Angelica got married in the middle of the Texas summer heat!  But, what a great way to incorporate the summer months!  She chose to have a beach inspired wedding.  Her color choices were different shades of blue and ivories.  She had candles delicately placed in the middle of each table with seashells surrounding them. 

Her cake was a French Vanilla with Pineapple filling...can't get more beach-y than that!  We designed her cake as a simple smooth design with ribbon wrapped around the bottom of each tier.  To continue with the beach theme we placed a rope border to look similar to the ropes on a beach pier.  The cake was adorned with real seashells and a beautiful cake topper completed the look!

Kevin and I would like to thank everyone for all the love and support we have received over the past week.

As most of you know, our two year old son, Kooper, passed away on June 16th.  He had a  very fast moving/aggressive bacterial infection which showed no symptoms and passed away during his afternoon nap. 

The compassion and sympathy shown to us has been overwhelming. 

To the other professionals in the wedding industry - THANK YOU!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Thank you to all the wedding professionals who came to the funeral, sent their love, flowers, etc.  I really do work in the greatest industry in the world!  Thank you to Make It Sweet for helping me with my cakes this week.  Your support has been a huge blessing to us.  And thank you to Elaine Lincoln of Kindred Oaks!  I am speechless at the love you have poured out over our family.  Thank you for organizing the account to help earn money to pay for Kooper's final expenses.

To all the brides - Thank you for your compassion and patience this week.  I know there were small event cakes and consultations cancelled last minute.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as my family takes this time to grieve.

One of the first questions asked in a consultation is if the couple wishes to save their top tier for their first wedding anniversary.  Oftentimes, I am met with a long pause followed by "we haven't really thought about it."  Most brides know of the tradition, but haven't really considered it for their wedding.  How do you save it?  Will it taste the same?  Can I get a fresh one instead?  These are common questions I hear and hope to clear up so you can walk into your consultation already having an answer for that tricky question!

How do you save it?
It's actually quite simple.  If a baker knows that you are saving your top tier they will more than likely provide a box.  Make sure you let your baker know you plan on saving it and confirm that they do provide the boxes.  If not, you can simply pick one up at any hobby/craft store.  I suggest to bride's that they wrap the cake up in saran wrap several times so no air can get into the cake.  Place the cake in the box and tape the box shut.  I also recommend wrapping the box in saran wrap as well.  The key is not to allow any air to reach the cake.  Put your cake in the freezer and leave it their until your first anniversary.

Will it taste the same?
If preserved correctly, absolutely!  Again, the trick is not to let any air reach the cake.  Don't take the cake out of the freezer until the day before you are ready to eat it.  When you are ready to thaw your cake simply take it out of the freezer the day before your anniversary and leave it on your counter top, allowing it to thaw naturally.  The next day you can unwrap the cake and enjoy!

Can I get a fresh one instead?
Of course you can!  Some brides don't like the idea of eating a year old cake.  Some plan on moving and the cake would have to thaw and refreeze during the move.  I can't speak for all bakers, but for myself, I just ask that you contact me at least 2 weeks before your anniversary and you can order a new, fresh cake just like you had on your wedding day!

I hope you were all able to make it out to the June Bridal Extravaganza!  What a blast we had!  I saw some fun and different photos from several brides.  Y'all sure are getting some creative ideas and I can't wait to create them for you.  The June 2nd show had a special treat...Randy Fenoli (http://randyfenoli.com/#/home/) of "Say Yes to the Dress" hosted a special presentation to all our participating brides.  He discussed current trends and how to best plan your wedding.  Kevin and I were able to meet him and he is such a sweet, warm, down to earth man.  I wish I could have picked his brain apart for hours.  He sure does know his stuff when it comes to weddings!

We didn't change much to our booth this show.  I like to keep it simple and consistent for bride's to easily recognize me.  We debuted our new Bride and Groom's Albums.  They were a hit and we received many compliments on the new albums.  We showcased three different style cakes and sizes so bride's can learn how big their cake may be based on their guest count.  The designs were different (one simple, one vintage, one more elaborate) to show the different styles for various brides and their tastes.  If you would like to see a design showcased, I would love to hear your ideas!  Who knows, you may see it at the September show!

And of course...who can forget the best part?  Cake!!  We offered a little bit of bride's cake and a little bit of groom's cake in one piece!  Our famous French Vanilla and Chocolate with a Raspberry Filling.  We ran out about an hour before the show ended...guess I'd better make more next time!  This show was particularly special because my little brother worked the booth and served the cake for me.  He is 16 years old and is earning money to go on his first missions trip to Honduras.  There he will be helping build/work in an orphanage for a week.  I couldn't be more proud of him and he did a fantastic job serving cake and answering questions for brides!  Good job Cody!  And I must say, he did look sharp in that apron...lol...which he wore proudly.  Can't say too many 16 yr old boys would be caught dead in an apron.

If you didn't make it out to the Austin Bridal Extravaganza yesterday mark your calendars for their next show, which will be on September 15th!