Twin Cake Smash Session | Cake Smash Photographer Waxhaw, NC
Celebrating one baby’s first birthday is special — celebrating two at once is next-level sweet. This boy/girl twin cake smash session was such a fun mix of timeless styling, playful details, and just the right amount of personality, all photographed near Waxhaw, NC at my studio.
Twin cake smash session with a pastel rainbow hot air balloon backdrop photographed near Waxhaw, NC.
Designed to feel cohesive without being overly themed, this session focused on neutral tones, simple textures, and classic setups that allow the babies (and their expressions) to take center stage. With a mix of outdoor portraits, studio images, and a colorful but soft cake smash finale, this session perfectly balanced variety with consistency — ideal for a photo-heavy cake smash blog post.
Outdoor twin outdoor first birthday session photographed near Waxhaw, NC.
Outdoor Portraits with a Timeless Feel
We began the session outdoors with the twins styled in coordinating neutral overalls, keeping things simple and classic. Outdoor portraits are always a favorite starting point for cake smash sessions, especially for siblings or twins, because they allow space for movement and natural interaction before introducing the cake.
The twins were photographed together in a basket, creating sweet, connected images that highlight their bond while keeping the focus on their personalities. Neutral outfits photograph beautifully outdoors and ensure the images feel timeless — something parents appreciate when these photos inevitably live on walls, albums, and birthday keepsakes for years to come.
For families in Waxhaw, NC looking for cake smash photos that don’t feel overly styled or trendy, starting outdoors is a great way to add variety while keeping the overall look classic.
Studio Portraits with Simple, Playful Details
After outdoor portraits, we moved into the studio for clean, bright images featuring a ladder setup and a large number one — a staple for first birthday sessions that still photographs beautifully year after year.
Both babies remained in neutral-toned outfits for these images, creating continuity between the outdoor and studio portions of the session. Simple props like ladders and numbers work especially well for twins because they allow for both individual portraits and images together without overwhelming the frame.
The little girl also made use of my studio headband collection, adding a soft, subtle detail that complemented the neutral styling without pulling focus. Studio accessories like these are always optional, but they’re a lovely way to personalize a session while keeping everything cohesive.
Pastel Rainbow Hot Air Balloon Cake Smash Theme
The cake smash portion of the session featured a pastel rainbow hot air balloon theme — playful, colorful, and still soft enough to fit seamlessly with the rest of the gallery. Pastels photograph especially well for cake smash sessions because they add visual interest without overpowering skin tones or expressions.
For the cake smash outfits, the styling shifted just enough to feel special:
The little boy wore shorts with suspenders for a classic, polished look
The little girl changed into a pastel tutu that tied beautifully into the theme
This outfit change helped visually separate the cake smash portion from the portraits while still maintaining a cohesive color palette throughout the session.
As expected, the cake smash brought out plenty of curiosity, laughter, and a bit of messy fun — exactly what first birthday photos should capture.
Styling Notes for Twin Cake Smash Sessions
Styling twin cake smash sessions is all about balance. Coordinating without matching allows each child’s personality to shine while still creating a unified gallery. Neutral base outfits, simple props, and a soft color palette ensure the photos feel elevated and timeless rather than overly busy.
Pastel themes, like this hot air balloon setup, are especially popular for twins because they work well for both boys and girls and photograph beautifully in both studio and printed products.
Cake Smash Photography Near Waxhaw, NC
Families from Waxhaw, NC often choose to book cake smash sessions at my studio for the flexibility and variety it offers — outdoor portraits, clean studio setups, and custom cake smash designs all in one place. This approach allows for a full gallery without feeling rushed or overwhelming for little ones.
If you’re looking for a cake smash photographer near Waxhaw, NC who offers a relaxed, guided experience with thoughtful styling and timeless results, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels just right for your family.
