It’s always a bit of fun to look back at some of the wedding trends that take place over the past 30-odd weddings I’ve covered as a wedding photographer – in this case lets have a look at some of the wedding cake trends from 2021 – 2022 I’ve had the privilege of photographing!
A wedding cake is traditionally made to bring good luck to guests and the couple, and in modern weddings it serves as a centre piece of interest at a reception party. As such a wedding cake is a towering tribute to the personality of the couple being married.
3 tiered cakes
As far as wedding cake trends go, it seems to me that the 3 tiered cakes are the way to go over the last couple of years. What does surprise me however is that lack of what was known as the ‘nude’ cake were fondant or icing was used sparingly allowing for the texture of the cake inside to show through to the surface. There werw a few weddings which had this, but not realy as many as there had been in the past.
What was common with these cakes – actuall all cakes in the last few years – is the ample use of floral decorations, creeping up the tiers of the cake, often culminating on top, combining with the cake topper. The use of colour was also quite obvious – with white being the usual traditional choice, accented by pops of colour from eith the colour of the fondant/icing or the flowers themselves.
3 tier white wedding cake on barrel
3 tiered wedding cake
3 tiered white wedding cake
Wedding cake under circle
Wedding cake on display
Wedding cake in front of head table
Wedding cake
Wedding cake on display
Wedding Cheese wheel cake
Wedding cake on barrel
Colourful wedding cake
Wedding cake on display at Ivybrook Farm
Cluedo themed wedding cake
2 tiered cakes
Carrying on with the theme of a heavy use of floral arrangements, the 2 tiered cakes I shot all seemed to use flowers to add a bit of colour to the cake with only a few opting to use the fondant or icing as the colour – but those that did really made a splash!
Wedding cake topped with pink flowers
Wedding cake lined with candles
Wedding cake on display during lunch reception
Wedding cake on display
Flowery wedding cake
White Wedding cake
Green wedding cake
Wedding cake on display in circle
Wedding cake on display 2
Wedding cake at brighton and seacliff yacht club wedding
Single tiered cakes
Many of these single tiered cakes I came across were actually made by either the bride and groom themselves, or a member of their guests – that isn’t to say that they all were but it just seemed to be that way. I actually think it’s a lovely way to involve someone who wouldnt otherwise be this intimately involved with your wedding.
Square wedding cake
mr and mrs wedding cake
Green wedding cake
Wedding cake set up at Krystal Function centre
Wedding cake on barrel
The Robinsons Wedding cake
Wedding Cake on display with Certificate
Wedding cake in front of brick wall
Wedding cake on display at the Manor Basket Range Wedding Reception
Cup Cake Cakes
Instead of going through the fhassle of having to cut up your wedding cake – everyone gets a cupcake! This sort of wedding cake is often topped by a small cake, perfectly suited for just the bride and groom, or their bridal party to share – or even keep in the freezer as a wedding momento. I know I still have a bit of my wedding cake in the freezer 6 years on!
This is another of those wedding cake trends I have mentioned that has seems to lose favour in the last few years – at least at the weddings I have photographed. I know it’s still quite popular though as it tends to be cheaper and easier to personalise, or even produce without the need of a wedding cake designer..
In the digital age, it’s easy to assume that everything has been done before and there’s nothing new under the sun, but wedding photography myths suggest otherwise. Many of these old-school beliefs simply aren’t true anymore, but brides still believe them, which can result in an awkward and disappointing experience if you subscribe to those wedding photography myths yourself.
Let’s discuss some common wedding photography myths and why they’re no longer valid in today’s society.
Debunked: 7 Wedding Photography Myths
1) All You Need Is a Good Camera
The number one myth is having a good camera will take great pictures. You see it all the time on wedding forums and Facebook groups. “I just bought a new camera; what lens should I buy?” There are so many things wrong with that question. For starters, buying a new camera does not make you a photographer. Just because you own a drill doesn’t mean you can build a house.
So, if you’re getting into wedding photography without any previous experience, then you better have some serious natural talent and know how to use your camera inside and out. But even if you are an experienced photographer shooting with the most expensive gear, it still doesn’t guarantee you will get amazing images on someone else’s special day. A good camera is important, but it doesn’t make amazing images. Great images come from experience and skill!
