York County Cake Smash Photographer
The Cake Smash Galleries
featured galleries
your baby deserves to be celebrated
First birthday sessions in my York Haven studio. The cake, the backdrop, the outfit, the cleanup: already handled.
Serving York, York Haven, Etters, Manchester, Mount Wolf, Dover, and all of York County.
master's themed first birthday
This little guy celebrated turning one with the cutest "Hole in One" golf-themed cake smash! From the coordinating backdrop and custom cake by Wesley Made Sweets to his adorable miniature Masters jacket, every detail came together perfectly. He was all smiles from start to finish, making this one of those sessions that's just impossible not to love. Thoughtful themes paired with a happy birthday boy always make for a memorable first birthday celebration.
sweet one first birthday session
Wyatt's Sweet One cake smash was such a joy to design and celebrate. From the adorable theme to her happy, smiley personality, everything came together perfectly for a beautiful first birthday session. One of my favorite parts was getting to see her again—I also photographed her newborn session, and it's always such an honor when families come back to celebrate these milestones with me. Watching my tiniest clients grow from sleepy newborns into curious, joy-filled one-year-olds never gets old.
first bow day!
First Bow Day has quickly become one of my favorite cake smash themes, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. Soft pink bows, delicate details, and a timeless color palette create the sweetest backdrop for celebrating a little girl's first birthday. It's simple, elegant, and lets your little one's personality shine. I have a feeling this is one theme I'll never get tired of creating.
simply one birthday photos
Not every family wants an elaborate birthday theme—and that's one of the things I love most about cake smash sessions. Sometimes, simple is exactly the right choice. For this sweet boy's first birthday, mom chose a classic palette of whites and blues, keeping the focus where it belonged: on her little guy. A beautiful blue ombré cake, a few balloons, and plenty of smiles came together to create a timeless first birthday gallery that will never go out of style.
holy cow, she's one cake smash
When mom and dad told me their little girl was obsessed with cows, there was only one option: a "Holy Cow, She's One!" cake smash. From the barn-inspired setup to the adorable farm animal details, this theme was so much fun to bring to life. She loved every second of it—and definitely enjoyed the cake, too! Personalized cake smash themes are such a fun way to celebrate your little one's unique personality and create memories that are just as special as they are.
one silly goose first birthday
One Silly Goose has been one of the most popular cake smash themes this year, and it's easy to see why. The soft blues, whimsical details, and playful touches photograph beautifully while keeping the focus on your birthday baby. I have a feeling this is one theme that's here to stay! Best of all, I provide everything for your little one's first birthday session—including the backdrop, outfit, and a custom cake from Wesley Made Sweets—so all you have to do is show up and enjoy celebrating your baby's big milestone.
The frosting, the giggles, the first birthday magic?
You'll want to remember that.
York County Cake Smash Photography
Here's a little secret: when families across Central PA book their cake smash with me, they drive to York County. My studio sits just off I-83 in York Haven, which means if you're in York, this isn't a road trip. It's practically your neighborhood.
Cake smash sessions here are completely done for you. I design a custom setup around your theme, order a gorgeous cake from Wesley Made Sweets, and pull an outfit from my collection so your birthday baby looks the part without you buying a thing. You show up with your one-year-old and a change of clothes. I handle everything else, including the frosting cleanup, which I'm told is the real selling point.
Every session is baby-led and pressure-free. Some babies dive into the cake with both hands. Some poke it suspiciously like it might poke back. Both make incredible photos, because the goal isn't a perfect performance. It's your baby, exactly who they are at one.
Not sure a full cake smash is your style? Some York families choose a simple milestone portrait session instead, all the one-year-old personality without the mess. [Link: milestone/baby page] Either way, this birthday only happens once, and you'll want to remember it.
HARRISBURG FIRST BIRTHDAY PHOTOGRAPHER
Your Cake Smash Studio Is Already in York County
Fill out my contact form and tell me about your birthday boy or girl. Already have a theme picked out? Amazing. No idea where to start? Also amazing. I'll send over everything you need and help you land on the perfect session.
SAY HELLO
01.
We'll pick a date, usually 2 to 3 weeks before the first birthday or party, so your photos are ready in time to show off. Your contract and retainer lock in your spot at my York Haven studio.
RESERVE YOUR SESSION
02.
