Natalie's First Birthday Party

I love spending time with small children, especially babies and I absolutely love every opportunity I have to photograph them too! I had the pleasure of meeting Natalie when her mom hired me to take her nine month old portraits. She asked if I'd be available to photograph her birthday party. Natalie is a pleasant toddler and I'm really glad I was able to photograph her first birthday. I love planning birthday parties for my own children and am always curious to hear how others plan. I asked Natalie's mom to fill us in on the details of how she pulled off a gorgeous first birthday party.

Tell us about your baby's first birthday party. 

Laura, came about a half an hour before the party started to get some planned pictures of my daughter. She stayed for about three hours and got greta photos of everything. I was super busy and would never of had the time to take pictures on my own with 60 people at my house.

Describe your baby's 1st birthday. 

We had fun, created new memories and celebrated my little one's birthday.

What was the theme of the Party?

Hello Kitty

Where was the party? 

We had the party at our house.

How many guests? 

60+

Tell us about the food. 

We had it catered from Pasta Too and I had a server.

Who baked the cake? 

My best friend made her Hello Kitty smash cake an I ordered cookies and cupcakes from Barton's, a little bakery in Elizabeth, PA.

Tell us about the party decorations. 

I started making them months ahead. I found her vintage wooden Tiffany blue high chair off a local buy/sell/trade group.

Music/Entertainment 

We booked a balloon person but she cancelled during the party.

Party Favors 

Children received a Ty Hello Kitty beanie and a Hello Kitty glow stick.

What did your baby wear to the party? 

A close friend made her a Hello Kitty "one" top and her outfit change was into a Matilda Jane outfit. 

What was the highlight of the party? 

All of the friends and family over to our house to celebrate Natalie's 1st birthday and my 91 year old grandma who made it to the party. She died two months later.

What's the best advice you can give to other families planning a first birthday party? 

Plan ahead!!

Have you decided on a theme for her next birthday? 

We are doing a Candyland theme.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.