HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

As I say goodbye to 2008 ................ there are many brides and regular cake customers that I would like to thank for giving me the opportunity to play such an important role on their special day ... weddings, special anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, etc. THANK YOU.



It was a great year .... both personally and professionally .... and 2009 will be another busy year ... and just wait until you see what comes out of the kitchen. Such color, such design. I'm so excited.


As we look to 2009 .... Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'.


Clay and I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Harmelin-Royal, The Temple, 12/27/8

My last cake of 2008 ...........

I can't tell you how many times Clay and I drove right by The Temple .... never noticing it, nor how architectually beautiful it was. This was my first delivery ever to The Temple on Peachtree Street. My goodness, what a beautiful building. I love roaming thru the venues that I've delivered to ... places like The Fox, The Biltmore, etc., but Dayna, my bride, asked me to arrive at 6:00p which was too late for me to roam as her wedding was to start at 6:30p. Perhaps I'll get another opportunity in 2009.

Sometimes, simple cakes turn out elegant. That was the case for Dayna Harmelin and Jeremy Royal's wedding cake. The huge ballroom was full of guest tables with high centerpieces, and a live band ..... their cake was simple yet so pretty. Three tiers of white cake filled with Bailey's ... a flat finish, wine ribbon border. The florist (Carithers) placed the orchids and spray roses.

The groom cake ... Curious George Goes to the Doctor ..... was created as a surprise to the groom, Jeremy. (yes, I believe he is a doctor). It was chocolate cake filled w/ mousse (yum).

Photo's by Edward Zeltser Photography (http://www.edzeltserphoto.com/)

NOTE: The last time I had a cake photographed by Mr. Z was back in 2005 when I created the Hostess Cupcake cake (which many have smiled at while looking thru my portfolio). Thanks for the fast turnaround, Edward ... (and I'm sure Dayna/Jeremy appreciate it too).

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

A CHRISTMAS RECIPE

Take a heap of child-like wonder that opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life .... each day, a sweet surprise

Mix in fond appreciation for the people whom we know
Light festive Christmas candles, each one has a special glow

Add some giggles and some laughter; A dash of Christmas food
Amazing how a piece of cake improves our attitude

Stir it all with human kindness, Wrap it up with Love and Peace
Decorate with optimism and our joy will never cease

If we all use this healthy recipe We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas Spririt even when it's not December


I wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Christmas Goodies

How cute are these !!!!!

In my spare time (yeah, right) I did a bunch of cupcakes. These Christmas tree's are an old favorite. I've been creating them for a few years now .... the Snow Globes are new this year and so are the Santa cupcakes. The chocolate cake looks good enough to eat, don't you think?

Bhula-Patel, Holiday Inn - Roswell, 12/20/8

Seema Bhula and Rakesh Patel met with me on 12/8 (for a 12/20 wedding). That sure was cutting it close. This was my 3rd and final cake of the day. Their colors were purple and teal .... I wish you could have seen the lighting and decor at their reception ... beautiful purple and teal fabrics, draped and adorned with jewels ... Gorgeous !!!

They needed a tall cake to accommodate their many guests ... the top two were red velvet, the 3rd layer was fake, the 4th was chocolate and the 5th was vanilla. Seema chose a pretty scroll pattern from my portfolio ... the scroll work was done in a purple/eggplant color with teal dots here and there.

When Clay went back later that evening to pick up the plateau, he said "the joint was still jumpin". A great time was being had by all.

Photo by me.

Parks-Choe, Rhodes Hall, 12/20/8

Esther Parks and Dustin Choe live in Texas, but married here in Atlanta. Esther had no idea what she wanted her cake to look like ... "something old fashioned" she said. We finally found a design that she liked ... her cake was ivory in color and had lots of hand drawn floral detail. Dustin's cake (due the day before for the rehearsal dinner) was an NC State logo.

