If you remember last year, I was thrilled to join Mary, Jennie and Corelyn for their annual heart cake project. That was the year the giant gold heart piñata made its debut — it now lives in my studio. This year they invited me back to contribute again, and we took the shoot in a fresh direction. Mary discovered an incredible graffiti “Love” wall in Los Angeles and it became our vibrant backdrop. The session featured striped balloons, a dramatic black heart cake, and shiny garlands — everything I love. Read on for photos and a few tips from the shoot.
To create the cake topper, I punched and cut a bunch of small hearts, then glued them to toothpicks and bamboo skewers. If you’re using glitter the way I did, be sure to seal it with Mod Podge so the glitter stays put — safety first and less mess.
That wall. Those garlands. Once the main shots were done, our behind-the-scenes crew jumped in front of the camera for some playful outtakes. Working with this group is always a blast, and we ended up with plenty of fun moments to share.
All photos by Mary Costa Photography. Heart cake by Garlic, My Soul. Prop and craft styling by Studio DIY. Modeling by Ellen and Aaron. Assistance from Jeff, Jeff and Mike.
Striped balloons sourced from a party supplier; note that a few arrived with defects, so inspect balloons on arrival. Heart garlands were provided by a home decor retailer.
For more photos and additional coverage, check Mary Costa Photography and Garlic, My Soul’s posts from the shoot. If you want the original heart cake tutorial, Garlic, My Soul has a step-by-step guide to making your own.
For more Valentine DIY ideas and inspiration, explore additional posts and projects available from our collaborators and community.