Emily and Daniel’s Garden Wedding – 6.29.14

Emily and Daniel….so much in love.  I have known Emily since she was in Middle School.  She attended a Sunday School class my husband and I taught when she was in High School.  We saw Emily and her parents at church on Christmas Eve 2013 and she had just become engaged to Daniel.  I handed her mom my card and the planning began!  The first time I met with Emily she had so much fun telling me how they met, how they loved the Lord and how much she loved butterflies and nature. We took those items to the extreme.   We ran with that.  There were two things she would “die on the hill for”.  They were Praise and Worship during her ceremony to the Lord they love and a flower wreath in her hair.  Gotta love it!  She and Daniel were Aggies and Daniel was going into the service.  We had limited time to find a venue and get started.  We finally found a place that the date, minister and all the other requirements would fit…The Chapel in Ana Villa.  It didn’t have everything exactly as she wanted, but with the help of Lisa Stiles of Coco Fleur Events and her beautiful floral talent, trees from Bread and Butter, lighting from Randy Ro Entertainment and vision, we were able to pull of the most amazing wedding with everything that they envisioned including the sugar flower and butterfly cake that was divine, created by The Jenny Layne Bakery..  It was SO MUCH FUN.  There friends and the groom did surprise dance for Emily, they danced the night away and left to a butterfly confetti send off.  Emily has a special place in my heart because I have known her for so long.  I know they will live happily ever after.  What a better way to start their life together…a perfect day!

Venue:  The Chapel at Ana Villa

Photography:  Aves Photographic Design

Floral:  Coco Fleur Events

Lighting/Music:  Randy Ro Entertainment

Trees:  Bread and Butter Rentals

Cake:  The Jenny Layne Bakery

Gown:  Lewisville Bridal Boutique

Cake…I’m all about the cake!

And this is my favorite cake of all time!  Made by Dallas Affairs Cakes…

.

For every wedding, the cake is often the center of the event.  Besides the bride and groom, guests take more pictures of the cakes than any other detail.  So…with that said, it is important that it makes a statement, be part of the branding of your wedding and show your style.  Cakes come in all sizes and flavors and it the item every guest is waiting for.  Surprise your guests with Oreo Cream filling or a touch of Neutella.

When you are purchasing a wedding cake, there are some decisions to be made….

STYLE – Think about the style of your wedding.  Is it formal, casual?  What is the season?  What does your dress look like?  Are you branding your wedding with a monogram?  If so, do you want that to follow through to the cake?

SIZE – This will depend on if you are just having one “bride” cake, or if you are having a “groom’s cake” as well.  If you are having a grooms cake, you need the combination of the two to equal your guest total.  The size of the ceilings in your venue might dictate the heighth of the cake.  Remember you can always add “fake” layers to add heighth to it.  This can range anywhere from $30-60 per layer to add.

Jenny Layne Bakery

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? – Most cakes range from $3.75-$5.50 per slice.  In most cases, fondant is more expensive than buttercream.  The more complicated the cake (sugar flowers), usually the more it will be.  There are some bakeries that will give you groom’s cake at no charge when buying the wedding cake.

Delicious Cakes – Addison, TX

FONDANT OR BUTTERCREAM – For a really smooth look go with Fondant.  If you love buttercream but are going with Fondant, make sure the fondant goes on top of a thick layer of buttercream.

.

Cake by Jenni’s Confections

WEATHER – In Texas, there are very few times that the cake can be outside.  Cream Cheese and buttercream are not recommended for an outside wedding.  Best option…Fondant!

Jenny Layne Bakery

CAKE TOPPER – There are so many options out there.  Initials and fresh flowers are always on trend.  Check out some websites for cake toppers.  you might just find something that fits your style, what hobbies or  what sports you love.  Be sure a decision is made between your floral person and the cake baker when it comes to adding the fresh flowers to your cake.

Candy Haven Cakes

TASTINGS – When you are booking your appointment to meet with the Cake Designer, be sure you ask them if a tasting will be available.  Some bakeries only do tastings on specific days and times.  Usually they are baking wedding cakes on the weekend, so weekday appointments are usually preferred.

Delicious Cakes – Addison, TX

DELIVERY – Be sure to ask what their window of time will be for delivery on your cake.  Be sure you get a number that someone can be contacted at, in case your cake isn’t there or there is a problem with the cake.  It is very disappointing to call the bakery and it be closed and you can’t locate the cake……but that is what your Wedding Planner is for!

Opulant Cakes

CUTTING THE CAKE – Do not attempt this by using your wedding party!  Make sure the venue, or caterer has someone who is experienced in cutting the cake.   Some may charge a $.50-$1.50 per slice charge.  You will want to do this to make sure your cake stays upright from beginning to end.

Opulant Cakes

Don’t forget to make sure your Wedding Planner packs up some cake for your late night honeymoon snack!

Have a perfect day!