A "Grand" Wedding

If you want a cake fit for a princess, this is the cake for you! 6 tiers of cake all airbrushed with a pearl glaze then 400 + sugar flowers all white with crystal accents.

Becki was the beautiful bride who ordered this cake for her wedding at "The Grand America" last weekend.  The venue was gorgeous with it's crystal chandeliers, ice sculptures, amazing flowers from my friend Audrey at Studio Stems.... and of course... the cake... a show stopper... just with it's size alone.  So many cakes I do these days are bright and full of color.  I loved going back to the basics with this one with the all white design.  It's modern flare with the crystal accents and gumpaste flowers made this cake elegant  and timeless.

Thank you Becki for letting me be apart of your wedding day.
sorry for the pix... still waiting on the professional ones from the photographer. You'll just have to bear with my amateur photos for now.:)

Bridal Extravaganza

It's Bridal Show Time!!!!

January is by far the BEST time to plan your wedding... or at least start planning.  There are bridal shows practically every weekend.... but only ONE that is the best! THE BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA!
I will be at LaCaille this Saturday January 16th with a whole lotta eye candy in cake form.  I will as always have cake samples.  Four different flavors to try out.  I will be scheduling free consultations and cake testings there at the show.  If you would like to set up a time, or just see my work, come on over! I'd love to meet you.  We will be upstairs ready and waiting!
These shows are just as important to me as they are you.  If you are having a spring wedding, this is the time to get started on booking your vendors.  By the end of January, I am usually all booked up for the spring weddings.... so book as soon as possible. I will be offering special discounts at the show, so you don't want to miss it. I hope to see you there!

Happy 2010

2010 has already brought a lot of great cake opportunities for Sugar Kisses.  As always, January is the time for new resolutions and new expectations. This being said, I'm going to make sure that I am much better at posting on this blog :)  I can't believe I haven't posted since Thanksgiving.  So new resolution.... new cake... new info.. and a whole lotta fun! Hope you all tune in often to see whats happening in the cake world as seen by Sugar Kisses!
So my first blog post for January is quite exciting.  The much anticipated Utah Bride and Groom Magazine is out on stands and we were lucky enough to be published in it.  This magazine is a great outlet to see some local vendors work as well as some BEAUTIFUL local weddings.  It's filled with all sorts of great pictures and idea's.  Go get a copy today.. you will love to see all that's inside.  Here's a sneak peak.  My cakes featured were #5 & 7.

A Time of Thanksgiving

It is always such a treat to work with a bride (and groom) while designing their wedding cake. Many times after the consultation is over, I feel like I have a new friend.  This emotional connection in working together to make their wedding day the best it can be makes my job so much fun.  In this season of Thanksgiving.. that is what I'm thankful for... the joy I have in working and getting to know my clients.  Because of that relationship, the bride is no longer a name from my "contact me" page, but a new friend, and I want to make their cake even better than they imagined it could be. It's all in the "extra" details that are thought about with the bride in mind that make a spectacular cake and a happy bride.
Occasionally, you get a bride that goes out of her way to thank her vendors.  As a vendor, these "thank you's" are worth all the hours you spend away from your family and personal life to make their day special.  Just a little note or even a quick email can make your day and encourage you to keep doing your job.  If I had to choose my top 3 favorite gifts/thank you's I've received, it would be these:
  #1:  Blog Comments
            My most appreciated thank you's come when a bride posts comments on my blog about their cakes.  This not only makes me feel happy that they loved their cake, but I love that they shared it with everyone who is looking at my website and blog.  When you have customer satisfaction and others get to read that, people are more willing to contact you.

  #2:  Thank You Notes
            Many brides have gone out of their way to actually mail me a note showing their appreciation.  In our "cyber world" we live in these days, snail mail is not the most popular form of communication, BUT it is very meaningful when you know someone has taken time to get a piece of paper, write down a quick note, get a stamp, and get it to the post office.  I appreciate the efforts.
Along this same idea, I had a bride make postcards from a picture they had taken on their wedding day and mailed them out with their thank you note on the other side.

  #3:  Small Gift
            I'm not saying I expect brides to give me gifts by any means!   But I did a wedding a few months back where they were giving away chocolates and toffee's in cute little boxes to each of their guests at the reception.  Before I left, the mother of the bride handed me a box of chocolates with my name on it and a nice little note thanking me for the service I had rendered. I was touched by their appreciation that they gave to to me.

When everything is said and done.. with or without a gift, an email, or a note, I am most thankful for my clients.  I love what I do because of them. It is such an honor to be able to be part of one of the happiest days in a couple's life together.    

Thank You for all you do for me!

(excerpts of this post are posted on the incredible UBB (Utah Bride Blog). Check it out!

2009 Utah Chocolate Show- Wedding Cake Competition

The Utah Chocolate Show was this past weekend and I decided to enter into the Wedding Cake Competition.  The theme this year was "Italian Romance" and this is what I came up with.  I was honored and very surprised when they announced my name for two different awards!  In the end.. it was worth all the stress and sleepless nights working on this cake.

