Bella Luz Fotografía
Cake Smash / 1st Birthday in Franklin, TN
The fields of Harlinsdale Farm are the dream setting for your baby's first birthday. Elegant portraits first, then the fun — cake, laughter, and all that enormous personality.
Your Photographer
Cake Smash / 1st Birthday in Franklin
From $250
Starting price
25-45+
Edited photos
45 min - 75 min
Coverage
The Tradition
The first birthday is a huge celebration in Hispanic families in Franklin. The cake, the special outfit, the baby's reaction — all of it deserves to be photographed with professionalism and joy. Bella Luz Fotografía creates cake smash sessions full of color and emotion that families will treasure forever.
"The first birthday is a huge celebration in Hispanic families in Franklin."
In Franklin
Franklin has some of the best portrait locations in Middle Tennessee, and first birthday sessions here take full advantage of that. Harlinsdale Farm on Franklin Road has the white fences and open fields that give photos a character specific to the place — that Williamson County aesthetic that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Carnton Plantation Grounds has century-old trees and historic gardens that provide backgrounds with real texture. At Bella Luz we start every session with formal portraits — baby in clean clothes, with the family, with siblings — and the smash comes after. Merridee's Breadbasket in downtown Franklin is the reference bakery in the area for custom cakes; they make designs to order and have deep roots in the Franklin community. As your see more in Franklin, we know every corner of this city.
Packages & Pricing
Cake Smash / 1st Birthday in Franklin
Simple Smash
$250
- ✓ 45 min of coverage
- ✓ 25+ professionally edited photos
- ✓ Private online gallery with unlimited downloads
- ✓ Professional color correction
- ✓ Print release included
Cake Party
$400
- ✓ 75 min of coverage
- ✓ 45+ professionally edited photos
- ✓ Private online gallery with unlimited downloads
- ✓ Professional color correction
- ✓ Print release included
Add-Ons
- ✓ Extra 30 minutes — +$100
- ✓ Rush delivery (5-7 days) — +$75
Delivery: 2-3 weeks
Simple & Stress-Free
Working With Us Is Easy
Contact Us
Message us on WhatsApp or call. Tell us about your event and what you're looking for.
Book Your Date
Choose your package and secure your date with a 25% retainer. Schedule your planning call.
The Big Day
Relax and enjoy. We capture every moment, every tradition, every emotion.
Your Private Gallery
Receive your online gallery in 2-3 weeks. Unlimited downloads from any device.
Share & Order
Share with family, order prints, albums, and products directly from your gallery.
Contact Us
Message us on WhatsApp or call. Tell us about your event and what you're looking for.
Book Your Date
Choose your package and secure your date with a 25% retainer. Schedule your planning call.
The Big Day
Relax and enjoy. We capture every moment, every tradition, every emotion.
Your Private Gallery
Receive your online gallery in 2-3 weeks. Unlimited downloads from any device.
Share & Order
Share with family, order prints, albums, and products directly from your gallery.
Tips for You
How to Prepare for the Cake Smash
- ✓ Coordinate the cake in advance — it can be simple or elaborate, but it should have good color for photos.
- ✓ Schedule the session when the baby is most rested and in a good mood — usually after a nap.
- ✓ Bring an outfit change for the baby — and one for yourself too, just in case.
- ✓ Prepare a tub or towels for a quick cleanup after the smash.
- ✓ Decorate the space with simple colors that complement the cake — balloons, garlands, backdrop.
- ✓ Bring the cake at room temperature so it's softer and easier to "smash."
Locations
Where We Photograph Cake Smash / 1st Birthday in Franklin
For the smash cake, Merridee's Breadbasket on West Main Street in Franklin is the main recommendation — an artisan bakery with deep roots in Franklin that makes custom cakes to order. For the outdoor session, Harlinsdale Farm requires coordinating access in advance. Carnton Plantation requires a photography permit with a fee. Arrington Vineyards also works if the family wants a more Tuscan atmosphere.
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
Classic white fences, open fields, and the historic Hayes House. Iconic 'Franklin' look. The most used photo location in Williamson County for formal portraits. Best time to photograph is golden hour (sunset). Ideal for outdoor cake smash sessions. Bella Luz knows the best angles at this location.
Best time: Golden Hour (Sunset).
View on Google Maps →Arrington Vineyards
Rolling hills and vineyards. Check for 'Photography Policy' as they often require a permit or specific hours. Best time to photograph is 1-2 hours before sunset. Ideal for outdoor cake smash sessions. Bella Luz knows the best angles at this location.
Best time: 1-2 hours before sunset.
View on Google Maps →The Barn at Sycamore Farms
Luxury barn with a 9-foot crystal chandelier. Capacity: 350. Perfect for decorated cake smash sessions. Bella Luz has photographed here and knows the lighting and best spots for your cake smash / 1st birthday.
View on Google Maps →CJ's Off the Square
Intimate garden venue. Capacity: 135. Perfect for decorated cake smash sessions. Bella Luz has photographed here and knows the lighting and best spots for your cake smash / 1st birthday.
View on Google Maps →More Services
Also in Franklin
Posed portrait sessions for baptisms, first communions, presentaciones de tres años, and special family milestones.
Learn More →Portrait Sessions
From $250
Lifestyle sessions at your home with natural light. Natural poses, real moments — your baby's first days.
Learn More →Lifestyle Newborn
From $350
Event coverage for baby showers and gender reveals. These are full family events that deserve professional photos.
Learn More →Baby Shower / Gender Reveal
From $400
Frequently Asked Questions
Cake Smash / 1st Birthday in Franklin
What are the best locations for cake smash sessions in Franklin?
Harlinsdale Farm has the white fences and open fields that are characteristic of Franklin — it is the most requested location in Williamson County for formal portraits. Carnton Plantation Grounds has century-old trees and historic gardens for backgrounds with more texture. Arrington Vineyards is an alternative with hills and vineyards as the backdrop.
Where do I buy the smash cake in Franklin?
Merridee's Breadbasket on West Main Street is our first recommendation in Franklin — an artisan bakery that makes custom designs to order. Order at least one week in advance and tell them the color and theme of the session so the cake complements the photos.
Do you need a permit to photograph at Harlinsdale Farm?
Harlinsdale Farm requires advance coordination with the City of Franklin for professional sessions. We handle this process — what we need is the date at least two weeks in advance to manage access correctly.
Do cake smash sessions in Franklin include both indoor and outdoor photos?
We typically do the full session in one environment — either outdoors at one of Franklin's locations or indoors if the family prefers. If you want to combine both, it is possible but requires more session time. Write to us and we will design the plan based on what you have in mind.
Bella Luz Fotografía
Ready to Book Cake Smash / 1st Birthday in Franklin?
Message us and tell us about your event. We serve Franklin and all of Middle Tennessee.