I had never seen Rhodes Hall during Christmas .... it's decorated for the Holiday complete with a beautiful Christmas tree in the front window (where the cake normally is placed). Rhodes Hall has a covered front porch made out of granite or concrete or something ... in the summer months, cocktail tables are set out there, add centerpieces, and it's a great place for your guests to gather. In the winter however, it can be cold .. both in appearance and temperature. I don't know what company did this, but someone came in and draped the exterior openings of the porch ... it softened the porch and looked amazing. Simply beautiful.

I saw a f ew photo's of this wedding from the Blue World Studios Blog .... I tell you, Esther looked stunning. If you get the chance, go check Blue World's blog out.

Groom cake Photo by me

Wedding cake photo by Blue World Studios.

Diaz-Gonzales, Private Club House, 12/20/8

The reception for Natalia Diaz and Gabriel Gonzales was small, but full of love. These two people are meant to be together.

Their Day of Coordinator (Meridith Wullkotte - A Remembered Detail) brought them to my home a couple of months ago. Natalia knew exactly what she wanted .... small/simple/fun .... and if you take a close look at their topper you'll see just how fun these two people are.

Photo by me.

Robida-Thornberg, Wimbish House, 12/5/8

I had such a great time while setting up for this wedding .... I got to see some 'ol familiar vendor faces that I hadn't seen in a while (Heather Oliver from Stylish Stems and Kirkley Hennessey from Avalanche) ... and for the 4th week in a row ..... EJ and Janet (Blue World Studio) were busy capturing all the goings on for Jill and Ray Thornberg.

Jill and Ray had both, the ceremony and reception, downstairs at The Wimbish House. So, as soon as the ceremony was over, all guests travelled upstairs for the cocktail hour, and the vendors got busy transforming the beautiful cermony setting into a lavish reception. I was busy setting up the cake in the corner ... and noticed that I had an audience of one ..... an adorable flower girl who was intently trying to figure out how I was getting those little balls (bead border) to come out of that bag I was holding. I finished the cake, and she and I agreed that it was beautiful. Time to place the topper on the cake .... a multiloop ribbon bow. I had started the bow at the house, and finished it at the site by adding individual loops of ribbon .. I asked my "assistant" if she would like to help .... she held my icing bag and would squeeze a small drop of icing on the loops of ribbon and I placed them on the cake top. We made a great team. I didn't think to take a picture of this with my camera, but know that EJ (Blue World) got a shot and I'll post it later. Too cute.

Jill wanted a substantial wedding cake in size, but with having a dessert station (thru the caterer), didn't need a whole bunch of wedding cake. So, to get the look of a large cake, I baked the top three tiers and used fake cakes for the bottom two. Different designs on each layer always makes a pretty cake.

Congratulations, Jill and Ray !!!

Carter Turns One !!!!

Carter Thomas Williams is truly a blessing to his mom and dad. This is part of my job that I just love ... I get to see and meet the children of my brides/grooms. Carter's mom is responsible for the infamous "Jody Lynn" (cake design) ... and my blog.

I created a huge cupcake for the main cake ... decorated in lime green, white, and two shades of blue .... then did a larger than usual single cupcake for Carter to smash ... and from this picture he did a great job and enjoyed himself. He's so cute.

Carter is beginning to walk (or run). It was great to hold his tiny hand as we walked all around. Thanks for giving me the chance to meet your little boy.

Happy Birthday, Carter ................ see you next year !!!

E

Kendall-Kyle, Four Seasons, 11/23/8

The long dark curly locks of Cassandra Kendall will be stunning in her portraits (taken by EJ of Blue World Studios). She looked gorgeous.

It was a small affair .... (less than 80) .... but those who attended were treated to elegance. The Four Seasons in Atlanta (14th Street) is a class act. Carla Duncan was the florist ... huge tall vases filled with white calla lillies ... and EJ and Janet of Blue World caught all the goings on, I'm sure.

The top of their cake was different ...... a pile of dark chocolate truffles ..... Yummy !!!

