Percy is One! - First Birthday Session

In the midst of the busy holiday picture season, birthdays and newborns are still happening! What a pleasure it was to meet darling Percy! He came to the studio bringing smiles, and the sweetest little wardrobe changes. I love this handmade name sweater that was gifted to his mama when he was born!

He then changed into a sweet neutral shirt - I just love a baby boy in a collar! Too cute!

We then finished our time together with overalls and a cake smash. Classic denim overalls are timeless, and always a great choice for a baby photo session. Thanks for coming to see me, Percy! You’re adorable!

Caleb is One! - First Birthday Session

I just love this simple, soft color pallet for baby boy Caleb’s fist birthday. He was such a pleasant little guy.

After doing some shots in his birthday shirt, we ended with the cake smash. He was so happy with his smiles and funny faces when that icing hit! Big brother Grant hopped in a few at the end. It was my pleasure to meet their sweet family. Happiest 1st Birthday, Caleb!

August is One! - First Birthday Session

It was so fun to meet August and his lovely parents for his First Birthday Session! I could not have asked for a more pleasant baby to photograph.

Auggie grinned sweetly for his entire session. He snuggled mommy and daddy, played with his tootsies, and showed off his precious lil teeth. What a darling!

I loved meeting you, Auggie, and look forward to working with you again in the future. Happy Birthday, buddy!

Gianluca is One! - First Birthday Session

Little Gianluca was such a happy guy for his session. We started out with the classic balloon backdrop. He looked so dapper in his bowtie and suspenders! He then changed to a more comfortable romper for a few more shots.

We then switched over to a more neutral background to showcase his bday shirt and cake smash. Luca’s Italian mother came up with the perfect theme for his first birthday party with “Holy Cannoli, I’m One!” - so cute! He was a real joy in the studio, and I hope to see him again!

Harper is One! - First Birthday Session

Harper was such a cute, little pumpkin for her First Birthday session at the studio! I loved her outfit choices, mixing some cozy fall looks with a classic birthday pink. I couldn’t help but laugh at her face when she had that first-ever taste of cake. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Lena is One! - First Birthday Session

These sweet sisters were so precious for Lena’s First Birthday Session. It’s not the traditional norm, but I love a blue theme for baby girls! Big Sister Sia even jumped in at the end to help Lena smash her cake. I was so so happy I captured that moment when Lena noticed her sister had just taken a big bite. So funny!

Happy 1st Birthday, Lena!

Ayden - First Birthday Session

I have been photographing Ayden’s family for years now, and have enjoyed watching their kids grow. Ayden was no exception as he is so adorable and sweet. We started his session with some family shots, before moving on to the star of the show - the birthday boy!

He did not disappoint with his sweet smiles and crystal blue eyes!

We then ended his session with a cake smash for this happy boy! As Ayden enjoyed his sweet treat, I captured the sweet details. Happy 1st Birthday, Ayden! You’re precious!

Cassio is One! - First Birthday Session

Cassio was so much fun to have in the studio! He started his session in simple blue jeans with a neutral white. There is something I love about simplistic baby portraits. It really lets their facial expressions and personality shine through, and boy, did he have a lot of personality!

I was cracking up as I edited his images, as I noticed how much this little guy loves to squeeze his own belly. I don’t blame you, Cassio! You’re irresistibly squeezable!

We then moved on to the Pens portion of his photoshoot. He was all smiles with the cutest little chompers, and even waved his LGP towel for me. I can just see this guy heckling at the games!

We ended his session with the cake smash which Cassio and his belly seemed to enjoy.

What a babe! Thanks for hanging out with me, Cassio! Happy 1st Birthday!

Aiden is One! - First Birthday Session

I had a blast seeing Baby Aiden again for his space-themed First Birthday session!

The space theme was inspired by his nursery, which also gave us the inspiration for his newborn pictures last year.

When I do a First Birthday Session, I try to not only capture the happy styled images, but also the tiny details of the one-year-old. The silhouette of their smooth, chubby cheek. Their tootsies. Their smash cake. The fun candid moments when they’re laughing at their mommy or daddy.

I always let them get messy with their smash cake at the end. Aiden’s mommy made this adorable banana bread cake just for this session.

Happy 1st Birthday to sweet, adorable Aiden!

It’s been my pleasure capturing your smiles this past year.

Olivia is One! - First Birthday Session

Olivia was ONE-derful to have in the studio! I so enjoyed her personality and adorable facial expressions. She is so smart too, taking instruction like a seasoned pro. For her First Birthday session, her mommy wanted something clean and simple. I complimented her precious tulle gown with some muted gold balloons. We also took a few shots on “Lamby,” her favorite rocking horse…er, lamb…from home. What a perfect prop! Lamby brought some big smiles! It’s always a great idea to bring a favorite toy from home, especially if it compliments the color scheme.

I just happened to have the flower wall in the studio at the time of Olivia’s session, so we took a few shots in front of the purple flowers, as well. Olivia changed into the cutest lace romper and pearls - perfect for the old-time elegance of the purple and mauve roses.

Thanks for visiting me, Olivia! Happy 1st Birthday!

Nico is One! - First Birthday Session

Nico has Mastered his first year! I was so excited for the chance to do a Masters-themed photo shoot. My husband is a big golf fan, and has been to the Masters, so I understand the admiration people have for the tournament and all it entails. Everything from the food, to the etiquette, to the iconic green jacket has special meaning. Nico’s daddy is going to The Masters this year, and to coincide with this exciting pilgrimage to Augusta, Nico’s parents chose to carry out the theme for his early April birthday party!

