location truly makes all the difference in creating a relaxed and joyful experience throughout the entire session.

Family Photos in Tennessee

We kicked off the session with family portraits, and let me just say, the Beasleys were dressed to impress. Alicia looked stunning in both of her outfits, and I have to give credit where credit is due—her hair and makeup were done by the incredibly talented Kati Edge Hair and Makeup. Having professional hair and makeup can really elevate the experience and make families feel confident and camera-ready. As a family photographer, I do provide hair and makeup for many of my packages because I want you relaxed and looking your best for your session. Alicia’s natural beauty was enhanced perfectly, and Lawson looked sharp as ever. But little Beau? He was, without a doubt, the star of the show in his sweet outfits.

The Magic of a One-Year Photo Shoot

There’s something special about a one-year photo session. It’s a milestone filled with so many emotions—pride, joy, and maybe a little disbelief that an entire year has passed since that sweet baby was born. Trust me, I know. During our session, Beau was all smiles and curiosity. 

One-year-olds are at such an adorable stage where they explore everything around them, and Beau was no exception. He was curious about the camera, the studio, and, of course, the cake! His bright eyes and sweet expressions made capturing precious moments that genuinely showcase his budding personality easy.

As a photographer, I always strive to capture not just the posed portraits but also the candid moments that tell the story of a family’s dynamic. With the Beasleys, those moments were endless. Whether it was Beau reaching out to his mom for a quick hug or the laughter shared between Alicia and Lawson, the love in this family was palpable.

The One-Year-Old Cake Smash: A Fun and Memorable Finish

After the family portraits were complete, it was time for the outfit change and the grand finale – Beau’s cake smash! Smash cakes have become a popular tradition for one-year photo shoots, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a fun, playful way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday, and the photos are always priceless.

Beau’s cake was simple yet beautiful. As soon as we placed it in front of him, his eyes lit up with curiosity. At first, he was a bit hesitant, gently poking at the frosting. But once he got a taste, there was no holding back! 

The cake smash was everything we hoped it would be. These photos will be such a wonderful reminder for the Beasley family of this special time in Beau’s life. And honestly, capturing those sweet and funny moments is one of the best parts of my job!

Why You Should Consider a Cake Smash for Your One-Year Photo Shoot

If your baby’s first birthday is approaching, I highly recommend incorporating a cake smash into the photo shoot. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate – and the messiness only adds to the charm! Plus, besides being a fun activity, a cake smash can also help your baby feel more at ease in front of the camera. At this age, little ones are starting to show their personalities but may still be a bit shy. Giving them something to interact with, like a cake, helps them relax and results in more natural, joyful expressions.

Plus, who doesn’t love a cute, cake-covered baby photo? Be honest! 

Capturing the Sweetest Milestones

Beau’s one-year photo shoot and cake smash were a joy to capture. I’m grateful to the Beasley family for trusting me with these special moments. 

Before we finish up, I’d love to invite you to download my FREE Family Photography Session Planning & Style Guide. It’s designed to help families everywhere feel confident and prepared for their upcoming sessions. Grab your copy here! And if you’re looking for a photographer in the Nashville area, I would be thrilled to help you capture these beautiful moments. I’m here to make your vision come to life. Let’s chat here!

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