Cake smash sessions with Karissa Leigh Designs in Appleton are $225 or $395. The Mini Cake Smash is $225 for 30 minutes and 15 edited images, and you bring the cake. The full Cake Smash Session is $395 for one hour and 30 hand edited images, with a custom cake from Simple Simon Bakery, a balloon arch, and coordinated props all included.
Appleton Cake Smash Sessions at a Glance
Both sessions can be photographed in the studio or outdoors, and both come with an online gallery and print release. Here is how they compare.
| Session | Price | Time | Edited Images | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Cake Smash | $225 | 30 minutes | 15 | Studio or outdoor, online gallery with print release. Cake not included, so you bring your own |
| Cake Smash Session | $395 | 1 hour | 30 hand edited | A custom cake from Simple Simon Bakery, balloon arch, and coordinated props, studio or outdoor, option to purchase more images or the complete curated gallery |
Prices shown before sales tax. You can see every Appleton session on the investment page.
What Changes the Price
A few things separate the two sessions.
The Cake
This is the biggest difference. With the Mini Cake Smash you bring your own cake, and a small, simple one works best for little hands. The full session includes a custom cake from Simple Simon Bakery, so the only thing you need to bring is your baby and a change of clothes. Let Karissa know about any allergies when you book.
Session Length
One year olds keep their own schedule. Thirty minutes is enough for a few portraits and a quick smash. An hour leaves room for a slow start, a snack, an outfit change, and the few minutes many babies need before they decide the frosting is theirs.
Styling and Setup
The full session includes a balloon arch and coordinated props, set up and waiting when you arrive. Choose a theme or keep it neutral. Appleton Cake Smash Photography: What to Expect walks through how the session unfolds.
Number of Edited Images
The Mini Cake Smash includes 15 edited images, and the full session includes 30 hand edited images. After the full session you can purchase more images, or the complete curated gallery, once you have seen everything.
Prints and Albums
A first birthday photo tends to end up on a wall. If you are picturing a framed print in the nursery or a first year album, tell Karissa before your session so she can plan framing around the prints you actually want.
When to Book
Plan the session within a week or two of the first birthday, on either side. That keeps the photos true to the age on the cake topper, and it leaves the party itself free for family. Karissa recommends booking at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, because first birthday weekends fill quickly, especially in spring and fall.
For the whole first year, the Legacy First Year collection is $1,500. It includes a newborn session of up to four hours, a 3 month session, a 6 month session, and a one hour cake smash, with all edited images from every session. The Bump to Baby Collection is $1,400 and begins even earlier, with maternity portraits.
Questions Parents Ask About Cost
Is cake smash pricing in Appleton different from Tampa?
No. Karissa photographs families in Appleton and in Tampa, and the cake smash sessions are priced the same in both.
Is the cake included?
With the full Cake Smash Session, yes. A custom cake from Simple Simon Bakery is included, along with the balloon arch and props. Let Karissa know about any allergies when you book. With the Mini Cake Smash, the cake is not included, so you bring your own.
Can I buy more images after the session?
Yes. After the full Cake Smash Session you can purchase additional images, or the complete curated gallery, once you see everything Karissa has edited.
When should we schedule the session?
Within a week or two of the first birthday, on either side, so the photos match the age on the cake topper.
How do I choose the right session?
Start with two questions. Which photo would you be heartbroken not to have? And where will these photos live: a framed print in the nursery, a first year album, or the thank you cards after the party? Your answers point to how much time and how many images you need.
If you are comparing photographers, Karissa is happy to talk through which session fits your little one before you decide. When is the big first birthday?
