Steak Smash vs. Cake Smash

I know you’ve heard of a cake smash. Those milestone sessions where sweet little one-year-olds make a glorious (and absolutely adorable) mess diving into their very first birthday cake. Frosting-covered fingers, icing in the eyelashes—pure, sugary chaos.

But have you ever heard of a Steak Smash?

Yep, you read that right: S-T-E-A-K. Filet over funfetti. Ribeye over red velvet. Let me tell you—it was everything I didn’t know I needed.

This session will forever go down in Melissa Renae Photography history as my very first Steak Smash. And honestly? It wasn’t just memorable because of the meat. The story behind it is what truly makes it one of the most special sessions I’ve ever done.

When this sweet girl was just a few weeks old, her dad proudly declared that she was going to love steak. He was convinced—convinced—that it would be her very first food, and the one thing she'd enjoy more than anything else. It was kind of his thing.

Tragically, her daddy was killed in the line of duty before he ever got to see her crawl, speak her first word, or sink her teeth into that first bite of steak he so dreamed about.

Fast forward to her one-year session, and we started with a traditional cake smash before the steak smash. You know, just in case. But Little E? She was not having it. One look at the cake and she made a face that said, “Are you kidding me with this?” I mean…priceless.

Then came the steak.

Her eyes lit up. Her whole expression changed. She reached for that steak like it was the best thing she’d ever seen (because… it was). She went after it like a little champ, and honestly, it was the most touching, hilarious, and beautiful moment wrapped into one.

Her daddy called it. She’s a steak girl, through and through. 💗

So whether you're dreaming of a classic Cake Smash, or you're ready to break the mold and try something a little different (donuts? tacos? let’s get wild), I’m here for it. Let’s make it fun. Let’s make it meaningful. And most of all—let’s make it yours.

Need help planning that perfect session? Click that contact button at the top of the page, and let's plan the perfect Arizona milestone session for you!