In essence, it’s prudent that you hire a professional who has years of experience photographing weddings. It takes years to gain expertise in anything, especially when it comes to capturing unique moments at people’s most precious life events.
The SvenStudios satellite wedding photography camera
2) All Wedding Photographers Are the Same Quality
Perhaps the most widely believed myth about hiring a wedding photographer is that it doesn’t matter who you hire because all of them are the same. While there may be some truth to this when comparing different photographers at the same price point, there is a big difference between an amateur and a professional photographer. Wedding photos are one of the few things that you can take away from your special day and cherish for years to come. If you want great images in the future, then hire a professional. This will require spending more money than what your cousin down the street charges, but in the end, you will be much happier with your decision.
Drawing off decades of experience, a professional photographer knows how to work under pressure, keep calm during unexpected events (like rain on your wedding day), deliver exactly what he or she promises, and handle stressful situations without becoming flustered. These are just some of the many reasons why choosing a skilled wedding photographer over a relative bargain shopper can make or break how happy you will be with your pictures. Not every person makes a good photographer!
Bride and groom standing in amongst the sunlight
3) All Expensive Photographers Are Good
There is a wide range of prices out there for wedding photographers. Some photographers charge several hundred dollars for their services, while others can charge thousands upon thousands of dollars for their expertise. Just because someone charges more than another person does not make them better or worse automatically.
The best way to find out if someone is a good photographer is through their portfolio or by asking around to friends who have used them before. It’s just like buying a car; you can pay $20,000 for one car or $50,000 for another car that has the same features and options. The only difference between cars is the brand name and how it looks on the outside. Make sure you do your research before hiring someone for your big day!
A lot of the time an expensive photographer are only expensive as they have a constant inflow of clients and therefore can justify higher prices – this can mean they are extremely talented – or simply really good at marketing, it’s up to you to decide which it is.
bride and groom in Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Wines Wedding vineyard
4) Mishaps Can Be Fixed in Photoshop
Though true, there’s a limit. Many people think that if a photographer makes a mistake, they can fix it later in Photoshop. While this is true to some extent, it’s still better to get it right the first time and avoid any mistakes. If a photograph is out of focus, the photographer will have to recreate the entire image, and this can take hours upon hours. Rather than getting an amateur or even an inexperienced photographer, make sure you do your research and find someone who is experienced and knows exactly what they’re doing.
Groom leading his bride on a walk
5) Professional Wedding Photography Is Too Expensive
When you’re planning a wedding, you need to be able to stick to your budget. And if you’re like most couples, you want the best wedding photography you can afford. But perhaps you think that hiring a professional photographer is too expensive. Don’t fall into this trap! In reality, the average cost of a wedding photographer in Australia is around $2-4,000. This may seem steep at first glance but consider how many hours of hard work go into capturing your special day on camera and editing the images to perfection.
High-quality wedding photography isn’t just a luxury; it’s an investment in preserving your memories for years (and even generations) to come. Plus, these days, there are many ways that you can save money on professional wedding photography. For example, many photographers offer customizable packages so that you can choose what services will best fit your needs and budget.
If you still think that hiring a professional photographer is too expensive for your budget, think again! Professional wedding photography isn’t as costly as most people believe and still provides plenty of benefits. When compared to other costs involved in planning a wedding, such as catering or floral arrangements, it’s more than worth its weight in gold. This is one of those wedding photography myths that really needs to die!
For many couples, the idea of planning and executing a surprise engagement may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually easier than you might think! In fact, if you follow these simple steps when planning your engagement, then your photographer can capture all the happy tears, hugs, and kisses without having to worry about how to pull off the surprise!
So, read on for some helpful tips on how to plan the perfect surprise engagement, and then get out there and start planning! From finding the perfect spot to pulling off the surprise, this guide should help you create the romantic and memorable experience you will cherish for years to come!
Engagements Are Beautiful. Surprises Are Fun. Captured Moments Are Priceless.