We finalize your theme, colors, and vision together. Then I get to work: ordering your custom cake from Wesley Made Sweets, building your backdrop, and pulling the perfect outfit. Your to-do list stays empty.
03.
PLAN THE FUN
Bring your little one to the studio, just off I-83 in York Haven, and let the celebration begin. We start with clean, classic portraits, then bring out the cake for the main event. Smiles, frosting, chaos, magic.
YOUR SESSION
04.
Your proofing gallery arrives within a week. Pick your favorites, and I'll hand-edit each image before delivering your final gallery, ready to print, frame, and text to every grandparent in Pennsylvania.
ENJOY YOUR MEMORIES
05.
PRICING DETAILS
SESSIONS FROM $450
Right here in York County
No long drive with a toddler in the backseat. My studio is minutes off I-83 in York Haven, with easy parking and everything ready when you arrive.
The cake is included. Yes, really.
A custom cake from Wesley Made Sweets is part of every session. It's designed to match your theme and, more importantly, to be smashed.
Every Theme, From Simple to Showstopper
Hole in One, Sweet One, First Bow Day, or a clean and timeless setup with zero glitter. We build the session around your baby, not the other way around.
We found Kate shortly after we moved to the area while I was 6 months pregnant with our second. And we've been with her ever since!!! We did the full year with our second with her. We are now on number 3 and she has captured some of the most precious pictures of our family!
Kelsey S.
Kate is so amazing to work with!!! We will be using her for all of our families needs going forward!
- Alyssa M.
"Kate makes the entire experience seamless and stress-free from start to finish. She has a natural way of putting you at ease, making the shoot feel fun and relaxed rather than posed or forced. Her work truly speaks for itself. You won't be disappointed."
- Sallyann B.
Kate did an incredible job capturing our family photos. I shared my vision with her, and she went above and beyond to bring it to life. She was so patient with my kids and gave us the most beautiful golden hour session—plus a fast gallery turnaround! We’ll absolutely be using her again for future photos.
- Katie R.
"We have had family photos taken by Kate five times now and every session has been wonderful. She has a true gift with babies, patient, gentle, and always able to capture those sweet candid moments. We are always so happy with the photos we get back."
- Dana S.
"I am SO thankful I found Kate. She has done both my maternity and my daughter's newborn pictures. Life can be overwhelming days after welcoming a newborn, but Kate made the session so easy. From coming to our home to providing clothes from her client closet for the whole family, I couldn't be more thankful."
- Macie H.
FAQ
Nope! When I say we take care of it all, I mean it! Cakes are provided as part of your session cost by the amazingly talented Wesley Made Sweets. However, if you have dietary restrictions or would like a specific recipe followed, you would be responsible for providing an alternative cake.
Right here in York County! My studio is located just off I-83 in York Haven, an easy drive from York, Dover, Manchester, Mount Wolf, and Etters. Outdoor milestone sessions are also available, and I have a curated list of gorgeous local spots.
The best time to book your York cake smash session is around 11 months old, so your photos are ready before the big birthday party.
That’s completely normal and totally expected! I’ll meet your kids right where they are, and together, we’ll find ways for them to be themselves and have fun. Sitting still and saying "cheese" isn’t my style. Instead, we’ll play games, chat about their favorite things, and capture who they truly are in this moment!
Where will my York PA cake smash session take place?
Do I need to bring the cake to my first birthday session?
How far in advance should I book my first birthday photoshoot?
What if my kids won't sit still or listen?
My baby might hate the cake! What then?
How should I dress my baby for their milestone session?
Prior to your session we will have a consult call where we will discuss wardrobe, color preferences, and plan out your entire session. I will help guide you to choose outfits that complement your style and photograph beautifully. I have lots of adorable baby outfits in my stash that photograph beautifully.
No problem! We capture a mix of smiles, curiosity, and baby-led moments. Some babies love smashing, some just explore—it’s all adorable.
Ready to get started?
contact me to be your York pa cake smash photographer
My studio is located just off I-83 in York Haven, PA, right here in York County. Fill out the form below and I'll be back in touch within 24 hours. I can't wait to celebrate your baby's first birthday!
let's create
memories
beautiful
yay!
You're one step closer to an incredible photography experience & absolutely stunning family memories!
NOW WHAT?!
You'll receive a response back within 24 hours. If you don't see something within that time frame, be sure to check your spam!
E-mails come from kate@katemccordphotography.com if you want to add that to your address book to avoid sending me to spam.