Cassandra and Peter had many hurdles to jump over prior to their wedding, but they are stronger as individuals and as a pair ... they certainly will belong to each other for a lifetime.

Photo by Blue World Studios ...... : )

McGrew-O'Connor, Lambert Place, 11/22/8

Shortly before Ellen and Jeff's tasting appointment, I had arrived home from Costco with my weekly 50 pound bag of confectioners sugar. I had left the back gate of my truck open, and had gone into the house. When they arrived, Jeff noticed my gate open ... and offered to bring in that 50 pound package. I didn't have to ask, he offered. Very nice.

When Clay and I arrived at Lambert Place to set up the cake, it didn't look like a sole was around ... Ally Haggerty (their DOC) was at the church, there were no cars, no outside lights ... but when I opened the door and heard the band practicing .. I knew I was in the right place. This was my first "performance" at Lambert Place. It's an odd-shaped venue inside ... kind of an "L" shape. A long rectangular area for tables, with the dance floor off to the right.

Ellen's colors were dark brown and I think green .... the 4-tier cake was bordered in dark brown ribbon and I placed gorgeous green dendrobium orchids (large and small) on the top.

Ellen and Jeff O'Connor .. two very sweet people who definately belong with each other.

Photos by Kristi Odom (http://www.kristiodom.com/).

Sherman-McKloskey, Park Tavern, 11/22/8

We had to wait a few minutes while the photographer took pictures of the Groom and his men at the entrance of Park Tavern ... the photographer told Nick (the groom) to step forward and had the groomsmen just look toward Nick ... well, this got all the guys making all sorts of comments about Nick's bald spot .... it was very funny and should be a cute picture. When the picture was taken, the boys moved aside so that Clay and I could start bringing in the cake ... Nick greeted me with a hug and I told him that "God only made few perfect heads .. the rest he put hair on." He wholeheartedly agreed.

Wendy and Nick came to see me a couple of times. I had to convince Wendy that I could design in "color" ... using colored icing .... I can't blame her, she had a point .... 99% of my cakes are done in white with white designs. I truly feel that when Wendy saw her cake ... finished ... it was at that point, she was convinced. As I've said before, I can't pick favorites (cakes), but this one was my pick of the weekend ..... I loved the color, and the design. Thanks Julie Coffin of Unique Floral Expressions for that incredible topper.

Photos by King & Spivey (courtesy of Wendy McKloskey) ... Thanks, Wendy.

Poole 50th Wedding Anniversary - 11/22/8

Have you ever been to Sterling on the Lakes ? It's off 985 (exit 12) ... and the subdivision is gorgeous .. homes and townhomes. They have a gorgeous Clubhouse ... and it was the site of Mr & Mrs. Poole's 50th Wedding Anniversary !!!

Amy Pearce (daughter) came to see me a couple of weeks ago .... she wanted a huge wedding cake to serve 100 ..... and that's what she got. The top three cakes were white cake filled with lemon (yum) .. the bottom cake was fake.

It's not often I get to create anniversary cakes for marriages that have lasted a lifetime ..... Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Poole.

Photo by me.

Desormeaux-Bryan, The Peachtree Club, 11/22/8

Sara and Michael Bryan were referred to me by one of my April '08 brides, Heather Geib-Gammon. Thank you, Heather.

This was my first "performance" at The Peachtree Club. It's on the 28th floor of 999 Peachtree Street. It has a gorgeous view of the city, leather seats, and dark wood. The cake table set up was quite different. It (the cake) has to be on a high table covered with linen and placed directly underneath a chandelier. Sara had originally requested a 5-tier cake, but after their final venue meeting, decided to drop one tier as they thought the cake wouldn't fit. They were right and I'm glad we went to a 4-tier. Their cake topper was meant to be placed to the side of the cake, and it's a good thing as it wouldn't have fit on the top (because of the chandelier).