Here’s how to plan the perfect surprise engagement so that your photographer can capture it:
1) Choose The Location
Your journey towards a surprise engagement will start at your perfect location. Whether you’re deciding on an indoor or outdoor setting, you want to pick somewhere that has sentimental value as well as some privacy. Whether it’s visiting one of your favorite restaurants or going on a hiking adventure, you’ll want to choose something that is special to both of you and where you can go early before your photographer arrives. That way, your engagement day goes by like any other day; no one will suspect what is in store for them! Moreover, if you do opt for an indoor location, such as a restaurant, then make sure to arrive early enough so that you have plenty of time alone.
This extra planning ahead makes all the difference when trying to pull off a surprise wedding proposal! Overall, if you want your photographer to capture those precious tears and smiles in photos instead of missed opportunities on video, then always plan ahead and schedule plenty of time alone together with low lighting during their engagement session.
Belair National Park engagement photo
2) Choose The Time of Day
Timing is everything, and when planning for your surprise engagement, you want to choose an early time in order to avoid crowds. For example, if you choose a restaurant for your location, then ask about lunch or breakfast reservations. If you go on an outdoor adventure, then you’ll want to check sunrise and sunset times first. By doing your research ahead of time and making sure that no one else will be at your special location during these prime times, you’ll be able to achieve complete privacy during your photoshoot!
Plus, don’t forget to always plan plenty of extra time just in case things take longer than expected or any issues arise. That way, if there are any delays getting back home after your shoot, you won’t need to rush it and miss any opportunities along the way. When all is said and done, though, be realistic with how much time you actually have; rushing through certain aspects of your process could lead to interruptions or incomplete details – both of which could ruin what should be a perfect surprise!
Sunset proposal
3) Choose Who Will Be There
Choosing who you invite will be an important step towards your surprise engagement. While it’s usually best to keep it small, there may be times when you want extra witnesses around for your big moment. For example, if you’re planning on surprising your partner at a restaurant, then consider inviting one of his/her closest friends or family members for support.
On the other hand, if you want to keep it even more private and intimate, then plan ahead with only your photographer and perhaps one or two people who know about your plans. When planning for your perfect location, make sure not to inform anyone else about any details of your big day; otherwise, there is a chance that someone could accidentally spoil it before you are ready!
One Tree Hill Engagement shoot
4) Get A Professional Photographer
Hiring an experienced and professional photographer is one of the most important steps when planning for your surprise engagement. By hiring someone who knows what they’re doing, you can rest assured knowing that all of your precious memories will be captured perfectly. If you’re not sure where to find a qualified wedding photographer, then SvenStudios is your best bet! Our team prides itself on providing exceptional photojournalism at some of Australia’s best photo studios!
Moreover, we offer packages specifically designed for couples wanting beautiful engagements photos taken in unique locations around Australia; if you need any further information about these options or would like us to capture your perfect proposal, please reach out today!
Smoke backdrop for couple
Wrapping Up
It’s not hard to see why planning an engagement is so fun, but it can also be a lot of work! Remember to plan ahead as much as possible getting your photographer involved early on is one of your best tools for success when you plan the perfect surprise engagement. And remember that once you’ve set everything up with them, then it’s time to concentrate on having fun and making sure that you surprise your partner properly.
Being adventurous with your wedding photography can lead to some of the most unique and beautiful shots that people will stare at in awe. Rather than relying on the tried-and-true locations, you can take advantage of your surroundings and try something new—or at least different. Being adventurous with your wedding photography can mean that your photos will capture your true emotion and personality so much better than ‘playing safe’ and relying on tired cliches.
Your wedding will be a day filled with joy and happiness, and your photos should reflect that. But how can you go about making these decisions? What are you getting yourself into? And what does being adventurous even mean in the context of wedding photography? If you’re completely lost, don’t worry—we’re here to help.
Below I’ll go over what adventurous wedding photography can entail as both a photographer and the couples, as well as some tips and tricks to make sure you have the best experience possible. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Be Adventurous with your Wedding Photography for best results!
1) Think Outside the Box
If you’re looking to take your wedding photography up a notch, think outside of the box. Rather than cliche poses and plain backgrounds, experiment with various settings and find something interesting in your surroundings. You’ll want to be careful not to get too avant-garde or abstract; after all, you don’t want your photos to look like they were taken by M.C. Escher (though some may argue that would be pretty cool).
