This sweet little cake smash session was for a one-year-old baby boy and his beautiful fam, and I shot it in my bright, timeless Northeast Minneapolis studio. From the moment they arrived, I knew we were going to make some magic together. These four were so laid-back and connected exactly the kind of vibe that makes photographing families feel like a joy, not a job.

Baby in neutral outfit sitting, with smaller images of siblings hugging and posing together.

Studio Wardrobe Magic + Family Moments First

We started off with family portraits, and let me just say this fam nailed the neutrals. Mom chose two stunning dresses from my client wardrobe, dad wore a cozy shirt from the studio closet, and big sister twirled around in one of my dresses too.

Baby boy rocked a neutral knit romper brought by mom, but fun fact: I actually have a nearly identical one in my client wardrobe for future little smashers.

The overall look? Soft, simple, and seamless. My studio is designed exactly for this: minimal distractions, beautiful natural light, and a palette that lets emotion take center stage.

The Cake Smash: A+ Enthusiasm (and a Little Help from Sis)

Once the formal photos were done, it was cake time! This little guy dove right in no hesitation, no second guessing, just straight to the good stuff. He even got a bit of help from big sister, who was clearly an experienced cake enthusiast.

And just so you know, I don’t provide cakes (allergy safety first!), but parents are always welcome to bring their own. This one was perfectly simple and sweet, which worked beautifully with the session’s natural vibe.

Collage of children and a man in light clothing posing against a white background in a studio setting.

Collage of babies celebrating with a cake, family moments, and playful interactions in a bright setting.

Why I Loved This Session So Much

Photographing first birthdays is one of my favorite things as a cake smash photographer because it’s not just about the cake it’s about celebrating the year that changed everything. I know firsthand how fast the baby year flies, and it’s an honor to pause that time for families with portraits they’ll treasure.

What I hope they remember most isn’t just how cute baby looked with frosting on his nose, but how loved they all were in that moment. How much joy filled the room. How this one little day marked such a big milestone.

Cake Smash Session FAQs

Q: What should we bring to our cake smash session?

A: Just bring the cake, your baby, and any sentimental items you’d like to include! I’ll provide access to my full studio wardrobe for mamas, dads, and siblings, and I’ll guide you through everything else. Bonus: my studio is stocked with neutral props and backdrops, so you don’t need to stress about styling.

Q: Can we use your wardrobe for the whole family?

A: Yes! My client closet includes dresses for mamas, shirts for dads, and children’s clothing up to size 5. Many families walk in empty-handed and leave with portraits that look completely curated because they are!

Q: Can siblings or full family portraits be included too?

A: Absolutely! I typically start with family and sibling portraits first while everyone’s fresh, and then transition into the cake smash at the end. It’s the best of both worlds: milestone + memories, all in one session.

Collage of a baby with red hair wearing a crown, celebrating a first birthday with a cake on a wooden stand.

Ready to book your baby’s cake smash session in my NE Minneapolis studio?

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Or follow along on Instagram for more sweet moments, session sneak peeks, and behind the scenes.

Living room with green sofa, decorative pillows, and framed artwork on the wall. Natural decor elements and soft lighting.

Michele is a lifestyle family and cake smash photographer based in Northeast Minneapolis, known for her bright, minimal studio space and calming approach with little ones. She specializes in capturing real connection, natural light, and the fleeting magic of babyhood. With a curated client wardrobe and years of experience behind the camera (and probably frosting in her hair), she makes first birthday sessions feel effortless and fun for the whole family. When she’s not photographing milestone moments, you can find her sipping coffee and obsessing over soft neutrals and natural textures.

Get in Touch

Michele Quattrin

Michele Quattrin of mQn Photography is a Minneapolis family photographer who documents motherhood, babies, and families with a timeless, honest style. With 15 years of experience and a background in photojournalism, she is especially drawn to the real moments that make early newborn sessions so meaningful. Her approach is gentle, polished, and natural, which makes her a great fit for Fresh 48 photography at hospitals like The Mother Baby Center at Children’s Minneapolis. Michele serves families across Minneapolis, Edina, and the Twin Cities, creating images that feel both heartfelt and refined.

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Sweet + Simple: A Cake Smash Session in My Northeast Minneapolis Studio

Studio Wardrobe Magic + Family Moments First

The Cake Smash: A+ Enthusiasm (and a Little Help from Sis)

Why I Loved This Session So Much

Cake Smash Session FAQs

Q: What should we bring to our cake smash session?

Q: Can we use your wardrobe for the whole family?

Q: Can siblings or full family portraits be included too?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The Clover club Wedding guide

Studio Location:
1330 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Sweet + Simple: A Cake Smash Session in My Northeast Minneapolis Studio

Studio Wardrobe Magic + Family Moments First

The Cake Smash: A+ Enthusiasm (and a Little Help from Sis)

Why I Loved This Session So Much

Cake Smash Session FAQs

Q: What should we bring to our cake smash session?

Q: Can we use your wardrobe for the whole family?

Q: Can siblings or full family portraits be included too?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The Clover club Wedding guide

Studio Location: 1330 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Studio Location:
1330 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413