Anyone with a boy can attest to the fact that finding things that are “cute” can be difficult. Typically there are sayings and graphics on primary color clothing. Step and repeat. Unless you’re crafty, have someone that is, or order custom, getting items that are simple or understated can be difficult.
This difficulty continues in many ways: Toys, room decor, and {so-I-thought}, milestone birthday cake smash sessions.
Ashlee with Sweetest Snaps Photography has been a lifesaver for an overly anxious mom like me. In April, as soon as her calendar opened up, I booked my son’s pictures for the middle of July for his August birthday. This allowed me time to think of theme ideas and everything that goes with it.
Early on we had decided on THE OFFICE as the theme. Which, if you weren’t involved in the 2020 Netflix watches and rewatches, is an American remake of a British show, that was originally filmed and aired from 2005-2013.
It is a brilliantly written show, with so many jokes, moments, and more that make it the perfect theme.
About two weeks before the photos were scheduled Ashlee sent an email with some information, a lookbook of other sessions, and a link to a questionnaire. This was super helpful because I was able to glance over other sessions to help pull different ideas or props that would want to use. The questionnaire also allowed me to put in the props and ideas I had, reiterate the theme, and add in any notes or food allergies for the cake itself.
From here I was able to think of different ideas, plan what I wanted Wesley to wear, and get all of the things together.
Thankfully Sweetest Snaps already had a decent amount of things from The Office from a precious shoot that they had done. This, mixed with items I had ordered for Wesley’s party, made for just the right amount of items to be different from the shoot she had done previously and those I had seen online.
These are the items that I brought personally: Three Office Funko Pops, a pillow, a personalized cake topper, birthday banners, cheese balls, a Dwight bobblehead, and Wesley’s Sandals shirt.
The day of his photoshoot I was slightly stressed due to other things that were going on, but once I arrived at the studio everything was so easy. Ashlee and her assistant worked to get everything added in, we reworked items around, and they even helped me choose the outfit for the actual cake smash portion of the shoot. It was nice to feel heard and to feel like I was a part of the design choice rather than the typical point-and-shoot relationship with most photographers.
I can’t remember how long the shoot was actually booked for, as in what the time slot was for. I arrived a little early, about 15 minutes, which was mostly spent setting up the area and reworking things. But, from when we actually started taking pictures to finish was a little under an hour.
The overall experience was something I highly recommend. It was nice to be able to spend time with someone who Wesley and I both love and to just have fun for an hour.
If you are looking for a WONDERFUL Photographer for your baby’s cake smash we HIGHLY recommend Sweetest Snaps Photography! You can see Ashlee as the Title Sponsor for our Coastal Bend Photographers Guide, and at many of our events throughout the year!
