Bristol is One! Disney Princesses Cake Smash, Jasmine, Moana, Snow White, Tangled, The Little Mermaid , Beauty and the Beast - Mechanicsburg PA Photographer

The day is finally here! My baby girl is now officially a toddler! I wanted to do something fun + creative for Bristol’s birthday and, well, like usual… it got out of hand, haha!

I chose to do 6 Disney Princess Cake Smashes for a few reasons (besides the fact that I’m just extra as a mom).

1. WE FREAKING LOVE DISNEY! I am so inspired by Disney movies, Walt Disney+ Disney Parks! Their attention to detail, their color, their stories - amazing! And I couldn’t just pick ONE Disney princess?! I chose the ones with the messages that I want to give to my daughter <3

2. To show YOU how creative we can get with your own sessions! It doesn’t have to just be for their first birthday either. Every child is unique + different at every age. Their portraits should show that! Help me get to know your child + we can mold a gorgeous session just for them.

3… I don’t know… maybe I am planning some Princess Mini Sessions this year? ;)

Soooo without further ado…

Happy Birthday, my beautiful Bristol Mavis! My hopes for you are that you never stop dreaming….

…That you love to learn + never judge a book by it’s cover….

… That you have the bravery to make your life your own, no matter what others are telling you…

… That you always know the importance of being kind to others…

… To follow your heart, knowing your family will always be here loving you….

… And that you always stand up for what is right.

Thank you for being ours.

Beautiful Cakes by La Bella Bakery!

Adalynn - Cake Smash

Mothers of baby girls beware! This post is most likely going to convince you to go buy everything unicorn! When Adalynn’s mom said she wanted a Unicorn Cake Smash, I died a little of happiness. Her session couldn’t have turned out more perfect. Isn't she her mama's gorgeous twin?!

Sweet Adalynn - I can’t believe I am writing about your One Year Pictures! I remember when your mama told me she was pregnant with you + your family prayed for you. Now, look! You are the most precious, sweet thing + it’s no surprise that your mama is your best friend. It’s been a blessing watching you grow this past year.

Enjoy SO many favorites!

This was meant to be a love story.

My grandparents were married 49 happy years.  When they were originally wed they had a small little ceremony - if you can call it that - and lived the rest of their lives relentlessly caring for one another. My pap was the backbone of our family, my nana the heart. 

Nana was excited to have a 50th year anniversary and her ideas were slowly turning into a vow renewal. She wanted a party and flowers and pictures - that was my job. I knew they deserved something special and as a Disney lover I knew their story reminded me of another - the story of the married couple from Up!

If you haven't seen the movie, to sum it up, two young children meet at the beginning of the movie and become friends over their love for adventure. They make plans to travel to South America like their adventurer idol. As they get older, they get married, buy a house, ultimately try for a child but cannot have any, and live out their days still happily in love, doing everything together (this is the part that rings most like my grandparents) and setting their sights on their original adventure of traveling to Paradise Falls. The theme was perfect. I wanted to do an Up! Photoshoot with my grandparents for their anniversary - balloons, antique camera, suit cases, Adventure Book, and all.

This was meant to be a love story.

Unfortunately, the pictures never happened and neither did my grandparents' anniversary. My pap, our family's backbone, passed away unexpectedly before their 50th anniversary was able to arrive and we have all been left heartbroken. And I couldn't help but be disappointed that we missed the chance to have their special photoshoot.

But as my sons' birthdays (both born in August) crept up, I couldn't stop thinking about the Up! theme.  I was still pulled to the idea and I decided we would do it with my sons instead. (Shout out to another wonderful photographer, Amanda Naylor who did this theme with a little guy years ago - that's what inspired me to keep this idea alive!)  Although it wasn't the love story I had originally imagined, it would still be a tribute to a man we love and miss greatly.

Greyson and Paxton LOVED doing this photoshoot. Paxton loved "being like pap" by walking with his mini walker and Greyson was excited to wear Pap's hat and look through their Adventure Book that held pictures of them with their great grand parents. My boys laughed and played and had a wonderful time. And honestly, can you handle how cute they are as little men?! My husband and I couldn't stop laughing!

Although I edited these images awhile ago it's taken some time to actually write about it. My heart aches every day for my nana who is trying to relearn how to live her life. My heart breaks often missing my pap when I need his advice or hugs or even someone to make fun of my love for Leonardo DiCaprio and the holes in my jeans. They never tell you when someone dies, that everyone who loved them dies a little, too. But in seeing these pictures, I see a legacy that a wonderful man left behind - including 2 beautiful great grandsons that were ecstatic to honor his memory. 

