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4848 Highway 11
Pelham, AL 35124
United States

205-427-1144

Arden Ward Upton, known for her keen eye and southern style. Has curated gifts  for wedding, lifestyle and original art. Arden has worked as a photographer for over a decade photographing some of the South's most exclusive weddings as well as weddings all over the world. During her time as a photographer she has developed a distinctive look and style that is shared on this site and with her customers throughout the years. Arden is also known for her fine art photography available in limited signed editions.

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Filtering by Tag: #groomscake

Real Wedding: Claire and John

Arden Ward Upton

Weddings are celebrations, parties filled with laughter, dancing, and love. Each couple is different though, and they all celebrate in different ways. Claire and John? They were party animals! And wow - was this one fun wedding and reception! There was never any doubt about that though as this couple was one for the books: sweet, kind, and a whole lot of good time! Claire had incorporated many beautiful details from the rich red bouquet, the garland wreath above their nuptials, the deer antlers on the groom's cake, and of course, the glow stick accessories at the reception! DJ CoCo played house music, they inflated a giant whale pool toy, brought out the broomsticks turned make-shift guitars - add it all up, and it makes for one unforgettable wedding! 

The Groom's Cake: A Retro Tradition

Arden Ward Upton

For the most part, the wedding is all about the bride. The groom just needs to show up, look presentable, and say "I do." We often forget that it is important for him too, and whether he admits it or not, he has totally envisioned that big day as well. And while he might not have a lot of say in where the drapes should hang or what the programs should look like, he has complete and absolute control over one thing - the groom's cake. 

Time for a history lesson:

Do you know where this tradition started? 

It actually began in Victorian England in the 19th century. There were three cakes present at the receptions - a bride's cake, a groom's cake, and the wedding cake that was served to the guests. Traditionally, it was a fruit cake (whew thank goodness that has changed, right!?). The tradition stayed put here in the American south where it has gone in and out of fashion in multiple cycles. In the last few years, the groom's cake has seen a comeback - and it is bigger and better than ever!

Some brides like to surprise their grooms with a cake that represents something important to him. But I think, when it comes down to it, let the groom choose the groom's cake! It is the one thing that represents his personality entirely on a day that is so important to both bride and groom. Alma maters, hobbies, and favorite foods are pretty typical in this arena (speaking of arenas - check out that LSU cake!). Many couples are opting to serve the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner, giving it the whole spotlight for one night so it isn't fighting for attention at the wedding. 

Many might think it is a superfluous and unnecessary expense. What do you think? Axe the idea entirely, or let the groom have one thing that is all his? Would you surprise the groom or would you let him choose what he wants? 

Interesting Info: 

Legend has it that after boxing up individual slices for the guests, if an unmarried woman places her piece beneath her pillow she will dream of her future husband!