
Capturing one-year-old milestone photos is a beautiful way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday. A cake smash session in Charlotte, NC, adds a playful and memorable element to the occasion. One recent session featured a fun dinosaur theme, “One Dino-mite First Year,” creating a lively and charming celebration. With a custom setup, a personalized “ROAR” cake, and an adorable dino hat, this session was filled with sweet moments and plenty of personality. Here’s a closer look at all the details from this delightful milestone session!
Classic One-Year-Old Milestone Photos to Start
Every great session begins with a classic touch! For this one-year-old milestone photoshoot, we started with a clean and timeless setup to capture those heartwarming moments that parents will treasure forever. Simplicity and elegance were the themes as we set the stage for this little guy’s special day.
The Outfit: Dapper and Adorable

This charming little one wore a darling blue shirt, a navy bow tie, and crisp white shorts. The outfit was as dapper as it gets, perfectly fitting for a first birthday celebration. The classic look allowed his sweet personality to shine through in every photo.
Props to Highlight the Big Birthday Moment
To complement his outfit, we incorporated some of my favorite props. A small white bench, a banner, and oversized “ONE” letters brought a touch of whimsy while keeping the focus on him. The clean white backdrop, accented by soft curtains, provided a timeless setting for his one-year-old milestone photos. Simple, classic, and utterly perfect—that’s my mantra for these special sessions.
These photos laid the groundwork for a timeless visual story before we transitioned into the vibrant and playful cake smash segment!

The Dino-Mite Cake Smash Setup in Charlotte, NC
Next came the highlight of the session: the dinosaur-themed cake smash! The “One Dino-mite First Year” theme was brought to life with a custom setup that was bursting with color, creativity, and playful details—perfect for celebrating this little one’s big day.

Colors that POP in One-Year-Old Milestone Photos
Bright and cheerful colors—blue, green, and orange—set the tone for the cake smash setup. These vibrant hues were carefully chosen to evoke joy and excitement, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the milestone. The colorful palette brought a lively energy to every photo, ensuring the setup was as eye-catching as it was fun.



Dino-Details and Props
Every element of this setup was thoughtfully designed to immerse the little one in his very own dinosaur adventure. Large, custom-cut dinosaur shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange provided a bold and playful backdrop. These dino cutouts added depth and dimension, creating the perfect prehistoric atmosphere. Oversized “ROAR” lettering on the cake served as a striking focal point, while balloons in coordinating colors framed the scene beautifully.
The simplicity of the dino shapes kept the setup cohesive and allowed the vibrant colors to shine. The greenery accents gave the setup a jungle-inspired touch, making it feel like a true dino adventure!
The Cake: A Showstopper
The custom cake, lovingly brought by his mom, was the star of the setup. Its smooth white icing served as a canvas for bold blue and green “ROAR” lettering, perfectly matching the theme. The cake topper, featuring a miniature dinosaur, added a touch of whimsy that tied the entire look together. Not only did the cake look amazing, but it was also the perfect size for smashing—and smash it he did! Watching him dig into the cake with unrestrained glee was the highlight of the session.
In every shot, the cake served as both a delicious treat and a central piece of the decor. It was more than a dessert; it was a work of art that perfectly complemented the theme.
Bringing the Theme to Life
The overall vibe of the setup was playful yet cohesive, with every detail contributing to the “Dino-Mite” theme. The combination of bright colors, creative props, and thoughtful accents ensured the little one’s personality and adventurous spirit were captured beautifully. This wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a full-on celebration of a milestone year!
The Perfect Outfit for a Dino-Themed Cake Smash

The little guy’s outfit for the cake smash was as fun as the theme itself. A green diaper cover with suspenders provided the perfect mix of comfort and style, allowing him to move, explore, and enjoy his big moment.
Adding Extra Charm to One-Year-Old Milestone Photos
For a few photoso of his first birthday portraits, we added a small dino-themed hat that brought even more personality to the session. It’s these little touches that make milestone photos truly unforgettable.
We also included a mini matching bib for some pre-smash shots. This not only protected his adorable outfit but also added an extra layer of cuteness to the session. Watching him giggle and play in his dino-themed attire was an absolute joy.
Pro Tip: If you’re hoping your little one will keep a hat on during their session, start practicing early! Try out a few hats from the dollar store about a month before the big day to get them used to the feeling.




Why Choose a Cake Smash Session in Charlotte, NC?
If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area and considering a cake smash session for your little one, here are some great reasons to book:
Custom Themes Tailored to Your Child
From playful to elegant, I create setups that reflect your child’s personality. Whether it’s a dinosaur adventure or a football-themed smash, I’ll bring your vision to life! Check out this fun football-themed smash: First Birthday Touchdown Session.
Capture Timeless One-Year-Old Memories
One-year-old milestone photos are about celebrating your baby’s first year while creating memories you’ll treasure forever. These photos freeze the magic of this fleeting time, giving you keepsakes to look back on for years to come.
Stress-Free Experience
Leave the details to me! I handle the setup, props, and cleanup so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Watching your little one explore, play, and smash their cake is a moment you won’t want to miss.
Plus, with years of experience photographing children, I know how to keep your little one engaged and happy throughout the session, ensuring we capture those perfect smiles and candid moments.
Book Your One-Year-Old Milestone Photos in Charlotte, NC Today!
Are you ready to celebrate your little one’s first birthday with a fun and memorable cake smash session? From custom themes to vibrant setups, I’ll help you create photos that you’ll cherish forever. Check out my Milestone package details and book your session today!
Want more inspiration? Visit my Instagram highlights for a sneak peek at more fun cake smash sessions: Instagram Highlights. Let’s make this milestone unforgettable!