So although this wasn't quite the love story I had in my mind with this photoshoot - it's still a love story.  The love the boys have for each other during this photoshoot (and always) was a love that has been taugt and passed down for generations. It's proof that love never dies, it lives on in all of us. This one - and everything - is for you, Pap.

"Thanks for the adventure - now go have a new one!" - Up!

The Hunter Family

The best sessions involve lots of toddler laughs, being in a creek at sunset and blowing dandelions. So basically, everything about this session. Arianna is a little adventurer and just loved being by the creek. So obviouslyyyy, we had to end the session in the water.  Can you even handle how cute this family is with each other?! Enjoy some of my favorites!

Rohen - Cake Smash

Rohen’s Mama came to me with the sweetest theme for her handsome little guy - Where the Wild Things Are! How special and cute is that?! It was one of her favorite books as a child and judging by Rohen intending paging through the book, it’s one of his favorites, too.  Rohen was kind of hilarious. He was so mesmerized by the mirror in my camera moving every time I took a picture that he forgot to smile… luckily his mom has the BEST monkey impression that kept both him and I laughing the whole time. Also, I’m sure I’ve said this before butttttt… the medal for World’s Most Beautiful Family goes to these guys ;)  Enjoy Rohen’s Cake Smash! Happy almost birthday, little dude!

Julia - 2 Years Old

I'm going to be honest. A few weeks ago I discovered Julia's session was lost because of a corrupt SD card and I was devastated. I was so disappointed in myself that I would have to let Julia's mama know that we had to start all over - IF she even wanted to work with me again after my mistake. Thankfully, she is the kindest soul, was willing to do it again, and I took this as an opportunity to make sure Julia's session wasn't just great, but PERFECT. So I chucked that dumb camera card and together Julia and I ROCKED her session redo. I left feeling still very bummed at what happened but sooo excited because this session is just plain wonderful. It hows sweet Julia exactly how she is - intelligent, spunky, and just downright beautiful! God always does things for a reason!

Enjoy my favorites from Julia's Session!

Charlie - Ice Cream Smash!

This. Little. Boy. I can’t tell you how much I love photographing him. I have been squealing over how cute and sweet he is since the day I met him for his newborn session. At Charlie’s newborn session his mom mentioned she didn’t really want a Cake Smash - something different.  The same idea of celebrating his big 1 with something special but cake just wasn’t the ticket. So with that, our Ice Cream Smash idea was born! After the adorable fishing set up we did we headed over to my favorite ice cream parlor (maybe favorite place, period?!) Rakestraws, located a few blocks up from my studio in Mechanicsburg. If you have never been there - GO! NOW! RUN THERE!  They have the best ice cream around and the best service!

Charlie and his family chowed down on some Peanut Butter Curl and then we headed to the studio where we let this big guy have his own Birthday Cake favored ice cream cone. He was a little ice creamed out by the end but not before we captured some of my favorite portraits to date!  Look at that brain freeze face!  Enjoy some favorites of this cutie ... oh and some shots from his Mommy + Me Mini Session!

Grace - Cake Smash

Almost exactly a year ago the sweetest little girl made her way into this world.  Grace is the epitome of spunk and beauty. This gal was born with the biggest smile - but she only shows it on her terms ;)  The Seltzers are a family I have watched grow right in front of my camera - from their engagement session, wedding, maternity session and then Grace came around and made things just that much cuter. As always, I need to give props to her parents - her are full of patience and amazing ideas that I cannot even take credit for. This session had over 250 pictures. The reason for this is because her rents always works their butts off for these sessions - complete with homemade props (that I love them for than donating to me), one-of-a-kind private locations, fresh flowers straight from their garden, a big love for their little girl.  Oh, they also have the cutest model pup that stole the show in a few of these shots. 

Enjoy some of Grace’s Cake Smash session!

And just to make everyone feel extra nostalgic - Grace the day I met her :)

Bryce - Newborn

My biggest little guy went to the same preschool as one of these little guys and I was so excited to hear they would be adding another brother to the family.  I couldn't wait to find out what Bryce looked like and once he was finally here, I could not get over all his hair!!! I must have played with his hair and rubbed his head the whole session.  Another thing that struck me was how much he looked like his big brother, Caden.  Bryce's dad was in the Navy so it was their idea to add a bit of a nautical theme at the end. I have to say, I think the world of these guys! These boys spent 3 hours sitting in a hot studio with me and they barely made a peep while I coaxed their little brother to sleep.  

