I’ve watched it happen at wedding after wedding. When the DJ announces that it’s time to cut the cake, the couple suddenly freezes. Their eyes eventually find me. “What do we do?” they ask.

It’s simple. Here’s what I tell every couple.

If possible, turn your bodies so your guests will be able to at least partially see your faces as you cut the cake. For the same reason, it’s important to have the groom standing behind the bride, so he doesn’t completely block her from the guests’ view.If both the bride and groom are righties or lefties, it’s an easy call which hand you’ll hold the cake cutter in, but if not, simply choose whichever hand will open your bodies up to your guests. Once you’re in position with the cake cutter in hand, you don’t have to pose for the camera unless you want to. Simply cut into the bottom layer of the cake, transfer your slice to a plate, and feed each other . . . as nicely or as mischievously as you’d like. . . .And try not to completely turn your back on the camera so that your hands/cake/icing attack are blocked from your photographer’s view.

I’ll be the first to admit that it feels kind of weird to cut into a fancy dessert while all your friends and family stare at you! But it really isn’t any different from cutting any other slice of cake. Just let your photographer get you situated in front of the camera — and then enjoy your wedding cake!

~ Laura