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Trendsetting 1st Birthday Cake Smash Themes - Vancouver WA's Photographic Magic

Welcome to Maria Sheehan Photography's blog! If you're in Vancouver, Washington, and looking to celebrate your little one's first birthday with a bang, you're in the right place. Cake smashes have become a delightful way to mark this milestone, and we've got the inside scoop on the most popular themes of the season. Whether you have a little cowboy or a princess in waiting, we've got ideas that will make your heart melt and your camera click away!


If you're not sure of what a cake smash is, (hello where have you been seriously?)

The trend of "smash cakes" has grown in popularity, offering a fun and memorable way for babies to celebrate their special day. The concept involves presenting the birthday baby with a small cake to smash and enjoy, often while capturing the moment on camera. This trend is cherished for its cuteness and the unique photographic memories it creates.



Baby celebrating her first birthday with a cake smash
1st Birthday Princess Cake Smash Vancouver WA

On the whole, this is what I'm seeing right now in the industry.


  1. Healthy and Wholesome Cakes: Options like coconut and raspberry smash cakes or two-tier carrot and date cakes cater to health-conscious parents. These cakes use natural sweeteners and nutritious ingredients, ensuring a delightful yet wholesome celebration​​.

  2. Gender-Neutral Themes: Themes like a rainbow cake or a balloon birthday party cake are vibrant and suitable for any child. They offer a splash of color and are universally appealing, making them a fantastic choice for first birthdays​​.

  3. Themed Cakes: Popular themes like watercolor, flower, or fruit smash cakes add an artistic touch to the celebration. These themes can be tailored to the baby's interests or the overall party theme, providing a personalized experience​​.

  4. Fun and Interactive Ideas: Incorporating elements like pets, backdrops that tell a story, or letting the baby feed everyone else, adds an interactive and joyful dimension to the cake smash experience. These ideas not only enhance the fun but also provide unique photo opportunities​​.

  5. Size and Setup: The smash cake is usually around 4 to 6 inches in diameter, fitting nicely on a high chair for the perfect photo op. The small size is intentional, focusing more on fun and less on consumption. A separate, larger cake for guests is also a common practice​​​​.



Cookie monster cake from Seasame Street
Cookie Monster Custom Cake Smash Vancouver Washington


Now, I know you're here for the good stuff, the inspiration, the ideas, so without further a do , here is a list of the current trending cake smash themes and 1st birthday cake smashes in Vancouver Washington.


For the Boys: From Wild West to Superheroes


  1. Cowboy/Wild West: Yeehaw! Transform your shoot into a scene from the Wild West. Think cowboy hats, bandanas, and a cake that looks like it's straight from a saloon.

  2. Lumberjack Outdoors: Bring the outdoors in with a lumberjack-themed smash. Plaid patterns, woodsy decor, and a rustic cake set the perfect scene for your little woodsman.

  3. Sports Galore: Whether it's baseball or football, if your little one is a budding athlete, this is the perfect theme. Picture a cake decorated like a baseball or a football for that touchdown or home run moment.

  4. Baby Shark: Dive into the fun with a Baby Shark theme. Bright colors, under-the-sea decor, and a catchy tune will make this a hit.

  5. Dinosaur, Construction, and Cars: For the little adventurers, these themes bring out the roar, the rumble, and the vroom. Dinosaurs, construction sites, or racetracks can be the backdrop for a smashing good time.

  6. Superhero Theme: Let your little one save the day in a superhero-themed cake smash. Capes, masks, and a superhero cake will make for some epic photos.



Little Girl eating a cake for her first birthday cake smash
Vancouver Washington Cake Smash Photo Shoot



For the Girls: From Princesses to Mermaids


  1. Princess and Mickey/Minnie Mouse: Every little girl is a princess or a fan of Mickey and Minnie. These classic themes never go out of style and make for some truly magical photos.

  2. Unicorn and Fairy Tales: Enter a world of magic with a unicorn or fairy tale-themed smash. Pastel colors, sparkles, and a fantasy-inspired cake will bring the magic to life.

  3. Mermaid and Under-the-Sea Adventures: Transform your photo session into an enchanting under-the-sea adventure with a mermaid theme. Think ocean blues, shimmering scales, and a mermaid-tail cake.

  4. Woodland and Boho Chic: For a more nature-inspired theme, woodland or boho chic setups create a serene and beautiful setting. Earthy tones and natural elements will complement your little one's innocence.

  5. Rainbow, Carebears, and Barbie: These themes are all about color and fun. Bright, cheerful setups with a cake that's just as vibrant can make for some unforgettable photos.

  6. Alice in One-Derland and Peter Rabbit: Dive into the world of classic stories with these literary-themed smashes. Whether it's a whimsical Alice in Wonderland setup or a charming Peter Rabbit scene, these themes are sure to enchant.

LIttle girl in gold and pink eating a 1st birthday cake
Creative Cake Smash Ideas in Vancouver, WA



Unique Themes for the little ones!

Looking for something different? How about "The Notorious O.N.E" for a touch of humor, or "Gone Fishing" for your little angler? "Ice Cream Parlor" and "Donut" themes are sweet and playful, perfect for those irresistible smiles.


At Maria Sheehan Photography, we understand that each child is unique, and their cake smash should be too. We're here to help you capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments with creativity and love. Visit our website at www.mariasheehanphotography.com to book your session and turn these trending themes into timeless memories. Let's make that first birthday oneforgettable! Did you SEE what I did there? yeah, just checking to make sure you were still reading!


Upcoming cake smashes at Maria Sheehan Photography!


  1. Great outdoors, I'm seriously excited about this one, I'm currently in the process of building the set! eep!

  2. Bluey! yes the adorable Bluey, again, super excited. Balloons have been ordered and the set build is underway! yaaaaaaaaaaaay

  3. Princess, you can NEVER go wrong with a good old princess shoot.


Cake smashes have gone waaaay over the top of late and I'm here for it! In the past it was all balloons, tissue flowers and, garlands, NOW, it's all about building unique and custom sets that will blow your mind! I love the set building, the balloon blowing and the cake smashing. Bring it on little babies!



Let's chat! I'll make the tea, you bring the cookies!





 
 
 

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Maria Sheehan Photography,

 Vancouver, WA 98661 (located by Bounce N Battle),

(360-607-1424)

maria@mariasheehanphotography.com

Newborn Portrait Specialist

Portrait Photographer Vancouver Washington, Portland Oregon

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