9 Smash cake alternatives for your Baby's First birthday-Chattanooga portrait photographer

Do you have a First birthday coming up soon and want a fun, just as lovable alternative to a traditional smash cake for your baby? Over the past years we have done many alternatives to a cake at alot of our sessions! Below we have shared some of our favorites from over the years!

DONUTs

The colorful sprinkles, creamy fillings, and fluffy textures of assorted doughnuts provide the perfect opportunity for messy, joyful exploration. This is a perfect choice if you still want that sweet treat for your little one without the entire mess of a smash cake!

Pizza

Pizza smash cake sessions are a fun and unique way to celebrate your little one's birthday. Imagine the joy on their face as they dig into a mini pizza topped with their favorite toppings. Whether it's gooey cheese, pepperoni, or colorful veggies, the messy fun is sure to create unforgettable memories.

Watermelon

Celebrate your little one's milestone with a fun and colorful watermelon for your smash cake session! The vibrant hues and juicy sweetness of watermelon make it the perfect theme for a summer birthday bash. Capture the joy and messiness as your baby dives into the delicious treat, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Pasta

This one is a fun and messy session featuring everyone's favorite carb - pasta! Watch as your child dives into a delicious bowl of spaghetti, twirling and slurping their way to birthday bliss. Babies love feeling the different textures of spaghetti and noodles, enjoying the messy fun as they explore. This is a super fun alternative!

Tacos

Soft tacos make the perfect prop for a playful and messy photo session. Their compact size and malleable texture allow little ones to explore and interact with their food in a fun and photogenic way. The vibrant colors and ingredients of soft tacos can add an extra element of visual interest to the photos, creating a unique and memorable experience for both the child and the photographer.

Milk bath

Our milk bath smash cake sessions offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate your little one's birthday milestone. We capture every messy, joy-filled moment, creating stunning images that you'll cherish for years to come. Adding any item your child is interested in is also a plus for this type of alternative. Cookies, fruit, flowers, etc!

Nuggets

Made with love and a touch of magic, this miniature masterpiece is perfect for your baby's first taste of sweetness. Capture the joy and excitement as they dig into this adorable and tasty treat. This has been one of our favorite types of alternatives for a smash cake! Babies everywhere seem to have an innate love for nuggets. The perfect size and shape for tiny hands to grasp, nuggets offer a satisfying crunch and tasty flavor that captivates even the pickiest of eaters.

no cake

Celebrate your little one's first birthday with a timeless portrait session. Capture the joy and innocence of this special milestone with photographs that you will treasure for years to come. Sometimes you don’t need the cake, just capture some amazing portraits to show your baby’s milestone!

But.. Cake is always an option

Smash cake sessions capture the playful joy of a child celebrating their first birthday. Creating adorable and messy moments that are perfect for capturing authentic and heartwarming photos that families will treasure for years to come.

If you have an idea of your own, or love any of these ideas book your session here

Devon & Mya's Wedding Day

The privilege of traveling with my daughter Shea, to Cincinnati to cover a beautiful wedding. We were both excited to be a part of such a special day and to capture all the amazing moments. Upon arriving, we were warmly welcomed by the bride and groom's families, we got to see old friends and a pretty amazing bunny operation by the Bride’s father and his son. Everyone was so friendly and hospitable that we felt right at home. The bride, Mya, looked stunning in her dress with perfect hair and makeup. It was evident that she and her groom, Devon, were deeply in love. Their happiness and excitement were contagious and made the atmosphere even more special. During the ceremony, we were moved by the heartfelt vows that Devon had written for Mya and Grayson. It heart warming and tear-jerking moment, and we felt honored to capture it on camera. Throughout the day, we were impressed by how flawlessly everything ran. You could tell that a lot of time and effort had been put into planning every detail of this special day. Overall, we had an amazing time covering this beautiful wedding in Cincinnati. We were grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a significant event, and we wished the bride and groom all the best for a long an happy marriage. Thank you, guys, for having us, and trusting us to capture this amazing moment for you. Enjoy these samples:)