Enjoy some favorites from Bryce's newborn session! (The first session of manyyy newborn sessions heading your way the next few months!)

The Bilous Family

These are my kind of people. These three (and a half) are so dang sweet and caring with each other that it doesn't take much to create a perfect session like this. And if that's not enough to impress you, they also came equipped with super hero gear! At the end of our session it began to rain so what did we do? We hopped in the creek and got the most gorgeous Mama/daughter portraits. I think the world of this family and can't wait to meet the new little miss soon!

Camille + JP - Children Session

It’s been almost 2 years since I’ve seen this family and since then their little baby is now a sweet young lady and they added another squishy guy to the mix! To say I had the best time with them is an understatement. Confetti, bubbles, chocolate chip cookies, Frozen songs, lots and lots of balloons - I brought out all the stops for their session! I’m so glad I did because Camille and JP were photographic all stars.  Photographing two under two isn’t always easy but just when I thought the kiddos had had enough, they would bust out their big beautiful smiles.  I have to just mention that their Mama is also an all star - she managed to help throughout the whole session including blowing bubbles, fake sneezing, and making silly faces all while always holding a kiddo at the same time.  Can you say Mom of the Year?!  We managed baby portraits, 2 year portraits, sibling shots, and even some mommy and me shots. All in two hours!!!  As always it was great catching up with this family - they are always a joy to work with.  I made sure to get these edited today just so I could post this next sentence on their blog post…. Happy 2nd birthday, Camille!!! You are the smartest, most beautiful little girl! <3

 Enjoy my favs!

Harper - Cake Smash

Miss Harper ran (and I mean literally RAN) through my studio doors with this big giant grin and she didn’t stop with the cuteness the whole time she was with me.  The last time I saw her was back in October and somehow she managed to transform into little person since that time. What a big, happy personality! It makes you happy just to watch her.

Her session was full of all the things I love - insanely fun parent portraits, tulle outfits, a smiley little lady, and glitter. I was excited about her birthday theme - pink, gold and white Minnie Mouse - but I was so much more excited seeing everything I picked out being tied together and making for the cutest scene. Just add soon-to-be one-year-old and you’re golden! Harper wasn’t a big cake eater (maybe it had something to do with the icing gluing her fingers together) but she smashed the cake jussssstttttt enough to make this a favorite of mine. I can’t blame a girl for not wanting to be messy!  I can’t wait to see where Harper’s beautiful personality puts her in life! I have a feeling, somewhere quite amazing.

So without further ado, my favorites of Harper’s Cake Smash!

Mommy + Me Mini Sessions

I’m going to share a little secret with you.  I never wanted to do Mommy and Me Mini Sessions. Around this time every year I get inquires by the boatloads asking if I will be doing Mommy and Me Minis and every year I just don’t have the time. Do you know what changed that?  KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION.

That may sound silly but listen to where I am coming from - when you have your first baby, you feel like you have all the time in the world to cuddle that little pudgy guy or gal. The sleepless nights seem to last forever and you feel like you are going to spend the rest of eternity changing diapers. Sometimes you have another baby, and maybe another. Your life is full of sticky fingers, rough housing, snotty noses, bedtime routines, whining, and time outs. But you know those moments? The special ones that you tuck away in your heart? When your little ones first start telling you that they love you or when your toddler comes home from a playdate and says how much he missed you all day. Or when they want you to cuddle with them at bedtime and sing them a nursery rhyme. 

It’s easy to get caught up in life being “Mom” instead of “Mommy”. Trust me, I know.  But now that my four-year-old is going to be away from me next year for 6 hours, 5 days a week, I’m wishing I would have slowed down.  I wish I would have played more and worked less. Maybe gone on more picnics or had more trips to Monkey Joe's. I wish I would have pictures of me doing the things I love with my kids - cuddling, dancing, playing, tickling, laughing - instead of always needing to be on the other side of the camera.  I find myself being so jealous of the portraits I take of Mommies with their babies at sessions!

That’s why this year I knew I needed to set time aside for Mommy and Me Mini Sessions. Every Mommy, no matter what age, deserves special portraits with the ones she loved into being.  April 17th I will be holding mini sessions at The Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs (if it is good weather) or at my studio at 6 E. Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg (if it is bad weather).  Sessions will be 15-20 minutes long and for those of you have worked with me at mini sessions before know that I give a LOT of pictures. I encourage everyone to bring grandmothers, too!  It did begin with them, after all;)  Gift certificates are also available. Want to book your time slot?  Click here

Here are two of my favorite pictures from this past year with my boys ...  Thanks to my mom ;)

And this portrait from a few years ago is blown up big in my house! Four generations: my Nana, mom, me, and Greyson.