Their wedding cake had a different element .... a rounded top. Would have been a "piece of cake" .. no punn intended ... to have used rolled fondant to cover this cake ... but we all know how much I dislike fondant. I worked and worked with my buttercream at smoothing the rounded edge (it wasn't easy), and finally was satisfied with it.

The Groom cake is called "Tuxberry" .... it was a 2-tier chocolate cake filled w/ sliced strawberries. Frosted in fudge icing and adorned with chocolate covered TUXEDO strawberries. I love how the tuxedo berries came out.

Professional photo's provided by the bride (Thank you, Sara).

STAR WARS !!!!

Here are a few cakes for all of the Star War fans out there ..... Back in September, Karibeth's son, Faxon, celebrated his 6th birthday in Star Wars style. There was even a magician who dressed like a dessert trooper and he also brought along an animated R2D2 and CP3O .. he was really cool. The cake was really cool too. It's all edible (except for the arms).

In November, I got to create a Darth Vader cake for another Star Wars themed birthday party. I thought it came out great.

Will CP3O be next ???? Gosh, I hope not. Well, it wasn't CP3O, but it was a Clone Trooper (not to be confused with a Storm Trooper). It's good guy vs. bad guy; and the Clone Trooper has a blue stripe down the front of his mask. Got the chance to create the Clone Trooper back in December.

Keen-Bennett, Silverbell Pavillion, 11/8/8

Back to back weddings at Silverbell .. last weekend and this weekend. Julie Keen and Clay Bennett ..... I'm doing so many "different" cakes this year ... Their wedding cake was unique in shape. Loved how it came out ... so clean/elegant. The entire reception was done in black and white ..... gorgeous.

I had never met a man who openly admitted that he was a fan of "GI JOE" .... until I met Clay. So naturally, I had to create a GI Joe groom cake ... but not your normal GI Joe .. it was a futuristic GI Joe. The entire cake was carrot ... and will be filed under "lessons learned". Don't sculpt using Carrot cake ... huge waste of a good cake (had to cut away lots), and it doesn't cut clean (probably because of the pineapple). This was my one and only attempt at a futuristic GI Joe. It will never be done again (by me).

Photo's courtesy of Blue World Studios (EJ and Janet).

On my way out, I ran into their DOC (Ally Haggerty) who was good enough to lead me to a balcony overlooking the courtyard of the Emory Conference Center where I got to see and listen to a portion of Julie and Clay's wedding ..... Julie looked gorgeous. Thanks, Ally.

UPDATE: I've been blogged by EJ of Blue World Studios .... Here's the link:
http://blog.blueworldstudios.com/blog/2008/11/come-on-eileen/

Garner - Georgia Football 11/7/8

Deb Garner's son is a major UGA fan. Deb contacted me a couple of weeks ago to see if I had time to create a Georgia cake that would be used at her son's wedding rehearsal dinner. I sent her a couple of my Georgia designs and she settled on this one. I hope to receive a photo of her son with the cake, but until then ..... enjoy this photo.

Worsdell-Dickerson, Park Tavern, 11/2

Today. I gladly slept an extra hour .... After church, and final wedding prep, we headed to Park Tavern for the reception of April Worsdell and James Dickerson. Their cake was only 3 tiers, but each was 6 inches in height .. put it on a hightop table, with a thick plateau, and you've got one big cake. I drew the floral stems, and then placed fresh Orange dahlia's and purple lisianthus on top of each stem. It's a stunning cake. The groom, who's nickname is Dickie, requested the Dickie's logo (without the "S") for his groom cake.

Photos courtesy of RaeJen Photography (http://www.raejenphotography.com/). Aren't these photo's awesome. This was my first experience with this photographer, and had heard very good comments about them. Well, I'm here to tell you that they exceeded my expectations. I had a very difficult time choosing a shot for my portfolio and the blog ... so I requested a bunch of online images to share with you. Will update as soon as I receive them.