Here it is..... It's called, "Mi Amore"

(The cake says... My Love, You are Beautiful, I will always be with you)

Awards:
2009 Best Chocolate Flowers
2009- Special Recognition by Judges--  "Most Signified Italy"

Maren Re-Visited

I just had to post this AMAZING video from the incredible Dave Perry.  If you are planning a wedding.. you already know how lucky you are if you get Dave to shoot your wedding.
Maren was one of many brides I've been able to work with that I completely adored.  She was the most well organized, paid complete attention to every detail... literally.  (the cake was designed to match her shoes... take note in the film).

Nate + Maren = 8mm Film + Digital Film from David Perry on Vimeo.


I just had to show this video... not just for the cake... but because this video depicts the #1 reasons I do what I do.... I LOVE being a part of the happiest day in people's lives.  What better way to celebrate that than with cake?
Thank you Dave for the great video. Thank you Maren for letting me be a part of your wedding.  If you want to see all of Dave's comments on the video.. click here to view his blog.

Special Event Series #7-- Witches, Witches, Witches

This is the last cake in our Special Event Series.  This cake is a super fun idea if you want to do something very unique and individualized for everyone at your party.  Whether it's 50 people or 10... an personalized or individual cake is a real treat and lets your guests know how special they are.
These individual witch cakes were made for an annual witches tea to celebrate halloween a couple weeks ago.  The host of this party has been throwing witches tea's now for 11 years and she has got the magic touch. All her friends look forward to this party all year long.  When I went to deliver the witch display.. her house was filled with halloween decor, fancy halloween dishes set for a 5 course meal for 50 of her closest "witch" friends (no paper at this house... ALL glass ware.. can you imagine the clean up?)  She dedicated one room just for the witch cake display and let everyone take a witch home with them after the party.
Creativity is the key for individual cakes.  Whether it's little people like in this picture, or small mini cakes in various shapes and designs... your guests will oohhh and awwww when they get their own cake.
These little witches not only looked great... they tasted great too!
    Color coded with their dresses, the guests could choose from raspberry lemonade cake with a lemon cream cheese filling, pumpkin chocolate chip cake with a spiced cream cheese buttercream or a chocolate mint truffle cake with mint ganache.

Special Event Series #6-- More Kid Birthdays

What little boy hasn't dreamed of becoming an astronaut?  This little guy wanted a "space" birthday party for his #8.  I had a blast having a mini "consultation" with him to go over the idea's he wanted for his cake. It's always really fun when I get to meet with kids to talk cake.  They feel so important and they get really excited to see that they are going to have an extra special cake.. just for them.  Kids are only kids for a short time.. I LOVE being able to help make their birthdays unforgettable.

Special Event Series #5-- First Birthday Cakes

Once your a first time mom, you realize that there is not many more important events than your childs first birthday... for some of us... it's ALMOST as important as our wedding day... (OK.. not really.. but we act like it).  I am guilty of this myself.  My first little baby had a killer Baby Einstein birthday party with more friends invited than I think was could fit in my house.  But... it's their first birthday... and it's gotta be big! 
There are so many adorable ways to do a first birthday cake. You can re-create their favorite toy or their favorite character, or you can make it whimsical, kid like and full of fun!
Full of fun is how I depict this cake made for an adorable little baby girl.  Her mom is super stylin with everything she does, wears and buys.. I knew the cake had to be over the top!  Mom put the cute tuille "skirts" around the bottom and top of the cake and made it even extra "girly".  The cupcake on top easily came off for an individual cake for the birthday girl to sink her hands into!

Special Event Series #4-- Graduation Cakes

Graduations are not only an exciting time, but also a wonderful accomplishment that needs to be recognized in a big way!
Graduation cakes can become the hit of the party if they are custom designed with graduate in mind.  This cake is a perfect example of that.  A previous client called me up and said she was throwing a graduation party for her daughters best friend and needed a "cosmotology" cake.  She gave me an idea and this is what I came up with.  Hair Dryer & hair brush made from rice cereal treats, covered in fondant.  The basket is my signature flavor... Orange Velvet.  And the Paul Mitchell Bottles... edible paper wrapped in fondant.
It is super fun to make cakes that are this individualized.  It's all worth it when you see the smiles on the clients faces when you drop it off.
Wheather it's a cake full of hair supllies or an edible diploma... any type of cake for graduations are a real
"treat".

Special Event Series #3-- Anniversary Cakes

Celebrate an Anniversary..

This cake was for an adorable couple celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  The cake was to them as a suprise from their sweet children.   The words... "I loved You Then as I Loved You Now" was a perfect quote to capture the many years these two people have shared together.

