A Garden Tea Party Cake Smash|San Antonio, TX.

Cake smashes are fun! It’s even more fun when there is enough time to plan one and make it perfect! I have been envisioning this session for a very long time and I wanted to make it amazing! Its crazy because I could never describe exactly what I envisioned to anyone- not even to Sam, he just said let me know what you need me to help you with for this one.  It was just a bunch of random ideas and items that popped up in my thoughts.  Of course my imaginary shopping cart on Pinterest has a lot to do with this as well- and I must admit it is my vice.  I’d like to say I’m so artistic and creative to have thought up this idea myself- but who am I kidding, I have the need to be surrounded by artistic creatives and I yearn for their company because they are my inspiration!  From graphic designers to event planners, Etsy shop owners to to florists and from the sweet woman at Thrift Town to the guy at the Starbucks drive through (who “donated” some pallets)- they all inspire me! #communityovercompetition

And I do mean Inspiration.  I know many photographers cringe at the words “well I saw this thing on Pinterest”.  I actually welcome it- I do tell clients that I will not copy/recreate another creative’s work but its a good start to get ideas in motion.   I like to be different, I have always been a little on the unconventional side- I never have been one to know the latest on fashion or trends (I have no shame in admitting that Sam has to help me shop sometimes, ok ok he always helps me- because he knows more about that stuff). So when Evie’s mom mentioned she wanted to use a floral crown for the session, I started to look for a unique design.  After a 2 week search of floral crowns, I still hadn’t found anything that I absolutely loved and envisioned.  Then I happened to be scrolling through Instagram and saw my good friend wearing a succulent crown.  I immediately fell in love with the simplicity of this gorgeous crown.  I asked Karmen where she got it and turns out that not only is she an amazing writer, blogger and graphic designer- she also designed this crown and is actually co-owner of PotHeadz SA, which evolved from a love of art and plants.  After a brief consultation, she was on board and ready to help.  I wanted succulents everywhere! I wanted more greenery and succulents vs flowers.  The crowns she made for the girls were gorgeous!  She knew exactly what I was envisioning and she even offered to come help setup- and set up she did! Her artistic designing talent made my vision of  this organic boho garden tea party session come alive!

Now on to accessories! I decided to hit all the second hand and thrift stores I could looking for tea sets, tea cups and anything lace or doily looking.  Who would’ve guessed that these things were the hardest things to find!  I didn’t find one teacup or saucer I liked.  The lace fabric was even more difficult to find.  Time for reinforcements!  I remembered my friend mentioned her friend owned a vintage rental business and I headed to her website, Cru Vintage Rentals.  Laurie is the sweetest and her warehouse is filled with gorgeous vintage French pieces.  I finally started putting pieces together and when I left I really felt like my blurry, yet colorful picture in my mind was finally came into focus! Laurie provided vintage silver service pieces including a candelabra, absolutely stunning teacups, saucers and plates, birdcages, vintage books and even a vintage bicycle with a basket to fill with flowers.  If you are planning an event you definitely want to get with Laurie to add that extra touch of charm.  Her inventory is very broad ranging from vintage sofas, chairs and tables to an extensive selection of elegant, tabletop heirlooms.  They will even will go on a treasure hunt for you if you’re looking for an item that they don’t currently have in stock.

So now that we were getting fancy, I thought- what is a party without an invitation?  Because I love to shop local and small business- I knew exactly who to count on.  My friend Nicole is the creative behind 3 Feet Tall.  We have loved working with her in the past.  She has made multiple props for us to use in our sessions.  I give her a theme and she just runs with it! So when I mentioned our Garden Tea Party theme she came up with the cutest little teapot invitation ever!  I have so many ideas for the summer too.  She is currently working on an amazing ice cream set up for us! Be sure to be on the look out for our summer ice cream sessions! We will only be allowing a few slots so be sure to inquire as soon as possible if you are interested in that or any other themed sessions.  I’m still back and forth on a special theme for boys as well and as a fellow boymom, I am sure she will be there to inspire me!  Oh and be sure to check out her Instagram page to see all her designs, (hint hint) I think she’s even doing a giveaway right now!

A special thank you to my good friend and fellow photographer, Charlotte Hickman for searching through thrift shops and Goodwills with me for all those days.  I’m also proud you’ve been inspired you to do your own tea party session as well! Its going to be so much fun creating this session, but this time with your vision! Thanks again so much to everyone who collaborated on this fun session with me and helping me bring my vision to reality.  Thanks for braving the insects and the hot and humid weather!  So thankful that black cloud in the sky nearby didn’t drench us! It turned out exactly as I envisioned it and that rarely happens to me!  I see many more styled/themes sessions in our future!

Evie’s mom, who also owns CE Custom Boutique, also worked very hard on a custom made chalkboard birthday sign.  Together we gathered all the finishing touches and food, including the cucumber sandwiches, gorgeous (and delicious) bare cake and cute pink macaroons that gave it the sweetest touch. And BIG props to the mom who can get two cuties dressed, happy and ready – and still look fabulous too! I cannot believe Evie is One! I still remember looking for headbands and hats for her newborn session.  Evie’s parents chose to not know the gender until she was born, so we made sure we had gender neutral items for the session.  As soon as she graced us with her presence – I was excited to be able to use some cute girly headbands!  We are beyond honored to have been able to complete Evie’s Grow With Me session.  From sweet 9 day old to 1 year! What an amazing year it has been.  We cannot describe the feeling we get when we think back on how we were able to document her first days of life, her being able to hold her head up at 4 months, her first teeth and her first crawls at 8 months and now some of her first steps at her 1 yr session.  When I met with Evie’s mom 2 weeks before the session for final details, Evie waved hello to me- my heart melted and I actually almost cried!  Of course we cannot leave out Evie’s partner in crime and bff- her older sister Charlie!  We always photograph them together at each session. I still remember Charlie being totally uninterested in her new baby sister at Evie’s newborn session and its amazing to see them laughing and playing tea party together just a year later. Charlie even complied when I asked her for a cute pose and smile this time around and I count that as a major milestone for me! They have a special place in our hearts and we are so happy to have formed such a special bond with them. We have enjoyed having the privilege of documenting their growth.  Happy First Birthday Sweet Eveyln!  We can’t wait to see what this next year brings for you!