Keep it real and go with something authentic, but new and exciting at that. If you need inspiration, get out there are search for artistic landscape photographs from your wedding venue and surrounds that you like and simply put yourself in those scenes after discussing with your photographer.
Wedding photo on cliffs
2) A Necessary Conversation Between Bride and Groom
Expectations can often get in the way of enjoying yourself on your wedding day, and that’s completely normal. You’re expected to look a certain way, act a certain way, etc., and these pressures can take their toll over time. One good thing you can do is make sure to have a clear conversation about expectations with your partner before you head out for your big day.
Make sure you’re on board with each other’s ideas before anything else—this will ensure everyone gets what they want out of their photographs, which will ultimately result in more enjoyable pictures!
Out on pride rock
3) Spend Time in Your Location
While you’re getting used to being adventurous, try heading out of your comfort zone and spending some time in your potential wedding location before you take any photos. Doing so will make you feel more at ease during that special day—you’ll know where everything is and have a good idea of how to get around. You might even stumble upon a few photo opportunities along the way.
So don’t be afraid to head into uncharted territory—the worst thing that can happen is you won’t end up using it for anything. Be brave and find something new that works with your story!
Burbrook Kuitpo forest wedding photo
4) Keep An Open Mind to Suggestions
A big part of being adventurous with your wedding photography is keeping an open mind to suggestions from others as well as coming up with ideas on your own. If you don’t feel like you’re in a position to make decisions about how you want your wedding photography taken, that’s perfectly fine—your photographer has experience and can point you in a direction that will work best for both of you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try something new! And just like before, if it turns out you don’t like it, it was all a learning experience. In fact, most photographers suggest trying many different looks during your session; what works for one shot might not work so well for another and vice versa.
Kuitpo Forest wedding
5) Stay Light on Your Feet
While you’re doing everything else on your list, don’t forget to have fun. Most photographers will tell you that good pictures come from having fun and feeling comfortable with one another (which is why it’s so important to have that conversation about expectations beforehand). So go ahead and dance a little, jump around if you want—it’s your wedding day, after all. And as long as you stay light on your feet, everything should work out just fine!
Remember, most of these suggestions are based on experience, but there are no strict rules when it comes to taking great photographs. Your best bet is going with what feels right for you and being excited about it; if nothing else, being adventurous will make your big day much more memorable.
The grooms men in rocks at Second Valley
6) Think About Storytelling Through Composition
When it comes to composition, there are so many different factors you have to think about. The first and most obvious one is framing—where do you want to place your subject within that photograph? Do you want them in front of a beautiful landscape or a famous landmark? What if they’re doing something interesting with their hands or body? How close should you be as a photographer when capturing an image?
In addition, consider depth of field (the way everything looks sharp and in focus or blurry), color schemes (everything from clothing to flowers), light exposure (for example, bright outdoor lighting versus more dim indoor lighting), shutter speed (how long your camera’s shutter will stay open), etc. All of these things can add up over time—so once again, be adventurous!
Beautiful light on the rocks
Have Fun, It’s Your Wedding Day!
And last but not least, don’t forget to have fun. Remember that whatever you decide to do, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re both happy with it. If your photographer suggests an idea that seems silly or uncomfortable at first—but gets you excited—give it a shot. Go ahead and plan something new and exciting—the best thing that can happen is you get great photos and memories from your special day; worst case scenario is nothing comes of it. Just try to be adventurous with your wedding photography and I promise it will all pay off!
Sara and Zac’s The Cedars wedding could not have taken place on any better day for the weather, and the incredible light that seeped it’s way through the trees!
It had been a while since I was last at the Hans Heysen House, or The Cedars as it’s now called for a wedding – and I had very much been looking forward to shooting here again as I knew that for a wedding venue, the gardens here literally inspired one of the defining Australian Artists in Hans Heysen.
Preparation
When hosting a wedding at The Cedars, it’s not unsual to take advantage of the package deals that The Haus group offers. The Haus group now being the custodian of the Cedars wedding venue also runs quite a few spots around the historic town of Hahndorf, including accomodation, and places to hold receptions – like The Haus Restaurant.
