Gigi Turns One: A Cherry-Themed Celebration Full of Joy

There are certain moments in a photographer’s journey that stand out — the ones that leave a smile lingering long after the shoot is over. Gigi’s first birthday celebration was one of those unforgettable days. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a beautifully styled space, bursting with love, laughter, and the most charming cherry-themed décor I’ve ever seen.

Family photography in Cape Town.

The theme was carried through with such intention and joy — bold red bows on the walls, cherry accents on everything from the cake to Gigi’s dress, and a festive table layered in pink and red that made the entire space feel like a scene straight out of a storybook. Every detail had been thought through so lovingly, creating the perfect backdrop for a day full of memories.

Of course, the heart of it all was little Gigi herself. Dressed in a frilly red and white dress embroidered with cherries, red shoes, and her signature red bows in her hair, she stole every heart in the room. It didn’t take long for her to warm up to the camera — in fact, I think she knew this celebration was all about her. From the way she giggled to how she clapped her hands and waved them in the air, Gigi had a way of making everyone around her feel just as excited to celebrate her as she was to be celebrated.

Family photography in Cape Town.

One of the highlights of the day was the custom ball pit set up just for her. It was filled with red, white, black, and pink balls — the perfect playground for a one-year-old ready to explore. Gigi crawled, rolled, and laughed her way through the pit, popping up with the biggest grin and a pair of oversized pink flower-shaped sunglasses that made everyone laugh. She was in her element — playful, free, and completely herself.

Then came the cake smash — and oh, what a moment that was. Her eyes lit up as she was presented with her very own cake, and before anyone could blink, she was elbow-deep in frosting. She squished it, smeared it, and took great joy in getting every bit of it on her face, dress, and hands. At one point, she threw her arms up in absolute delight, cake-covered hands held high as if to say, “Best. Day. Ever!” And truly, it was.

Photographing Gigi’s first birthday wasn’t just about capturing beautiful images — it was about freezing a moment in time that her family will hold close to their hearts forever. These early milestones pass by so quickly, but photos like these ensure the joy, the mess, and the magic are never forgotten.

Family photography in Cape Town.

As a Cape Town-based family photographer, these are the moments I treasure most — the real, the joyful, the candid. There’s something so special about being invited into a family’s celebration and being trusted to preserve the memories that matter most. Whether it's a first birthday, a newborn session, or a milestone celebration, I consider it a privilege to witness the love families share — and to capture it in its most honest and heart-warming form.

Cape Town offers the most incredible backdrops, but it's the connection between people — the laughs, the cuddles, the cheeky cake-covered grins — that brings the magic to life. And with little ones like Gigi, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the wonder of it all.

To Gigi — thank you for bringing so much light and laughter to my lens. May your days always be filled with as much happiness and colour as your first birthday celebration. And to her wonderful family — thank you for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful milestone.