The Masters is a classic, renowned event, so I was thinking rich neutral tones, and an antique golf club would make for great props. Nico’s mommy brought the amazing baby Masters jacket, which couldn’t have been more perfect! We also scattered some golf balls throughout, and had a toy golf cart for Nico to play with. Giving Baby something to do during their session, always makes for some great captures.

Nico’s Mommy also had this most adorable baby Masters hat!

We ended his session with a “Hole in 1” smash cake to celebrate his milestone first year. This little guy smiled all through it. He was a joy, and this theme was super fun. Happy 1st, Nico!

Amelia is One! - First Birthday Session

I was so honored to do Amelia’s session, as she had traveled all the way from North Carolina for it! Six and a half years ago, I did her big sister’s first birthday photos when the family lived here in the Pittsburgh area. They had since moved, but knew they’d be home visiting family, so reached out to see if I could do their newest addition’s photos, as well.

When I heard Amelia would be wearing a sweet, simple rose colored dress, I immediately pictured it against a vintage wood background, and added some simple classic touches as props. Technically, Amelia turned one a few months ago, so we didn’t want these images to scream birthday as much as just highlighting her one-year-old self. Classic and sweet.

When I photographed Big Sister all those years ago, she was in this exact galvanized tub, but with a light pink dress, so we wanted to try to capture the same look for Amelia, but with a different shade.

I also knew that I had done some O - N - E shots with her big sis, so I pulled those letters out to be used, as well. Mommy and Daddy can look back on the girls’ first year with similar images to compare or display in their home.

We ended by pulling away the props, and getting some simple shots of Amelia clapping and playing. I love it how all babies seem to love, “so big!!!”

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Emma is One! - First Birthday Session

Emma is one of my “First Year Special” babies, meaning her parents purchased a package including Newborn, Baby Portrait, and First Birthday sessions. This means that I had the absolute pleasure of capturing her cuteness at different stages throughout her first year.

For her First Birthday Session, her parents chose the theme “Lucky One” since she was born the day before St. Patrick’s Day! They requested pastel rainbow colors inspired by the marshmallow shapes in Lucky Charms cereal, which were used as decor at her first birthday party.

Besides bringing along her Lucky Charms, Emma brought along an array of expressions, her sweet cheeks, and an appetite for birthday cake! Once this cutie got started on her smash cake, she really enjoyed herself. I loved seeing her again, and wish her all the luck and birthday wishes!

Sadie is One! - First Birthday Session

This little sweetie is turning the Sweet ONE! Sadie has had quite the first year, becoming a big sister shortly before her first birthday! Her family is planning to celebrate her next month with a candy themed party, so for her session, I decorated the set-up with bright, playful colors, and classic sweets; lollipop, gumballs, gumdrops, and of course - cake!

She is as sweet as her onesie says she is - Miss Sadie was smiley for all her pictures, and really enjoyed her cake. Happy 1st Birthday, Sugar!

Daphne is One! - First Birthday Session

Daphne is one of my First Year Special babies, meaning her parents purchased a package to capture her as a newborn, sitter, and one-year-old. I love working with her family - she is the fourth child I’ve photographed for them - so this session was a real treat.

Daphne was born on Valentine’s Day, so her color scheme was inspired by the pastels of conversation hearts - which is also the theme for her First Birthday party. She was such an angel in the studio, giving me smiles as sweet as vday candy. I was fortunate to have her big sisters present to help coax the smiles, as well as the assistance of Daphne’s favorite songs from Wicked (a girl after my own heart).

Happy 1st Birthday, Little Valentine!

Taytum is One! - First Birthday Session

I am always thrilled when a client books a “First Year Special” with me. This provides them three sessions for the approximate price of two. They can use these sessions whenever they’d like, but most use them for newborn, baby (around 6 months), and first birthday portraits. It’s a great way to document the ever-changing first year of life.

I’ve worked with the M family many times before, and loved to see them again this past year with the birth of their 3rd child Miss Taytum! For Taytum’s First Birthday session we did a warm, feminine color palette that also complimented the time of year (late Fall). This baby doll was a joy to work with, and I’m happy to know I will see her and her beautiful family again in the future.

Emery is One! - First Birthday Session

I love a theme, and Emery had a great one - Apple Pie! The reason behind it is especially sweet. When Emery’s parents were expecting her, they didn’t know if they were having a son or daughter, so they referred to their baby-to-be as Sweetie Pie. After Emery was born, they continued their pie theme with her monthly pictures, as Mommy baked a different pie for each month. So, of course, when it came to choosing a First Birthday theme, it was obviously going to be pie! An apple pie was just right for her Fall birthday.

Happy 1st Birthday, Emery!

Evelyn is One! - First Birthday Session

It has been a pleasure to capture little Evelyn throughout her first year. This darling girl is so precious, as is big sissy Hadley. The girls looked like two miniature princesses running around the Hartwood Mansion garden. Every time I do a session there, I feel like I am in England at a stately manor. I was a little disappointed by the lack of blooms in the area for early May, but the M Family brought all the beauty we needed to get some great shots.

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Evie!

Eli is One! - First Birthday Session

This is ONE cool dude. I was so excited to meet Eli and his family for this gnarly session at North Park. From the straight brim hat to the micro Vans, this guy was decked out in skater style, ending his session in the cutest checkered suspenders for his cake smash. He was so squishy and adorable!

Happy 1st Birthday, Eli!

Sawyer is One! - First Birthday Session

This boy has stolen my heart!

Sawyer and his big sisters hung out with me on the hottest day of the year for his First Birthday Session, but it was his sweet giggles that truly had me melting . These little mommies were so very attentive to their baby brother, and helped me to get his attention and make him laugh.

Between the laughter, love, and smiles, Sawyer blew lots of raspberries, and played with his tootsies. It has been an honor to capture him for this exciting milestone. Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy! God bless you!