If you are planning an anniversary party.. a classic cake like this is always an elegant choice.  You can also try and look through old wedding photos of the couple and bring the cake picture into us and we can re-create their real wedding cake.  It's a fun touch that's sure to bring joyful tears!

Special Event Series #2- Kids Birthdays

Today I'm featuring a little boys dream cake.  Look at this loot! A pirates treasure fit for a kid.  Full of coins, jewels.. and of course... CANDY!!!
 A little "leather" technique and some edible dust powder makes this treasure chest come to life.  Not only does it look great with all the treats on top... the Chocolate Oreo Cake inside is just as yummy.  Chocolate Oreo is always a crowd pleaser.  Especially when little kids are around.  Tastes just like an oreo shake... what could be better than that?

Special Event Series-- Keepsake Cakes

Special Events other than weddings are also a great time to have cake. When was the last time you went to a birthday party where they didn't serve cake?   (uhhhhh????  probably never)
For the next few days, I'm going to spotlight cakes that are not geared for the bride to be... but for us regular ol folk who need a fabulous cake for a special event.

Cake #1 in our series is an adorable puppy cake for a little girl who is obsessed with dalmations.  Her whole birthday was a dog theme.  12 little 5 year olds acting like puppies for an hour an half! I bet mom was ready for that party to get over :)  The puppies are made out of gumpaste... a sugar dough that dries hard so it becomes a great keepsake for the birthday girl.

Linzi and Jared.... The Luckiest Engaged Couple in Utah

Linzi was the winner of the $100,000 wedding giveaway from the Bridal Extravaganza at LaCaille this past August.  Linzi and Jared.  They were able to have their whole wedding paid for... as well as use some of the best of the best here in Utah to be apart of their wedding.  It was a fairy tale wedding (as you can see from the fabulous photo from the one and only Swensen Photography)and I was so lucky to be apart of it.  Linzi and Jared were so fun to work with.  I really enjoyed the few times I got to meet with them and share in their excitement.  I wish them the best of luck with their marriage.

Must apologize for the bad photos.  I'll get some edited ones soon!  Linzi wanted butterflies cascading down her cake.  We finished the cake off with words that they picked out together for the fondant ribbon on the bottom of each tier.  And of course.... Jared got his trout!

Gerbs with a Modern Design

I got the privilege to do Jenny's cake.  She was such a sweet bride and drop dead gorgeous! We played around with a few designs and finally came up with this one.  I loved the straight, modern lines on this cake, the colors were fabulous together, and the gerb daisies added a lot of texture and color to the design.

Couture Cakes

Bethanie was such a doll! I was so lucky to be able to do her cake this summer. She loved the look of fabric on her cake, so this is what we came up with!

Dress inspired cakes are always fun to make. They bring such a creative touch to your reception.. especially if you design your cake after your own wedding dress. It brings out a very feminine and "fairy tale" type of style. Any time you get to mix fashion with cake... it's always a real treat.

"Fall"ing Leaves

I love the changing of the seasons... especially fall! There is something amazing about crisp air, the smell of rain and vibrant colors on the trees. It makes me smile.
I made this cake for the Bridal Show last July at LaCaille. White Chocolate autumn leaves airbrushed and hand painted are a great addition to any fall wedding cake. Not only do they look realistic, they taste incredible too! Who can say no to any type of chocolate?

Fall or Summer, Orange is a fabulous color to use in your wedding. Fruit has been a popular trend this year and I love the how Alesha wanted oranges displayed in her cake stand. For those of you who may be "anti-fondant".. here's a buttercream cake for you to take a look at. Buttercream has a softer texture than fondant, and you can still make it nice and smooth. Some people think it tastes better than fondant.. but it's all personal opinion.
I don't do a lot of buttercream cakes these days.. it's fun to get back to them every once in a while.

The "IT" Color!

Candy Apple Green is THE Color! It's been a popular one this year. I was lucky enough to do Bethanie's cake for her. She is the cutest girl! They wanted something fun and simple. They were using green apples (from their own apple trees.... cool!) as part of their decor, so wanted to implement the color into the cake. I think the green and purple were a great color combination. As for the flowers... they were done by the best RETIRED florist around... my own mom! It was fun to work on a wedding with her again.

A Black Wedding Cake???

So if you are brave enough to want a black wedding cake... you just might see that you can pull off an elegant, amazingly different cake that will be a show stopper. I was impressed with Heidi and Tobin when they came to our consultation saying they wanted and all black wedding cake (and even more impressed that mom was on page with their idea's!) Not too many people are brave enough to go with such a bold color. This cake turned out awesome! The black looked beautiful and then we put the bright pink flowers on it and the cake came alive. It's always a HUGE compliment to me when guests start snapping pictures of my cakes. This was one of those cakes. As soon as I moved out of the way, there were about 5 people snapping pictures at the finished product. I don't know if they'd ever seen a black wedding cake before.
Thanks Heidi and Tobin for stepping out of the box and going bold! I LOVED working on your cake and I hope you loved it to!