This day was bitter sweet for me ..... while I set up my cakes, I remove my wedding ring set and give them to Clay to hold. Well, when we got home I asked for my rings, he reached into his pocket and pulled out my wedding band, then he reached into his pocket again, and a look of panic came across his face ... my engagement ring was gone. I've been to Park Tavern a couple of times since Sunday ... walking the path Clay took to the car ... no luck. So, someday should you find yourself at Park Tavern, look down and hopefully you'll find my ring for me. I will always remember this wedding, as it is the day I lost my engagement ring. (sad).

McGee-Jones, Wimbish House, 11/1

November 1, 3:30p - Our first wedding delivery of the day was to The Wimbish House for the reception of Natalie McGee and Michael Jones. When I met with Natalie back in July she fell in love with this design (called "Jody Lynn"). Natalie was not having a huge wedding, but wanted a huge cake. So the bottom two layers are fake. The top three layers were white cake filled with Bailey's (yum). No cake flowers needed ... the design stands on its own. Michael's groom cake (Marble cake filled with Cookies n' cream) took 3 hours to design. He is a Tech grad and wanted the GT Seal for the design on his cake. I think it came out pretty good.

Photo courtesy of me .... will update with professional photo upon receipt.

Brettner-Karably, Silverbell Pavillion, 11/1/8

4:45p Off to the Emory Conference Center, Silverbell Pavillion, for the reception of Stacy Brettner and Ben Karably. Ben is an Atlanta Police Officer and after learning that I drive like a crazy woman while delivering my cakes, gave me a "get out of jail" card .. his business card ... just in case I get stopped speeding while delivering cakes in Atlanta. I am happy to report that I have NOT had the opportunity to use it ... yet (ha ha ha). Stacy and Ben wanted a different shaped cake (which is just fine with me .. I love "different" cakes). I got a chance to use my "petal" pans for this three-tiered cake iced white with an eggplant ribbon at the base and a very delicate swirl right above the ribbon. Carla Duncan (On Occasions of Atlanta) provided the beautiful orange/purple floral.

Wow !!! What a difference a professional photo makes. Thanks Liz Yeakle Photography (www.lizyeakle.com)

William Turns One !!!

November started out with a 1st birthday cake for William (son of Ed/Donna Culler ... a 2005 bridal couple of mine). I created a two-tiered cake frosted white with yellow and aqua dots ... bordered in dark chocolate fudge (YUM). The smash cake was a cute little monkey face. William was more interested in eating the cake, than smashing it.

Photo courtesy of Donna Culler. Thanks.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!

Karibeth goes over and above for all of her parties ..... I'm so excited to have this blog to share her use of my cupcakes/cakes as centerpieces for her creative events. This particular event was a children's Halloween party .... I created a large spider web cake and two dozen spiderweb cupcakes.

Photo courtesy of Mark (Karibeth's husband).

Afshani-Skurski, Biltmore Hotel, 10/26/8

After arriving home from delivering a spider web cake and cupcakes (watch for a "Happy Halloween" post to appear) ..... we headed to the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta for the wedding of Victoria Afshani and James Skurski. Victoria's cake was designed using details from her wedding dress. Two pearl strands, a single line drop, roses and bows. I'm anxious to receive the professional shot of this cake from Shari Zellers. Victoria got married on what would have been her grandparents 69th wedding anniversary. I love it when brides honor the memory of those who have passed. I baked an extra cake and positioned the 69 year old figurine that Victoria had received from her grandmother.

Photo courtesy of me .... will update with professional photo upon receipt.

Sutton-Monette, Chateau Elan, 10/25/8

We left Frogtown Cellars and an hour or so later we arrived at Chateau Elan for the wedding of Rachel Sutton and Neil Monette. They chose a classic cake design for their event (my Jody Lynn design). I also got to meet a photographer whom I've heard alot about, and receive many referrals from, but had never met. Janet from Blue World Studios. I'm sure to be working closely with her/them next year.

