When I walked into Delpino Restaurant for this baby shower, the first thing I noticed was the color.

Pink, orange, purple, blue — everywhere — in the best way possible. Balloons, flower power signs, daisy decorations scattered across tables. Even the cupcakes were part of the theme. This wasn’t just a baby shower. This was a full-on Groovy Girl celebration, and everyone came ready to party.

The couple showed up dressed perfectly for the theme — she glowed in a soft pink off-shoulder dress, he wore a floral shirt that looked straight out of 1973 (in the best way).

The Details

Rainbow balloons framed the gift table. White daisies with yellow centers dotted the cupcake display. And that invitation? Retro VW bus, rainbow arch, total 70s vibes.

The dress code was “pink, orange, purple, or floral attire,” and I loved watching guests arrive. Some went full flower power with bold prints. Others kept it subtle with pastel tones. Everyone looked great while staying true to their own style.

Those Cupcakes

The cupcakes stopped me in my tracks. I photographed them from three angles before I even said hello.

Arranged to spell out the baby’s name, each one topped with swirled frosting roses in pink, orange, blue, and purple, plus little fondant daisies that matched the invitation perfectly.

They tasted as amazing as they looked.

Why Delpino Restaurant Worked

Those warm yellow walls? Perfect backdrop for colorful decorations. They complemented the theme without competing with it.

The layout flowed naturally from activity tables to the dining area, which made my job easy. I could move between candid moments at the games table and group portraits by the rainbow arch without missing anything.

And the light. Natural light from the windows mixed with the warm interior glow. No harsh shadows, no color cast issues. A photographer’s dream.

The Activities

Activity stations were set up throughout the space. “Guess How Many Candies Are in the Baby Bottle” had everyone crowding around with their predictions. Family Traditions cards asked guests to share customs and advice. There was even a station with an adorable baby photo of the mom-to-be in a little sailor outfit.

These weren’t just props — they pulled people together. You could see it in the way grandparents leaned in to help the kids, everyone laughing and telling stories. Three generations at the same table, all there for the same reason.

What I Saw Through the Lens

My favorite shots weren’t the posed portraits (though those were great too).

It was his hand gently resting on her belly during a group photo. The way her face lit up opening a gift from her mom — I caught it mid-laugh, eyes closed, pure joy. A grandmother wiping away happy tears while watching the gift opening. Kids weaving between tables with balloons trailing behind them.

That moment when the whole family gathered by the rainbow arch? The light hit perfectly — soft and warm. You could feel the love in that room. The support. The anticipation.

These are the images that last.

A Few Things That Worked

The venue’s warm lighting and neutral walls let the colorful decorations shine without creating weird color casts in photos. I shot at f/2.8 most of the afternoon — enough depth for groups, shallow enough for those individual portraits.

I captured all the detail shots — cupcakes, invitations, activity tables — early, before guests arrived and moved things around. That cupcake display? Three different angles in five minutes.

For group photos, we used the rainbow balloon arch as a natural backdrop instead of just lining people up against a wall. It gave context. Told the story.

The best shots were candid. People playing games. Hugging. Celebrating. That’s where the real story lives.

The Vibe

From the moment guests walked in, there was laughter. Warmth. Real excitement.

Young kids playing with balloons. Grandparents sharing stories at the tables. Friends catching up over Italian food. The mix of ages and personalities made it feel less like an event and more like a family gathering.

Which is exactly what it was.

Final Thoughts

Days like this remind me why I love photographing baby showers.

There’s this quiet excitement in the air. Everyone is here for something that hasn’t even happened yet, but you can feel how loved this little one already is.

To the parents-to-be: I can’t wait for you to share these memories with your daughter one day.

Planning a colorful baby shower or intimate family event? I photograph real moments with clean, flattering light—throughout North Jersey, NYC, and the Hudson Valley.

Check availability: 917-992-9097 · alex@alexkaplanphoto.com · Contact me

Want to see more? Check out my portfolio or explore more NJ event photography.