Looking for exceptional wedding photography services? Look no further than Matt and Shea. With years of experience capturing the most beautiful moments of couples' special days, they know exactly how to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Matt and Shea have the skills and expertise to make your wedding unforgettable. To learn more about their services or to book your wedding photography package, simply fill out the form below and they'll be in touch soon.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Phelan!!! Emma & Chris's Wedding Day

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What a FUN wedding!!! Emma and Chris officially tied the knot on June 13th, after postponements due to COVID. But they say the best things in life are worth waiting for, and whoever “they is” they weren’t lying. You guys were a blast and your wedding was absolutely beautiful, of course the Venue always is… But aside from the beauty of the decorations, dresses and flowers… I would have to say the best part of your wedding would be family!!! We got to meet so many of you and and have great conversations… I even had a conversation with the brides father about HVAC… Which was really on point since with humidity it felt like 110 degrees. But it was like God smiled down on Chris and Emma as the humid air gave way to a cooler evening during the reception, so the party was on!! Obviously the kids stole the show, showcasing various skills such as singing, and dancing and most of the time both… On a side note, there was a little girl there that was KILLING the vocals, and like Shea said, “she has such a great stage presence….” She was no more than 3 or 4 years old, and she had the mic in front of everyone just belting out those notes as she walked back and forth giving the fans their eye contact evenly throughout the crowd… Ill be looking for her on the Disney Channel, that’s for sure!!!

All in all it was a great wedding and so much fun to be a part of, Emma and her Mom did a fantastic job as they pulled double duty as the wedding planners and coordinators, so you know right then and there, that they are both extra strong at multitasking. My final thought would have to be about the food, I dont normally eat much at weddings due to taking a ton of other’s photos with their mouths full of food, but OMG, your caterer was OFF THE HOOK!!! That beef melted in my mouth, comment her name so I can give her some credit, it was sOOooooOOOO GOOD!!! Enjoy your pictures, and check out the link to all your pictures below to see your online gallery:)

Give the Gift of a Memory to Emma and Chris

Here is something new that we do for our brides and grooms, let’s face it, we live in a digital age, but NOTHING will ever take the place of holding something in your hand. Imagine the future, your sitting with your daughter as you plan her wedding… and you pull out a memory card? No way, we want better for our bride and grooms at Image Photography. So right now we are giving friends and family the opportunity to help Emma and Chris get a BEAUTIFUL wedding album that is custom created by us and printed up of long lasting UV coasted premium papers. Their album will tell their story or their day… They will be able to look back whenever they would like and relive that amazing day all those years ago. And they will have you to thank for it… Donations start at only $10!!! So let’s give the best gift anyone can give… the gift of a memory!!!! As a bonus, I am matching dollar for dollar on every donation, getting them to their dream album twice as fast:)

Donate to Chris and Emma's Wedding Album Fund
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Check out the rest of the pictures from their wedding by clicking here

Are you planning a wedding, or are you getting married? Take the first step to having Shea and I photograph your wedding by filling out the form below. We would love to talk to you about your special day. You can also call the studio to book your free consult over the phone at 423-521-7427.

Katelyn and Jeremy Engagement Session

What an amazing session Shea and I had with Katelyn and Jeremy. It was like the perfect day, wrapped up in the perfect date and then topped with a cherry!! I can not wait to photograph their wedding this fall. So when I photograph and engagement session, I treat it like a date night, so what better way to start a date than at the best custard and coffee stand in the area, Nana’s on Hixson Pike. I treated our two love birds to a banana split and then watched to see if they were ready for the “sharing factor” of marriage. I’m happy to say that they passed with flying colors!!! Take a look!!!

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After the ice creamed AWESOMENESS, it was time to take a stroll downtown were an older concrete stair case caught my eye. It looked terribly romantic and was perfect for our happy go lucky couple!! A couple kissing poses, and the occasional, “Don’t make me hose you off!!!” threats and we captured some pretty nice shots. Check them out and let me know what you think in the comments below:)

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So as we left the stairs, and turned left around the corner to head back to our vehicles… I saw a perceptive that caught my eye, so I wiped out my Sigma Art 135 1.8 lens and caught these shots of them, being them… Don’t get me wrong, I love posed shots, but nothing is better than a couple just being themselves. Here are some samples from that stop.

