Wild West First Birthday Session | Wes | GCP by Nicole

There’s something extra special about first birthdays. Maybe it’s because that first year seems to fly by faster than any other, or maybe it’s because suddenly that tiny newborn you were just holding is an entire little person with a personality all their own.

For Wes’s first birthday, his family decided to celebrate with the cutest Wild West theme — because really, how could you not when your name is Wes? 🤠

We photographed his first birthday portraits at home just before his party began, which is something I absolutely love doing. And I have to give Mom some serious credit here because hosting a first birthday party is already a lot… somehow having your entire family dressed, ready and photo-worthy before the guests arrive deserves its own award!

The funny thing is, we did the exact same thing for big sister’s first birthday, and it worked just as perfectly then.

Scheduling a portrait session right before a birthday party might sound a little crazy at first, but it can actually be the perfect time.

The decorations are finished. Everyone is dressed. The birthday boy or girl is ready. Extended family is usually arriving. And all of those little details you spent so much time planning are fresh and untouched.

For Wes, we were able to photograph his adorable Wild West setup along with plenty of portraits of the birthday boy himself. Since everyone was already together, we also took advantage of the opportunity to fit in extended family photos.

It’s such an easy way to get so much out of one session without needing to coordinate another day when everyone is available.

As cute as the balloons, rocking horse and tiny cowboy outfit were, these sessions are really about remembering them at this exact age.  The little expressions. The personality. The baby cheeks. The way they sit, smile and interact with everyone around them.

Because those are the things that change so quickly.

The party will be over in a few hours. The decorations will come down. But these images become the part you get to keep.

I especially love that Wes’s family now has first birthday portraits for both of their kids taken in their own home on the day of their parties. What started as a convenient way to fit photos into an already busy day has turned into such a sweet little family tradition.

And I am always here for traditions like that. ❤️

If you have a first birthday coming up, your session doesn’t have to be an entirely separate production. Sometimes the perfect opportunity is already built right into the celebration you’re planning.

And if there happens to be a ridiculously cute theme involved? Even better. 🤠

Nicole~ Wild West First Birthday Session/GCP by Nicole