A Pumpkin-Themed First Birthday

/ ROSE VANILLA/
Pumpkin-themed first birthday cake with vintage buttercream piping in green, yellow, and blue, displayed on a white cake stand on a patterned tablecloth with fall decorations in the background.

Jack’s first birthday was such a special project, and I’m so happy I get to share a little of it here. His mother reached out and sent me the party invitation and the colors she had chosen, and instantly I could picture the whole design: greens, pumpkin orange, a bit of yellow and blue, and lots of vintage buttercream details. It felt cheerful, fall-inspired, and perfect for a first birthday.

I made a matching cake and cupcake set, keeping the colors and little pumpkin elements consistent so everything felt cohesive on the dessert table. These are the kinds of sets I really enjoy making, because the design naturally grows from the event itself.

Vintage-style pumpkin cupcakes displayed on a three-tier white stand, decorated with mint green buttercream ruffles and small orange pumpkins

The day was captured by the talented Nancy Morlet, who always photographs cakes in such a natural and meaningful way. I love how she finds the small moments, the texture of the piping, the way the colors look in daylight, and the little touches that make a party feel personal.

Close-up of a vintage buttercream pumpkin cake showing piped garlands in green, blue, and yellow with small pumpkin appliqués.