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Here you'll find helpful tips, location guides, planning advice, and photo session ideas for couples and families in Northern New Jersey ; from Sussex County and Sparta to Morristown, Madison, and beyond.

Whether you’re planning mini sessions, wedding photography, maternity and newborn sessions, or milestone family portraits, this page will prepare you for your next photo shoot with me!

Hi, I'm Ashley 

NORTH NJ
Photographer

First Birthday Photos in Sussex County, NJ


Simple Studio Cake Smash Sessions for First Birthday Photos in Sussex County, NJ

Your baby’s first birthday is such a huge milestone, and it deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels joyful, meaningful, and easy. Simple cake smash sessions in the studio are designed to do just that: no over-the-top themes, no stress, just your baby exactly as they are in this sweet season of life.

If you’re searching for first birthday photos in Sussex County, NJ, a studio cake smash session offers a timeless way to document this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

A Simple, Beautiful Approach to Cake Smash Photos

Simple first birthday photo shoot in Sparta, Sussex county New Jersey. including family and cake. Renee Ash Photography

These sessions are intentionally minimal and classic. Instead of busy backdrops or trendy themes that won’t age well, the focus stays where it belongs — your baby, your family, and the joy of turning ONE.

The studio is fully stocked with everything needed for a simple little cake smash, including:

  • A neutral, beautifully styled cake
  • Wardrobe options for baby
  • Simple props and accessories
  • Clean, timeless backdrops that photograph beautifully

All you need to do is show up and enjoy the experience.

Family First, Cake Smash Second

Every first birthday session begins with family portraits. This gives us time to capture sweet, connected images before little hands get covered in frosting. Mom, dad, siblings, and yes, even the family dog! are welcome to join in for relaxed, playful portraits together.

Once we’ve captured family moments, the session transitions into the cake smash portion. This is when babies really shine, exploring textures, tasting frosting, giggling, and sometimes diving right in. The cake is included in your session, so there’s no extra planning required on your end.

We wrap things up with those adorable, messy moments that parents love just as much as the clean ones.

baby's first birthday family pictures in a studio space. minimal fun modern and classic. First Birthday Cake Smash photography in north nj by Renee ash photography

Moms, You’re Invited Into the Photos Too

One thing many moms appreciate is knowing they’re encouraged to be in the photos. These sessions aren’t just about your baby. They’re about celebrating your family and everything you’ve grown together over the past year.

The studio offers dress options for moms, making it easy to feel confident and comfortable without having to shop or plan an outfit. The goal is to keep everything relaxed, polished, and stress-free.

Flexible Scheduling Around Baby’s Birthday

Cake smash sessions don’t have to happen exactly on your child’s birthday. In fact, they’re often best scheduled a few weeks before, especially if you’re hoping to have prints, albums, or gifts ready for a birthday party.

Sessions are flexible and can be scheduled in the weeks leading up to baby’s first birthday. As a general rule, it’s recommended to book at least two weeks before prints are needed, allowing plenty of time for editing and product design.

Artwork, Albums & Keepsakes

After your session, you’ll have the option to turn these memories into beautiful keepsakes, including:

  • Birthday albums
  • Custom photo books
  • Professional prints
  • Wall art and gifts for grandparents

Everything is designed to be simple and done-for-you, so you can focus on celebrating instead of managing details.

A Stress-Free Way to Celebrate a Big Milestone

First birthday cake smash sessions are playful, meaningful, and easy — exactly how this season of motherhood should feel. With wardrobe, cake, styling, and guidance all provided, you can relax and enjoy watching your little one celebrate such a big moment.

If you love documenting milestones, you may also enjoy:

  • Baby’s First Year Milestone Sessions
  • Birthday Portraits for Toddlers
  • Family Milestone Photography

Schedule a milestone and birthday session here:
👉 https://www.reneeash.com

North NJ First Birthday Cake Smash Photographer. Simple first birthday photo sessions in Sparta nj by Renee Ash Photography