There is something so special about photographing a first birthday… especially when a baby girl turns ONE and brings along a whole crew of big brothers and sisters. This sweet family of seven met me at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC to celebrate their youngest daughter’s first year, and their session was nothing short of joyful, busy, and absolutely beautiful.

But let’s take a moment to celebrate something that deserves loud, unapologetic recognition…

This mama got five kids under the age of ten dressed, ready, coordinated, fed, packed up, and out the door for family photos — ready for their session.
If you know… you know. That alone deserves a trophy.

Why This Session Felt So Meaningful

You could feel the love woven into this session from the very beginning. Big brothers helped entertain the little while while we got photos of baby sister. Mom and Dad traded cuddles and snuggles. And baby girl — the star of the day — soaked up every bit of attention like the tiny queen she is.

She was full of expressions too — curiosity, sweetness, sass, and that big shining smile that only shows up when she’s wrapped in her mama’s arms or leaning into dad’s forehead kiss. Watching her older siblings dote on her was one of my favorite parts. Every single one of them adores her.

The Magic of Tanglewood Park

Tanglewood Park never disappoints, especially in the fall. The golden light, the towering trees, and the warm colors were the perfect backdrop for this family’s session. We started with everyone together — the full big, beautiful family of seven — and then shifted into quilt snuggles, sibling moments, and of course, birthday portraits just for the birthday girl.

Her pink dress with the number one embroidered on the front and that floral crown… perfection. She looked like she belonged in a storybook.

Behind Every Beautiful Photo Is a Beautiful Effort

As a family photographer, one of my favorite things to witness is how families show up for moments like this.

It’s not easy.
It takes planning and patience and snacks and emergency wipes and probably a pep talk or two.

But this mama did it — and her efforts gave her something priceless:

✨ photos of all five children smiling together
✨ photos of her babies loving on each other
✨ photos of her and her husband in this season of raising little ones
✨ and images that will only grow more meaningful year after year

That is why family photos matter — not because everything goes perfectly, but because you choose to show up for the memories.

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Girl

It was such an honor to capture this milestone, and I’m already imagining this little one flipping through these images years from now… seeing not only her own personality, but the deep love her family wrapped around her from the very beginning.

Want to book your own first-birthday or family session at Tanglewood Park?

I would love to photograph your family — whether you have one child or a whole beautiful crew like this one.