You have brains in your head you have feet in your shoes. 
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
- Dr Seuss 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!'

When Michelle-Ann contacted me again, to photograph her gorgeous little girl turning one, I couldn't help but squeal with delight. You see, this amazing mama always throws a pinterest-worthy party, filled with so much laughter and LOVE. I knew I would be in for a treat! We had an intimate mini tea-party, and a week later, a hot-air balloon themed birthday party.

"and she leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes"

Classy white, princess pink and a stardust of gold - Baby M's first birthday party was a simply gorgeous affair, with beautiful DIY touches from her doting parents. The party also ended with a cake-smash session, where the little miss was really pleased with getting her cake on.

"You're not a cropduster, you're a racer, and now the whole world knows it!"
- Dottie, Planes.

And with a swish and a zoom, this little boy celebrated turning 3 with people who loved him, and surrounded by characters from his favourite movie. The little ball of energy had no fear of heights, as he scaled, climbed and slid down the tallest slides in Jungle Gym. 

He also had no fear of strangers, as he smiled, shrieked, laughed and made friends easily with everyone around him. Happy birthday little one. May you continue to dream big dreams, and achieve whatever you set your heart on, just like Dusty Crophopper.

birthday party planner: Partist Events
location: Jungle Gym @ Atria

I love you, Jesus! Deep down in my heart.
Talk about deep deep, down down,
deep down in my heart.

Photographed this gorgeous family at the end of last year, when they were here for their summer holiday. Despite the humidity, the heat and the fact that they just landed in KL, after an almost 9-hour flight, this family was all smiles and high energy. I especially loved how baby E enjoyed grooving to one of my favourite sunday school songs.

Baby E was also here to celebrate his very FIRST birthday - and it was a beautiful animal-themed one! 

birthday party planner: Pretty Little Things
caker baker: It's Baked by Suli

Cake is the Answer!

Baby turning ONE is indeed a milestone worthy of celebration! This is not only for the little one, but also for mum and dad - who survived the many diaper changes and sleepless nights.

Of late, I've received many requests for ‪#‎cakesmash‬ photography sessions, which are such a fun and adorable way to celebrate! To help parents (especially first-timers), I've put together some tips to prepare for a stress free and enjoyable cake smash.

1. Begin with a theme in mind

Whether it is animals or sofia the first, choosing a theme would allow you to coordinate outfits, balloons and even cake! It will also make sure you stay on track, especially in creating a cohesive coloured set. You wouldn't want to have pink and purple balloons in a safari themed session. 

You can also opt to go simple - by choosing a colour palette of complementary colours. For example - baby pink, blush, white and gold; baby blue, white, and navy blue; white and gold; purple, pink, and cream.

2) Location

For beautiful, well-lit photos, it is essential that your location be filled with a good amount of natural light. Not too crowded spaces are also the most ideal for photography. You can choose to have it at home, where there is a large enough area or at a favourite park. 

3) Cake matters

While the detailing on fondant cakes are beautiful to look at and photograph, they are not smash friendly. Go for something fluffy and soft, as it can be easily squished and 'pounded' on by the little hands. For mummies who know how to work an oven, there are a ton of recipes online for you to work with.

For the ones, like me (I may just burn the kitchen down!), who have not learned the art of baking , you can let your caker baker know that you want a small cake (a 500g cake would be more than enough) for a baby cake smash. They should know what to do!

p/s: You can refer to some of my favourite bakers in the Klang Valley at the end of the post.

4) Preparing the birthday boy/girl

It is important to get the star of the show - the birthday boy/girl - ready and enthusiastic! Not all babies like getting their hands all mushed up with cake. To prep, I highly recommend giving them cupcakes (baby safe ones - ie not too sweet and with no preservatives) a few times prior to the scheduled session. Encourage them to have a go at feeding themselves - and don't worry about the mess, you can clean that up later.

5) Eat cake and have fun!

Children will be children. Let them laugh, cry and go on a exploration of their senses during the session.

Cake get into their hair, it's OK;
on their dress, that's OK too;
into their mouth, even better!

When they are allowed to be exactly who they are, that's when some of my favourite photos are created. Mummies, daddies, big brothers and sisters can also join the fun, and have a taste of cake, and make some sweet memories. 

RECOMMENDED VENDORS

BAKERS
1. it's baked by Suli
2. temptation by JinAnn
3. porcupine place 

BALLOONS
balloon puff by Rachel

PARTY PLANNERS
You may opt to have someone bring the balloons, cake and style a session especially for you - 
1. Su Yen
2. Pretty Little Things
3. Moments

Ready to get smashin and book a session? Get in touch, to find out more!

I was 0 for a whole year,
now I'm ONE!

One of my favourite babies turned the big ONE in November. You may remember this cheeky little face from this bump-to-pop session and as a 6-month-old. An animal-themed birthday bash was planned for him, and all his friends - big and tiny turned up. I love photographing sessions like these, as there are just so many many many many babies, toddlers and children everywhere. And... that's where lots of laughter ring.

Happy Birthday baby! May you never lose your sense of wonderment, as you continue to grow surrounded by love and blessings from above.

Party Planner & Cake: Temptation by Jin Ann
Venue: Ruang, Subang Jaya