It’s hard to believe that little Vasili is already turning one year old! I first met this sweet boy and his wonderful family when I had the joy of photographing his Orthodox baptism — a beautiful celebration where Vasili was full of smiles and handled everything like a champ. So when his mom Lia reached out to plan a one year photo shoot and smash the cake session, I knew it would be something special.
A Baseball-Themed Smash the Cake Photoshoot
Lia, who’s been documenting Vasili’s growth month by month with phone photos, decided to make his first birthday milestone a little extra memorable by hiring me to capture this important chapter. We chose a baseball field in Arlington Heights, the perfect setting for the theme — inspired by Vasili’s favorite hobby at home: throwing everything he can get his hands on!
Lia decorated a charming spot on the field with baseball props and birthday touches, creating the perfect setting for both playful and picture-perfect moments. Vasili had fun trying on a few adorable outfits (yes, outfit changes at age one are still a whole vibe!) and exploring the props with wide-eyed curiosity.
Let the Cake Smash Begin
Of course, the highlight of the day was the smash the cake moment — and Vasili did not disappoint! His excitement and curiosity made for some unforgettable expressions and action shots. There’s something truly joyful about watching a child discover cake with no rules, no utensils, and no pressure. Just pure, messy fun.
A Family Affair
We also took some time to capture a few sweet family portraits, including Vasili’s dad John and the family dog, who was clearly just as curious about the cake as Vasili was! These moments brought warmth and connection to the shoot, rounding out the session beautifully.
Planning a Smash the Cake or One Year Photo Shoot?
If your little one is about to turn one, a smash the cake photoshoot is a fantastic way to celebrate this huge milestone. Whether you want to go all out with a theme or keep it simple and sweet, I’ll help you design a session that’s fun, stress-free, and full of authentic memories.
Based in the Chicago suburbs, I frequently photograph families in locations like Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, and throughout the northwest suburbs.
Ready to plan your own one year photo shoot or smash the cake session in Arlington Heights?
Contact me here or visit www.thehphoto.com