Wesley Chapel First Birthday Photographer | Cloud 9 Studios

Your baby’s turning one! Cue the cake, the giggles, and the “how has it already been a year?!” feelings. And whether you’ve had the theme picked out since month four or you’re still wading through Pinterest boards at 2am, we’re here to help.

At Cloud 9 Studios, we believe your baby’s first birthday session should feel personal, joyful, and completely you. From sweet and simple to full-blown themed adventures, we’ve seen it all … and we’re sharing our favorite ways to choose a theme that makes your session unforgettable.

💡 1. Start With What You Already Love

When helping parents plan, we often begin with these questions:

• What’s the nursery theme?
• Do you already have a theme in mind for their birthday party?
• Is there a book, song, or character that means something to your family?
• Do you prefer simple and minimal—or bold and elaborate?
• Are there colors you’re drawn to or using for the celebration?

The answers almost always point to the perfect theme—or at least narrow it down to a short list.

🌈 2. Most-Loved Themes at Cloud 9

Some themes are just too cute not to love! These are our most requested birthday setups:

• 🧜‍♀️ Mermaids
• 🐻 Winnie the Pooh (especially the classic storybook style)
• 🚀 Space Themed
• 🦖 Dinosaurs
• 🍓 Strawberries, watermelons, and other sweet summer fruit (One in a Melon)
• 🌼 Flowers and garden themes
• 🐾 “Wild One”
• 🎂 “Sweet One”
• 🤍 Or a simple white set with your favorite color scheme and personal props

Whatever direction you’re drawn to, we’ll help you bring it to life—beautifully.

🐝 3. A Theme Can Carry Meaning Across Generations

Sometimes a theme is more than just cute—it tells a deeper story.

We once had a mom ask for a Classic Winnie the Pooh theme. At first, it seemed like a simple request… until she shared why. Pooh had been part of her childhood … her mother used to read her the stories growing up. Her mom had since passed away, but the books remained. So did the memories.

She brought the original books to the session. Her son held her own childhood Pooh bear. And we styled the set with honey pots and nostalgic details to honor that legacy.

It wasn’t just a them, it was a tribute, a bridge between generations, and a way to say, “I remember. I carry you with me.”

🧁 4. Custom Themes? Yes, Please.

While we have pre-designed themes that are studio favorites, we love when a client brings a unique idea to the table.

Recently, one family requested a “My First Trip Around the Sun” session. We designed a bright, playful set with a handmade sun, balloon arches, and celestial details, completely customized for their little star. It was magical, and 100% theirs.

If you have a specific idea in mind, we’ll schedule a planning call with you at least two weeks ahead of your session to bring it to life. We even welcome you to bring personal props: items from the nursery, a birthday banner, a favorite blanket … anything that tells your baby’s story.

🎈 5. What’s Included (and What You Can Bring)

Here’s what we provide with your session:

• 🎈 Balloons to match your theme
• 🎂 A custom smash cake
• 🎨 Backgrounds and themed props for your chosen set

What we ask you to bring:

• 👕 Outfits (most families bring 1–3)
• 💕 Personal touches: name signs, heirlooms, favorite toys or books

These little details are what take a session from adorable to unforgettable.

✨ Let’s Choose a Theme Together

Still not sure what theme to pick? That’s totally okay. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through your options, listen to your ideas, and help you dream up the perfect celebration for your baby’s big milestone.

Because this isn’t just about pictures.
It’s about capturing who they are right now—before they grow into who they’re becoming.

Let’s Chat →
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.