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Phoenix - One Year Old!

Phoenix is here to brighten up your dreary Wednesday! This red headed, blue eyed beauty was a ball of fun for her session. Her faces had me cracking up - check out the puckered up lips! Three things I learned about Phoenix during her session - 1. She thinks balloons are the best. 2. She adores her mommy and daddy. 3. She loves her mom's baking skills - she couldn't get enough of the cake she brought! I was also told dad is a big fan of black and whites so I made sure to add in as many as possible - although it was hard to lose that gorgeous hair color!!! I know I keep saying this but this was one of my largest galleries to date. With Phoenix's sweet moments with her parents, her adventerous personality and her awesome purple and green cake smash, there was just too much to photograph! Enjoy some favorite's from her session...

Eli - One Year Old

It started out as a frigid, windy day. Mother Nature must have known Eli was something special because by the evening the sun had came out, the winds had died down, and Eli was ready for his close-up.  Eli was full of smiles and adventure for a good part of his session. If he seemed a little  bored, it was nothing a pumpkin, cars or leaves couldn't cure.  You could see the wheels turning behind those big blue eyes the whole time and I was so impressed with his knack to problem solve. Mom and Dad came prepared with their own props that Eli just loved.  We even got a few snaps with his loving grandparents who were awesome smile-makers! There is a whole slew of beautiful family portraits in this one but I've got to say, my favorites are the unposed, playful ones. Happy first birthday, Eli! Remember me when you become President someday! Enjoy some favorites!!!

Charlie + Zoey

I hope you guys can handle the cuteness that is this little family! I kind of adore the tot stage and the reason for that is because they are so carefree and adventurous; they find everything interesting and are always exploring. Take that x2 and you have the makings of an adorable (and fast paced) session. Charlie and Zoey are BEAUTIFUL just like their parents. I mean it. Even editing these pictures I could not stop "awwwing".  They wanted their picture taken for a whole 2.2 seconds and then they were off on a grand adventure and me, mom and dad just followed along for the ride.  I have to give props to mom and dad - they were the foundation of this session. They could wrangle a wild Charlie who wanted to climb fences or a hungry Zoey who just wanted her gummies with the biggest smiles on their faces. And these kids adore their parents. Once they were tired of traipsing around the Fort Hunter property they were ready to snuggle with mom and dad.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! Here are some favs.

Sophia - Newborn Session

I swear all of my customers look like supermodels lately. As you can see, Sophia and her family were no different. According to Sophia's mom she had been awake all day before her session so we were expecting her to be zonked out. Nope. She'd rather hang out with us ;) I cannot believe the big smiles we got out of this little girl!  Finally she did fall asleep and looked like a little angel in her cute clothes & on my bed prop. I keep telling myself I need to cool it with the teal & purple at newborn sessions but I couldn't help it. Sophia just looked so dreamy with these colors. I think my studio is screaming for one of these as a canvas, don't you think? Enjoy my favorites!

Charlie - Cake Smash

This is my third time working with Charlie and her family. I knew from experience that it wasn't going to take much effort to make this a great session. The first great thing that happened is we beat out a storm! The second great to happen was even though Charlie wasn't all about the camera at first, she was the cutest cuddling with mom and dad -- these are always my favorite kind of shots! Charlie's mom added some personal touches that I adored like the burlap sign with her name and a letter & jewelry box from Charlie's grandmother. Little lady's cake smash was a dream - I love everything about the cake, her tutu, the light pink accents, and her gorgeous eyes. She didn't face plant in the cake as every photographer dreams but she did stick her foot in! That's just as good :) Enjoy my favs.

Adalyn - One Month Old

Ohhhh Adalynnnnn. Her and I bonded. I'm sure I spent at least a half hour nuzzling and cuddling with her.  Even looking at these pictures I have hearts in my eyes because she is just the sweetest soul. I'm going to be honest, one-month-old sessions can be pretty difficult. They are too big to fit into newborn props (Sorry for trying to stuff you into that basket, Addie) and they're too little to hold their head up and sit up. But Adalyn and I were buds, so she did the right thing and slept for most of her session.  And can we talk about these family shots?! Baby girl, you are so loved by everyone. Here are a few favorites!