The Weils

A Surprise-Filled Family Portrait Session

SHHH! It’s a surprise! Or it was for this dad! I grew up in Orange County with this father of two featured here (with a third now on the way!). When his now-Nebraska-based family decided to come out to California to celebrate Christmas and their son’s first birthday with his family, they told his mom they wanted to hire a photographer to capture the little one’s special day and Smash Cake, and also grab some family portraits while they were at it. When Grandma heard this news, she told them that she knew just the photographer and that she’d take it from there. The real trick was keeping it a secret! It was a great day of catching up, cake eating, and splashing at the shore.

Capturing the Magic of Family with a Coastal Backdrop

Before the cake-smashing fun began, we captured some family portraits that reflected the love and happiness of the Weil family. Against stunning coastal rocks, the family of four stood together, smiling wide and showcasing their excitement around their baby boy’s important milestone.

Diving into Waves and Cake

As the birthday boy eagerly dug into his cake, his sister and dad couldn’t resist the nearby shore’s waves. Living in landlocked Nebraska, they rarely have access to the beach, making this spontaneous dip even more special. The joy and laughter that filled the air as they splashed in the waves perfectly complemented the excitement of the birthday celebration.

The little one’s smash cake experience was nothing short of adorable. Covered in frosting and giggles, he tackled the mountain of cake before him. But it was a lot of cake for a one-year-old! Luckily, this little one’s sister was more than willing to lend a hand, or rather, a mouth. She eagerly joined in, taking a few bites of cake herself and joining in the messy, memorable experience.

When the Weil family received the final photos, their happiness radiated through their words. They were amazed at how well I interacted with their little ones, allowing their personalities to shine through. They exclaimed, “We will cherish these photos always!”