Sara and Zac were preparaed at one such hotel, and then held their reception at The Haus – which was all very convenient as everything was very nearby and travel time between locations was minimal for everyone involved. Particularly good in a tourist town like Hahndorf on a Saturday!
Sara’s preparation was a quick affair with me trying top hang her dress in a nearby tree first, then her bridesmaids came and helped her put it on – it was all done within 30 minutes.
Engagement ring in large orange flower
Wedding dress hanging on large tree trunk
Bride’s family out the door
Bridesmaids helping bride in hotel room
Bridesmaids helping smiling bride
Bridesmaids helping smiling bride on deck
Smiling bride on htoel room deck
bride holding bouquet in double doorway
Bride laughing with bridesmaids
The Cedars Wedding Ceremony
The first time I saw Zac was in front of his arbour set up within the bushiest part of The Cedars’ gardens so that all their wedding guests would be shaded from the sun.
Sara and Zac’s dog was a centre piece for their whole day so I made sure to get a few nice photos of their fur baby before he was taken home!
Sara and Zac’s wedding ceremony itslf was a lovely, simple affair with a few readings being read by family and friends, and emotional vows from the two of them, helped along by ample pats of their lovely doggo!
Black dog in bowtie
Arbour set up at The Cedars wedding
Groom waiting by Arbour at his The Cedars wedding
bride arriving at her The Cedars wedding
Grooms first look at the cedars
The Cedars wedding ceremony
bride holding bouquet during wedding ceremony
Groom looking and his bride just before the ceremony starts
The Cedars wedding ceremony Hahndorf
bride and groom holding hands under arbour at The Cedars
Bride and groom during The Cedars wedding ceremony
First kiss at The Cedars wedding
The Cardars wedding ceremony bride and groom
Singing the registry in the sunlight
Bride and groom exiting The Cedars wedding ceremony
Wedding Party in heart shape at The Cadars wedding Hahndorf
Glamour Photos
After the group photos were taken on the large, grassy area just behind where The Cedars wedding ceremony was set up, we used the beautiful natural lighting that was peering through the trees to amplify the Autumnal colours from the trees. Honestly, this spot was a joy to photograph in due to the way the sun was behaving and the colours on the trees – it was all just stunning!
We were planning on heading up the road a little to make use of the Mt Barker rail tunnel, but the sun was fading quite fast, and I figured the best use of the remaining sunlight was really to stay at The Cedars – and maybe use some of the Autumnal colours on display on the Hahndorf Main street before heading in for their reception.
Black Dog Portrait
Bride and groom under autumn colours
The Cedars wedding Photography
Bridal party under the autumnal colours
bride and groom walking their dog through The Cedars
Bride and groom looking back at camera on bench
Bride and groom through foliage in the gardens of The Cedars
Bride and groom standing in amongst the garden
Bride and groom standing in amongst the sunlight
Bride and groom against tree in The Cedarts wedding garden
Bridal party walking along dirt path
Bridal aprty next to old stone wall
Bride and groom walking throguh long grass together
Bride and groom in the grass
Bridal party in the long grass
Bride and groom with old building in background
Wedding rings in sunlight
Bride and groom looking at one another under lights
bride and groom surrounded by Autumn colours
Bride and groom looking out onto main road in Hanhdorf
Bride and groom with smoke and Autumn colours
The Haus Wedding Reception
After taking ample The Cedars wedding photos, we head back to the main street of Hahndorf for Sara and Zac’s reception at the Haus restaurant where I had already set up my photobooth prior to their day starting.
Their night was full of fun filled people, happy to be there, celebrating Sara and Zac’s special day, and the photobooth got a good workout during the rest fo the night!
Bridal kiss through cheers
Place name for guests
Cupcake wedding cake
Thumbs up wedding guests
Guests enjoying the photo booth
First dance at the Haus
First dance at the Haus bride
Dancing
Cutting their wedding cake
Feeding each other wedding cake
Thanks so much to Sara and Zac for having me shoot at your Hans Heysen – The Cedars wedding! Was a great day and I hope you enjoy the resulting photos!