It was time to head to our third and final location. Katelyn had showed my her outfit, a cute little sun dress and Jeremy was rocking out the button up look. So if you notice, I love takes outfits out of context to create a exceptional shot that draws the attention straight to the subject of the photograph. For example, their first outfit was very casual, laid back… so we went downtown, somewhere that you wouldn’t see laid back casual outfits, mostly business suites and fancy clothing for a night out… Well with this outfit, the perfect place came to mind. So we headed up Hixson Pike, back toward my studio to the BEAUTIFUL Field, next door. Take a look at the lighting that we captured as Golden hour was on its way:)

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Last but certainly not least, while in the field, Shea and I decided to set up are stone flashes to create a more dramatic feel as the sun was continuing its journey down. After making out adjustments to the light power and settings, we captured a ton of great shots. Here are some samples from the more dramatic lighting in the field.

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All and all we had such great time and would like to thank Katelyn and Jeremy for choosing Shea and I to capture this special time in their life. We are really looking forward to Katelyn’s pre-wedding bridal session coming up in only a couple short days!!! You guys are fantastic and I hope you enjoy your images:)



If you are getting ready to tie the knot, Shea and I would love to talk to you about your photography!!! All of our wedding packages include a free engagement session, and offer digital galleries of your weddings images. Your first step starts by filling out the form below or calling our studio by clicking the button:) Then the fun begins, we have you out to the studio to view weddings that we have photographed before (well over a hundred throughout my 20 years of doing this), different albums and options. Finally I take out a piece of paper and we create the perfect wedding package for you and your fiancé!!! Maybe you are planning on a long engagement and just want some pictures to announce it, we have you covered with that as well!! Book your engagement session with Shea and I below and you and your fiancé will be the next couple showcased on my blog!!! We hope you enjoyed this post and the images.

For more samples from my sessions, or for tutorial ideas make sure to follow me on my social media pages, specifically Instagram and Facebook!!! You can also receive special offers and information of special mini session events that we offer:) Click the social link below to be taken to our page on that platform:)

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You can also send us an email by filing out the form below

Book your Engagement Session with us below, and let’s get this party started!!!

Engagement Sessions Engagement Sessions Engagement Sessions
Engagement Sessions
from $150.00

Capture your love story with Matt & Shea Photography’s engagement sessions. Our goal is to create beautiful, timeless images that reflect your unique journey together. With a focus on affordability and professionalism, we provide a relaxed atmosphere where you can be yourselves in front of the camera.

Every couple is different, and we tailor each session to fit your style and personality. Whether you envision a romantic setting among the scenic landscapes of Chattanooga or a more intimate indoor shoot, our team is here to bring your vision to life. Our expertise in capturing genuine emotions ensures that your engagement photos will be something you cherish forever.

Choose Matt & Shea Photography for your engagement session, and experience personalized service, stunning imagery, and a commitment to helping you celebrate this exciting chapter of your life. Let us tell your love story, one frame at a time. Book your session today and take the first step towards preserving your memories together.


Photography Composite Art "The Sandlot"

 
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One of my favorite works of literature comes from Arthur O'Shaughnessy and his poem, Ode. I first learned of this poem while watching the original Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Willie Wonka, played by Gene Wilder said, "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams...". That really spoke to me, not because of the magical chocolate and goodies that were covering the faces, I mean you could please anyone with a chocolate bar… But the world that was created, that someone sat down with just an idea and a dream and created a reality. In art, its the very same thing… When I sit down to an image, here's a little secret... I have no idea where I am going with editing... I just like to see where the art takes me... When I took this shot, I had no idea of how the end product would turn out, I had no idea where the image would take me. Here is the original, good lighting, good exposure and a good expression by the subject.

 
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Then we added this images in various spots, fixed up the sky a little, and after an hour or so of photoshop… Here is the finished product, LJ is 12 years old and playing for the Hellcats All-Star Team this year in Hixson and I am submitting this image to the International Print Competition when it opens up this year for the Professional Photographers of America, and at the East Tennessee Professional Photographers Salon Competition. Tell me what you think about it, all feedback is welcome:) I would like to call this piece of artwork “the Sandlot”….