Photo courtesy of Blue World Studios (www.blueworldstudios.com)

Rawls-Woodward, Frogtown Cellars, 10/25/8

... off to Dahlonega for the wedding of Amy and Eric Woodward. About 1 1/2 hours later we arrive at Frogtown Cellars ... a fairly new vineyard which doubles as a event facility for weddings, etc. It has a gorgeous view of the North Georgia mountains. Their wedding pictures should be beautiful. Clear blue sky - fall foliage - mountains. I really can't say that a certain cake is my favorite .. but this one ranks way up there. It was so different. I also got a chance to meet a photographer that I've heard about but had never shot one of my cakes ... well, this weekend, Shari Zellers got to shoot two of my cakes. This one, and one on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of me .... will update with professional photo upon receipt.

Yarbrough-Hachat, Private Residence, 10/25/8

Our first stop was to a private residence in Lawrenceville ..... Jessica called me about 6 months ago and I told her I was booked for her date/time. She wanted me to do her cake anyway, and agreed to have an early arrival. So, at 12:00 we arrived with her cake. It was set up and decorated in the basement and two strong guys were going to carry it out to the back yard (reception) 6 hours later. Later, I emailed Jessica to find out how it went .... no worries. It transported just fine and the Carrot layers were eaten quickly. (yum)

Photo courtesy of a Florida vendor ... Beach Bum Photography (www.beachbumphotography.com)

Nye-Davis, Chattahoochee CC, 10/18/8

We headed to Gainesville to the Chattahoochee Country Club ... it's gorgeous. I had been to this venue before ... it's in a cove on Lake Lanier ... last year, the cove was full of muck ... this year it had a little water in it .. but certainly not up to the appropriate water levels. Lindsey and Drew Davis are an adorable couple. I met with them about 1 1/2 years ago and finally their wedding day had arrived. She loved my "stick" cake ... but also liked the looks of a square/round cake ..... so I created this for her and adorned it with fall leaves, chocolate roses, and yellow button mums. Drew is a major Georgia fan ..... the Georgia "G" cake was perfect for him.

Photo courtesy of the new Mrs. Davis ..... from Robertson Studios. Thanks, Lindsey (and Drew).

Beijing 2008, 10/18/8

I got home from a morning delivery just in time for Sandy Scroggins to pick up her "groom cake". She had a former bride of mine creating cupcakes for the reception ... but wanted something special for the groom cake. Her husband Ron Lykin, was the head coach for the US Womens Paralympic Basketball Team who took gold in Beijing !!!!! Sandy said the cake exceeded her expectations .....

Frissell-Wallace, Swan Coach House, 10/11/8

The Swan House was the site of the wedding ceremony of Serena Frissell and Ricky Wallace, while the reception was held at the Coach House. This one was different ..... Serena's colors were Royal Blue and White ... her gown had royal blue accents, her maids were in Royal Blue, the decor was royal blue and white, and so was her cake. I iced the top of her cakes in royal blue and left everything else white ... so different, yet adds a splash of color. It was a small affair, but when I went back later to pick up the plateau, the "joint was jumpin".

My photo (on the left) wasn't too bad, so I've left it on here .... have also attached the pro shot (on the right) from Brian Steele Photography (www.bsteelephoto.com)

Vowels-Daly, Wimbish House, 10/4/8

Clay and I drove to The Wimbish House (Atlanta Women's Club) ... Rachelle had a specific design in mind for her cake when she met with me last year. Fans of rose buds. I created it in her colors .. white and champagne. Ryan (the Groom) loves his dog .. Bogey .. a black lab who wears a red collar and loves tennis balls. This was my first (and probably only) attempt using rolled fondant. I baked four 9x13 cakes, stacked them on top of each other, lightly frosted them and cooled them in the fridge for a day or so .... then I took it from the fridge and started sculpting the dog's head. I re-frosted the cake and back in the fridge it went. Now it's time to apply the rolled fondant. It was a learning experience, but the end result came out pretty good. I hope he was pleased.

Photo courtesy of me .... will update with professional photo upon receipt.