Wedding cakes – they’re not what they used to be!

Posted on March 9, 2010

Who remembers what wedding cakes looked like 15 or 20 years ago? Back then, the measure of a good cake was its height. If it wasn’t taller than the tallest groomsman, it wasn’t tall enough. And height wasn’t enough. A good cake would be sort of like a national park, featuring waterfalls, bridges and some other miscellaneous architecture.

Take, for example, this cake that graced the wedding of a dear friend of mine in the mid-1990s… (for reference purposes, the groom is 6′4″)

This cake features beads dangling from each tier, a fountain and, yep, a horse and carriage. No bridges, though, as the bride knew that would be too much.

And today’s wedding cakes are definitely a feast for the eyes. Today’s cakes are works of art, with delicate decorative icing, complementary flowers and a variety of shapes. So your cake isn’t just dessert – it’s something to ooh and ahh over. And it’s one of my favorite details to photograph. While I find the cookie table quite irresistible, I have to admit that cakes don’t tempt me. I don’t know why, since most people are just crazy about cake, but I’ve always enjoyed looking at them more than eating them.

Below, some of my favorite cakes from 2009.

The brown icing coordinated with the groom and groomsmen’s brown tuxedoes. And, of course, the sunflowers! This one was carrot cake.

This one combined both square and round layers. I could hardly stop staring at the icing detail! So intricate and perfect. I have no idea how the bakers manage it.

You can have a lot of fun with cake toppers, too. On this cake, created by Cakes by Tammy, the bride and groom are joined by a miniature version of their beloved Doberman.

I loved the roses accenting this chocolate cake, from Cakes by Debbie Sutara.

As calla lilies had been prominent in the stunning bouquets and centerpieces in this wedding at The Pennsylvanian, there were several of them on this square cake from Rania’s. (Flowers by Blooms Florist, LLC.)

This statuesque cake, topped with orchids from Blooms Florist, LLC. was a perfect match for the towering ceiling in the Carnegie Music Hall foyer.

Also popular: cupcakes! These are from the Velvet Sky Bakery. These included tempting flavors like Raspberry Lemonade, Chocolate Twist, Boston Cream and Vanilla Almond.

Want to see more cakes? Check out:

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What’s that strange, unfamiliar bright object in the sky?

Posted on March 7, 2010

Finally a beautiful sunny weekend in Pittsburgh! We took full advantage.

Saturday seemed the perfect day for the zoo. Apparently lots of others had the same idea – it was crowded!

Leo, looking at the lions. I love how the green of his jacket brings out the green in his eyes.

We spent most of our time at the Water’s Edge exhibit, looking at the polar bears and sand tiger sharks. Jonas was pretty scared of the polar bears, but oddly enough the sharks’ rows and rows of razor sharp teeth didn’t bother him.

I love the light in that last one! I’m very excited for May 15 when I’ll be shooting Emily and Tim’s wedding there.

An unusual occurrence: me in front of the camera!

My hair isn’t really rainbow-colored. Just brown. Neat effect though with the sunlight streaming through the shark tank above.

By the end of our time at the zoo, both boys were tired and arguing over who would get to ride in the stroller. So they doubled up.

Since Sunday was just as beautiful, we headed over to Frick Park. The playground still had plenty of snow on it, but that didn’t stop us.

Even Marley the Dog came along! Poor girl is really showing her age. We only walked on the park trails a little bit, since the boys were eager to get to the playground, but she was worn out.

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2 Comments so far

Mary says:

March 7, 2010 at 8:04 pm -
Ooh, I love the aquarium photos. Ha, and your poor dog! I’m sad to see there’s still snow on the ground.
pamela marie says:

March 9, 2010 at 2:53 pm -
LOVE it!!! You’re right, it was gorgeous this weekend! Looks like you guys took full advantage :D

Something hot, something sweet…

Posted on March 5, 2010

Of course here in Pittsburgh, weddings are always full of sweet, tasty treats. Here’s another idea to consider adding: a hot drink station. The photo below is from Tracey & Chris’s wedding at the Holiday Inn in Oakland. They provided their guests with not just coffee and tea, but also a variety of hot chocolates and tall, decorative goblets filled with white chocolate chips, cinnamon sticks and marshmallows. Since it was the coldest Saturday in October, I’m sure that the guests appreciated a chance to warm up.