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:

• Wedding Wire’s Cake Gallery
• Cakes at WeddingBee.com
• Cake Channel

————————————————–

Christina Montemurro Photography is a top-rated photography studio specializing in special events, including weddings and bar mitzvahs, serving the greater Pittsburgh area. Christina’s focus is on creating genuine, heartfelt, relaxed images, with extraordinary attention to detail and customer service. Contact Christina now to check availability for your engagement session, wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. Christina has been rated among top Pittsburgh photographers. You can read reviews by Christina’s past brides and grooms here and here.