I recently had the absolute joy of photographing a family session on the sugar-soft sands of Siesta Key, and to make it even sweeter, it doubled as a 3rd birthday celebration for their oldest. Yes, that meant sunset portraits and a cake smash on the beach! Does it get any better?

The evening began just before golden hour, when the Florida light starts to turn that perfect shade of honey. We started with relaxed, natural family portraits—parents snuggling with their kids, siblings chasing each other barefoot through the surf, laughter filling the salty air. Siesta Key’s iconic white sand reflected the light beautifully, giving everything a dreamy, sun-kissed glow. It was the kind of evening that feels like summer bottled up.

Then came the highlight: the cake. They brought out a super fun and adorable Spiderman-themed cake. Their birthday boy, freshly three and full of personality, lit up the second he saw it. He had a few bites and shared some with little sis. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we ended with a few final candid shots—sticky fingers, sandy toes, and hearts full. There’s something incredibly special about combining a family session with a milestone moment like a birthday. It adds a layer of joy, emotion, and spontaneity that you just can’t script. And when you pair that with a location as stunning as Siesta Key at sunset? It’s pure magic.

Thinking of planning a session like this? I always say: celebrate the little things. Whether it’s a birthday, a reunion, or just a chance to slow down and soak in your family—those moments deserve to be captured.

And if you bring cake to the beach? Even better.