In lieu of a traditional cake smash, a toddler named Ira dove into a big bowl of spaghetti to celebrate his first birthday.

Mom Becky Thaxton and Kristina Ramer of K Herman Photography came up with the unique idea inspired by Cincinnati restaurant LaRosa's Pizzeria.

"Kristina and I grew up in the same town in Ohio and we wanted to do a nostalgic theme," Thaxton, a mom of three from Florence, Kentucky, told "Good Morning America."

Thaxton said this photo session was the first time Ira has ever tasted spaghetti.

"He absolutely loved it," she added of Ira, "and has been eating it nonstop ever since."

The "set" was complete with actual pizza from LaRosa's, red daisies, tomatoes, garlic and Ira in a chef's hat.