I hope you enjoy the image and feel free to comment below and let me know what you think. I will be posting more of these images along with the video of their editing right here on my blog. So check back from time to time:)

 
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Matthew Wolcott Owner/Photographer Image Photography Inc

 
Click here to book a session with matt

Matthew Wolcott has been a professional photographer in the Chattanooga Area for over 20 years. Traveling up and down the east coast capturing weddings, family portraits and doing high volume sport and dance studio portraiture. He is a member of several different photographic and artistic communities. His studio is located in Hixson, TN in the Lakesite Community.

Foster Smash Cake

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Happy birthday Claire, you cute little SUNFLOWER YOU!!! You did so good for your SMASH CAKE!! Enjoy your sample:)

Do you know someone turning one? Or maybe your baby is getting ready to turn one? Tag the parents of a soon to be one year old in the comment section below, and one lucky one year old is going to win a free session with me and Shea, and a smash cake from Chatta-Cakes bakery!!! A winner will be selected in two weeks so make sure to share this post with them:)

Hallenbeck Family

Meet the Hallenbeck Family!! These guys and gals were SOO much fun, we had some great laughs and created some great pictures. Its so much fun when family comes to visit!!! Enjoy your sample guys and the rest of your images, I am so glad you liked them:)

When was your last family picture? If you are still thinking about it, then its been too long!! Check out Image Photography and book your session for as little as $75!!! Visit us at www.imagephotographyinc.com to book online or call the studio at 423-521-7427!!!

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Holsted Smash Cake

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The Holsted Smash Cake worked out wonderfully. We caught so many great images of this little one and her family that it was really hard to choose which one to use!! Thanks so much for letting Shea and I join in your celebration!! Enjoy your sample!!!

Comment contest is on for the Holsted family, get 50 comments and 50 shares on this post and we are going to give you a special gift from Image Photography!! You only have 1 week to make it happen so good luck, the clock starts now!!!

They grow way TOO fast, and sometimes its just time to capture that age forever!! Let Matt and Shea create an amazing memory for you and your little one.. Book your session for as little as $50!!! Visit us online at www.imagephotographyinc.com or call the studio at 423-521-7427!!!

Ruggiero Maternity

What an amazing maternity session with the Ruggiero Family as they get ready to welcome their little miracle baby into the world in just a few short weeks. They had so many amazing pictures!! Thank you so much for letting Shea and I be a part of this cherished experience. We can't wait to meet your baby!!!

Comment contest is on for this soon to be Mom and Dad, get 50 comments and 50 shares and get a special gift from us to you!!! But if you get 75 comments and 75 shares, the gift is going to be that much better:) You only have 1 week to make it happen and the clock starts now!!

The month of July we are celebrating all you expecting Moms and Dads out there. Check out our website at www.imagephotographyinc.com for information on our Maternity Session Special!! Call the studio at 423-521-7427 to book your session today!!

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Toddlerology Professionals!!!

Did I mention that Shea and I specialize in toddlerology!!! Don't believe us??? Ask the Vandervelt Family!!! Mom was a little worried that a good family picture might be impossible with this age group... nothing a clip board and scary cow couldn't fix;) (those that have seen us in action know exactly what Im talking about!!!) But look at this adorable family picture!! Thanks for trusting us to capture this moment for your precious family, I am so excited to show you the rest, your gonna love them!!

Do you have a toddler? Do feel like pictures are, "just not in the cards right now...." The Terrible Two's and the Trying Three's are something FEIRCE... I know, I have been through it 6 times!! With that said, Shea and I love a challenge, soooo, we are doing something special for all those parents that just desire a good picture of their toddler... Message us and we are going to set up a free session for the month of July!!!! Come out to our studio for a full hour session with NO SESSION FEE, just to test the waters. What do you have to lose? Message us today and lets get together and pull of a miracle;) Tag a friend or family member below that has had trouble with their toddler and pictures!!! You can also call us at 423-521-7427 Tuesday through Saturday:)

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