Bella's First Fairytale Birthday Party
A fairytale first birthday for one lucky little girl!
A first birthday is less about the little one remembering it and more about creating something meaningful for the family—and this celebration did exactly that, without going over the top.
This small intimate first birthday felt like stepping into a soft, modern fairytale. Designed by Dolce Picnics for the client’s close family only, the gathering focused on connection, beauty, and thoughtful details rather than a large guest list.
The birthday girl, dressed in her adorable fluffy outfit, fit seamlessly into the setting—like she belonged right in the middle of the fairytale! There was no rush to the day. Moments unfolded slowly: quiet cuddles with parents, laughter between grandparents, and that sweet in-between stage of curiosity and wonder that only a one-year-old brings.
A petite cake added a charming focal point, decorated to match the overall aesthetic—simple, elegant, and just the right amount of whimsy. The cake smash was gentle and unhurried, more about exploration than mess, and perfectly in line with the calm, intimate tone of the celebration.
What made this day stand out wasn’t just the design—it was the intention behind it. By keeping the guest list small, every moment felt personal. Every detail, from the florals to the setting, reflected a desire to create something timeless rather than trendy.
This Newport Beach first birthday was a reminder that celebrations don’t need to be large to feel special. With thoughtful styling, meaningful details, and the people who matter most, even the smallest gathering can feel like something straight out of a fairytale.
Examples on what to wear for Family Portraits
I always recommend to wear clothing you’re comfortable in. Clothing that you can move and play in! That goes for the parents as much as the kiddos. The idea of having a Mama not be able to play with her kids because her dress is too restrictive or precious makes me sad! If your little girl is in a dress make sure you have cutie bloomers or shorts underneath so she can twirl and spin and jump without the worry of underwear or diapers showing.
One good rule to follow is to have Mama in something flowy and patterned ( fabric and clothing styles with movement can add a fun element to photos ) then kids in either solid colors or simple patterns like stripes and spots and Dad in solid neutrals.
Make note of the different patterns in your outfits and make sure they compliment each other rather than create visual chaos! Of course if you prefer to have your partner or kids in patterns that works too! Often Mother’s have the hardest time finding something they like for themselves so start there and build everyone else around that.
In regard to color palette generally lighter more pastel colors work in most locations. Light colored snuggly cozy fabrics are always great for newborn sessions and black sometimes doesn’t photograph well when indoors.
I'm also a big believer in the idea that rules are meant to be broken. If you want to wear a bright pink fluffy dress to your beach session do it!
Lastly try to avoid shirts with graphic logos or text as it can become distracting and can pull focus away from faces.
Feel free to email me with your ideas if you are looking for a second opinion when it comes to putting outfits together.
Newborn session with a sweet big brother!
This is a fun filled newborn baby portrait session that included an adoring big brother who was all about the kisses and cuddles… until he wasn’t!
An in-home newborn and family lifestyle session is all about preserving those fleeting, beautifully ordinary moments—just as they are. Unlike posed studio portraits, lifestyle sessions unfold naturally in the spaces where your family feels most comfortable.
For this session we focused on the more classic family portraits at the start of the session while big brother was still warming up to me. When he needed a little break I focused on pictures of baby brother by himself , then moved on to more candid lifestyle family portraits.
I find letting toddlers guide the way during a family portrait session is the best. Toddlers don’t have to sit still. In fact, the magic often happens in between—big sibling giggles, a gentle forehead kiss, the puppy dog style flop to the ground.
The newborn stage passes in the blink of an eye. An at-home lifestyle session allows you to slow down, soak it in, and hold onto the feeling of these first days—long after the sleepless nights have faded into memory.
A sweet Family Portrait session in the hills.
I've been photographing this family, since little miss was a little baby.
One of my favorite things about this job of mine is being able to watch kids grow. Seeing their personalities flourish and the confidence bloom! The first time it took a little time the kids to warm up, now I'm greeted with hugs and big smiles.
