Your baby’s first birthday feels like it’s a lifetime away — and then suddenly it’s two months out and you’re scrambling to get everything together. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.
If you’re planning a first birthday cake smash session in the Augusta area, here’s the honest answer to the timing question: earlier than you think.
The Short Answer: Book Around 9–10 Months
Most families book their cake smash session when baby is around 9 to 10 months old. That might sound early for a first birthday session, but there’s a good reason for it.
First, it gives us time to plan. Every session I do is fully styled — that means a custom set design, coordinated outfits, a custom cake, and props that all work together beautifully. That planning takes time, and I want to make sure every detail is just right for your baby.
Second, a lot of families want to use their gallery images for birthday invitations or party decorations. If that’s you, the session should be held around 11-11.5 months so you have the images back in time.
Why My Calendar Fills Up
I take a limited number of sessions each month so every family gets my complete attention and a fully custom experience. During popular birthday months — especially June, July, October, and December — my calendar fills up months in advance.
If your baby has a summer birthday and you wait until spring to reach out, there’s a real chance I won’t have availability. Reaching out early is the only way to guarantee your date.
| Tip: If your baby’s birthday falls in a popular month, reach out even earlier — around 7 or 8 months. June, July, and December book the fastest. |
What Happens After You Book
Once you book, here’s how the process works:
- We chat about colors, themes, and any preferences you have
- I design the full session setup — backdrop, props, outfit, and cake
- You simply show up on the day of your session and enjoy it
- I handle everything else
You don’t need to source anything, plan anything, or stress about anything. That’s the whole point.
What the Session Itself Looks Like
Cake smash sessions at my Evans studio are designed to be relaxed and fun. We start with a clean outfit for some sweet portrait photos of your baby before the cake comes out. Then we introduce the cake and let them go at it at their own pace — no rushing, no pressure.
Some babies dive straight in. Some need a few minutes to warm up to the idea. Either way, by the end we always get those joyful, messy, wide-eyed moments that make cake smash galleries so magical.
Sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour — just long enough to get everything we need without wearing baby out.
Ready to Check Your Date?
If you have a first birthday coming up in the next few months, I’d love to hold a spot for you. Just send me a message with your baby’s birthday month and I’ll check my availability right away.
I serve families in Evans, Augusta, Grovetown, Aiken, and throughout the CSRA. Cake smash sessions start at $450.
| 📩 Ready to book? Send me a message on Facebook or email mollyberryphotography@gmail.com with your baby’s birthday month. I’ll get back to you right away! |
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— Molly Berry, Molly Berry Photography · Evans, GA
