Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she ONEderful? 

Oaklyn’s First Birthday Session

It was such a delight to capture this cuties adorable personality during her first birthday session — When the excitement of her very first birthday was still a while away, Oaklyn’s parents reached out to me to grab a spot on my calendar! They wanted a session date that was just a few weeks before Oaklyn’s very first birthday!  

I was SO happy that they did, because my September is always busy, but we fit them in and began planning the perfect way to capture those special moments. 

It was the most beautiful, warm evening. The type of September night that reminds you how Summer isn’t quite done with us yet. Whitney, Oaklyn’s mommy, showed up with the cutest outfits and a gorgeous smash cake that was decorated with the most pristine delicate roses. 

The sunlight was just starting to soften on the farm, and we couldn’t wait to get started. Honestly, I could not tell you who was more excited, Whitney or myself. It brings me so much joy to capture and preserve these moments for my clients, to turn beautiful memories into family heirloom prints.

Whitney helped Oaklyn into an adorable baby blush colored dress. We went to the edge of the fence line, where the floral banner I had put up blew in the late Summer breeze.

Oaklyn immediately stole the show.  From her big smile to her tiny claps of excitement, we couldn’t help but be in awe of her all cuteness and cheer her on. My heart melted instantly!  

I moved Oaklyn to a scene I had set up in a field nearby JUST as the sun was beginning to soften into the best shade of orange, the peak of golden hour.  Oaklyn’s fun personality matched the warm sun glowing behind her. To get some smiles and giggles, we had Oaklyn’s big sister run back and forth and be silly. It worked like a charm! It was clear that Oaklyn thought the world of her big sis! 

We saved the best and messiest for last, the cake smash! You never know how a little one is going to react when you put a cake in front of them. Will they cry? Will they be confused? Will they just dig right in and smash away? In all the sessions I have done like this, no two kiddos react the same!

Sweet Oaklyn took her time to observe her cake. With a few pokes and a couple of taste tests, she quickly decided she wasn’t a fan. And that is ok! I got tickled at her disapproval, as I captured her real emotion and took some of the most stunning portraits from the entire session. These are the shots that are proudly on the cover of her 1st birthday album. This is what I love most about my job, and one of the reasons my clients seek me out specifically! I will not force any moments upon you or your family! I am absolutely in love with real life, life as we know it. The parts that may feel a little chaotic and unpredictable at times, but yet, hold so much beauty and make our hearts feel so incredibly full. 

Check out the rest of Oaklyn’s beautiful session below! Feeling ready to book your own family photos? Inquire at the link up top!