Looks like we’re in for a chilly one, so while you’re snuggling up under the covers with a furry loved one (in my case, Justin AND Penelope the cat), watching the latest season of Madmen and perhaps hatching some sweet wedding plans, I thought I’d post a bright and cheery gastronomic photo shoot that I was thrilled to be part of today.

One of my best friends Amber is starting up a cake business, which is an unbelievably happy coincidence, because one of my favourite things in the world is cake! I love looking at it, eating it, and photographing it. Obviously I’ve seen a tonne of wedding cakes over the years, and my absolute favourites look like a real person made them, in a real kitchen with really fresh ingredients – basically the kind of cakes Amber has been making for all her friends and family for years. I was over the moon when she announced she was taking her baking to the wider world, she just nails it.

Her concept? To make cakes made with the best organic ingredients and a whole lot of love. The business name? Sweetpea Darling Heart.

While we were working on the shoot today, Amber said “I wanted to start this business because everyone is busy, life is crazy, and then…cake. It makes you stop and just take a moment”. I love that! And it’s so reminiscent of a wedding day – so much energy swirling around you and then…cake.

We had so much fun styling today’s shoot (and Amber’s gorgeous daughter had a lot of fun licking the leftover berry icing). Until Sweetpea Darling Heart’s website launches I thought I’d share with you these delectable images. Otherwise Sweetpea Darling Heart is open for business and you can get in touch with Amber at hello@sweetpeadarlingheart.com.

Hugest congratulations Amber, we are all so in love with your cakes and are so proud of you for taking this next step!

Love Sarah xo

Katie + Sarah xo

We had so many fabulous entries…from black and white movie themed days to weddings set in school-houses to fully styled opulence…there were so many wonderful days being planned, and it was such a tough choice for us. But in the end we went with a wedding that fit our philosophy best: a simple backyard affair.

However, what really gave this wedding the cherry on top to take out our competition, was that all guests would be invited under the impression they were attending an engagement party. Then, mid-way through, our gorgeous couple Hailey and Mick planned to announce…”Well actually, we’re getting hitched!”

We had never shot a surprise wedding, and were so thrilled to award Hailey and Mick as our competition winners for doing so!

So how does a couple pull off a surprise wedding exactly? Hailey and Mick both greeted their guests in plain clothes. They told everyone that the reason we were there (and the videographer too!) was because they had bought their wedding photography package and it came with a complimentary engagement shoot. Clever, right?!

Hailey is an incredible graphic designer and together with Mick they put in so much work to their day. They completely transformed their house into the perfect backyard wedding venue and we had so much fun sneaking through rooms and blocking windows to make sure none of the guests could see Hailey change from her engagement dress into her wedding outfit.

A couple of hours in, Hailey and ourselves snuck into her bedroom and brought her mum in with us. Hailey closed the door. On the back of the door was her wedding dress. No words were exchanged…her mum simply saw the dress, gasped, and then hugged the life out of her beautiful daughter before helping her into her wedding attire. It was such a special moment for everyone in that room.

Meanwhile Mick, out on the verandah, told all the guests he had an announcement to make. He thanked everyone for coming and then said he wanted to introduce a special friend of his – a marriage celebrant. The response from guests was absolutely incredible – cheers, punches in the air – total jubilation! In the meantime we were trying to sneak Hailey out of the house and down to the ceremony. At one point Mick accidentally saw her (see hilarious photos below) but it didn’t ruin a thing!

Hailey’s dad was then asked to escort her down the aisle (backyard path) and within minutes they were announced husband and wife! All captured in the home they love. In front of the people they love. In just the way they wanted.

Love Katie + Sarah xo