I love traditions. The traditional foods eaten during holidays, traditional songs, dances, knowing these things have been passed down from generation to generation. But unlike the Fiddler on the Roof type traditions of my family, I was honored to capture a different tradition this week. When Layla’s mom called me to do her first birthday shoot and mentioned that she’d like to use some clothing from their Indian heritage, I was thrilled. Tradition AND hand-beaded outfits with bright, bold colors – what could be better?!

Layla was gorgeous in her lengha, and all dolled up in her gold necklace and bangles as well. After her portraits we held a cake smash session, during which she daintily licked the icing off her fingers for 30 minutes. We ended up with a great, dainty, and rather clean cake smash – but her mom requested those photos not be made public just yet 🙂

For now, here’s the gorgeous Layla. Happy 1st birthday!