The cake cutting is one of the most iconic moments of any wedding. It’s a sweet, symbolic tradition that every couple looks forward to, and it makes for some amazing photos. However, at a recent NYC wedding shoot, there was a small hiccup that made this moment a little more challenging to capture—and it’s a story worth sharing for couples planning their own big day!
Imagine this: the couple is standing in front of a stunning four-tier wedding cake, ready to cut the first slice. Everything is perfect—the lighting, the smiles, the excitement. But as they lift the knife to make that first ceremonial cut, a waiter steps in, overly eager to “assist.” Not once, not twice, but three times, this well-meaning waiter interrupted, determined to demonstrate how to properly cut the cake. Each time, he stepped into the frame, making it nearly impossible to get a clean photo of just the couple.
At first, the couple and guests laughed it off, but as it continued, it became a bit of a distraction. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s essential to capture the natural flow of the event, focusing on the emotions and interactions between the couple. But when well-meaning staff members overstep—however unintentionally—it can complicate the process.
This story serves as a little reminder for future brides and grooms: when planning your wedding, it’s worth briefing the venue staff ahead of time about when to offer assistance and when to step back. Professional wedding photography is all about capturing the real, candid moments—so the fewer interruptions, the better!
How to Avoid Unwanted Interruptions During Key Wedding Moments
To make sure your wedding day goes smoothly and that moments like the cake cutting aren’t interrupted, consider these tips:
• Communicate with the staff: Ensure your event manager or coordinator lets the waitstaff know to stay in the background during key moments, like your cake cutting or first dance.
• Work closely with your photographer: A seasoned NYC wedding photographer will know how to handle these situations, but it’s helpful if the couple is aware of potential distractions too. We always aim for perfect timing and the best angles—help us by keeping the spotlight on you!
• Let your planner take charge: Having a wedding planner or day-of coordinator can help minimize distractions. They can manage the staff and vendors so that you can simply enjoy your day.
Remember, your wedding photos are timeless, capturing the heart of your day. While a helpful staff is crucial to a smooth event, make sure their enthusiasm doesn’t overshadow the magic of your big moments!
At the end of the day, these little surprises are part of the charm of weddings. Every event brings something unique, and that’s what makes capturing weddings in New York so exciting. Whether it’s the laughter during a cake-cutting mishap or the quiet tears during your vows, we’re here to preserve every memory.