Wedding cake expert and owner of Sprinkles Custom Cakes in Orlando, FL weighs in on the high cost of ordering a custom wedding cake. For this reason, he asks, “Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘good, fast, or cheap… pick two?'” Usually you hear this in contractor circles full of talented craftsmen or engineers. As a rule they are highly sought after for their skill and expertise. Certainly it applies to the skilled artists involved in creating your perfect wedding cake as well.
Let’s say you are remodeling your home. Obviously, you want the finished work to turn out good. But if it is a rush job, it certainly won’t be cheap. Conversely, if you need the work to be inexpensive, in addition to fabulous, you’d better be prepared to wait for the work to be completed. Without getting into economics, it is because you need an expert whose skills are in high demand.
Identically great bakers and cake decorators are also highly trained. Moreover they are expert sugar artisans and craftsmen. Don’t believe me? Think about it this way. Most people go their whole life only being exposed to the world of custom cakes through the lens of highly produced/edited TV shows or movies. But have you ever actually seen a custom cake come to life in real-time? For instance, hand painting of gold leaves and perfectly measured designs can take hours to complete. Similarly the engineering involved in creating a stable 5, 6 or 7+ tiered wedding cake.
At one time, you could only see unbelievable cake creations come to life in the span of 27 minutes plus commercial breaks. Now, thanks to Pinterest and TikTok, you can watch a whole custom cake. Starting from baking and prepped. Then to decorated and cut. All in under 1 minute.
As a rule, the average consumer is aware that advertisements are full of carefully staged sets and made-up models. Also cleverly composed, and often highly edited images and videos. On the other hand, most people are shocked to find the very same thing also happens to cakes featured in magazine photo spreads and Pinterest-worthy styled shoots.
However, what viewers don’t see are the scores of trained artisans, sculptors and painters. Coupled with engineers, and production assistants tirelessly working to make the final product seem effortless.
That is not to say some of the incredible designs out there are impossible. Rather incredible, impossible designs can certainly be created! Only instead of movie magic, you need time and the experience and expertise of a true cake and sugar artist to make the impossible a reality.
Richard says, “Here at Sprinkles Custom Cakes, we have always taken a personal and detail-oriented approach to each and every request. That is to say, it is not lost on us that clients come to us when they have something big to celebrate. As a result, every request is important to us.” Unquestionably, speak with your cake artist about available options to get the WOW in your wedding cake, but with in your budget.
People think: “a big milestone means I need a big cake”. But Richard says, “we beg to differ!” Certainly a similar feeling can be achieved in a smaller cake. For instance, add show-stopping designs on part of the cake. Or incorporate a meaningful detail. Likewise, as the client, you can provide accents like figurines, silk flowers, cake toppers, or a cake stand. Finally coming together to create your incredible cake.
Of course request a quote first. Assuredly allowing your custom wedding cake company to get a feel for what your needs and design preferences are. Also ask for other design options or alternatives. Indeed whether your cake is 6 tiers tall or 1 tier, it still serves as a stunning centerpiece for your perfect wedding day. For all of these reasons, request your quote weeks in advance of your event.
Thank you to Richard, owner of Sprinkles Custom Cakes, for the expert wedding advice. For more wedding advice and inspiration, visit the I Said Yes! Wedding Blog. Also attend an I Said Yes! Wedding Show or I DOs and BREWS event to taste wedding cake and dessert samples and meet these artists in person.
6 tier wedding cakes are stunning. Undoubtedly this beautiful fondant cake by A Piece of Cake in Tampa, FL does not disappoint. For this reason, we just had to interview the bakery owner, Laurie, and learn more.
Laurie worked with this couple in Orlando, FL for their wedding at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. The ivory and white cake is accented with gold ribbons, Further with soft pops of color on the sugar flowers. Certainly the guests were delighted by the flavors. First are lemon, chocolate and red velvet. Next coconut/pineapple and marble. Finally vanilla bean. Built to feed 200, surely the guests at this wedding had a sweet ending. And it was vegan/eggless also.
No doubt we had to ask more questions when we learned the 6 tier wedding cake was also vegan/eggless. For this reason, we interviewed Laurie about her bakery and special dietary needs:
Question 1: Can vegan/eggless cakes be made in any flavor?
Answer: Most any flavor can be created using vegan/eggless recipes.
Question 2: Is there a vegan/eggless buttercream and can you decorate with it?
Answer: Yes, we have vegan buttercream.
Question 3: Is fondant eggless/vegan and do you make your own fondant?
Answer: The brand I use is vegan. However, homemade marshmallow fondant is not. Marshmallows are made with gelatin, which uses animal products.
Question 4: Are all the tiers in 6 tier wedding cakes real?
Answer: Yes, this particular cake was all real cake.
Question 5: Do the cakes need to be refrigerated? Do special dietary needs cakes need to be refrigerated?
Answer: I refrigerate all my cakes due to the heat and humidity in Florida.
Question 6: Can gluten free, eggless, vegan cakes be stacked?
Answer: So far all of these types of cakes I have created, have been stacked and refrigerated.
Along with the above questions, we also wanted to know how you work with a couple with only 1 or 2 guests with special dietary restrictions? Laurie replied, “I explain to my couples to make the top layer the allergenic one and all the rest of the layers regular. However, I always advise that they elevate the top tier so that it is not touching the other cakes. Especially if there is a sever allergy. In this instance, I suggest a separate cake. Above all, be sure you speak with the person cutting the cake so they understand the dietary restrictions and the need for no cross-contamination using the same knife and serving utensils.”
Thank you A Piece of Cake & Desserts for sharing all of this information with us. In conclusion, it is important to discuss your special dietary restrictions with your baker before you order your cake. Not all custom bakeries provide the same options as Laurie. So be sure you choose one that best fits your style, flavors and needs. Most importantly – eat cake first!
Find more expert wedding advice on the I Said Yes! Wedding Inspiration Blog.
Sample wedding cake flavors and dessert at an I DOs and BREWS event.
This downtown Tampa wedding is draped in layers of emerald green with the beautiful city as a backdrop. In fact, it was an absolutely gorgeous day for Carrie and Jimmy to celebrate their love with friends and family.
Before the wedding, the groom set-up a private haircut service. That is to say, his barber made a house call to give him and his groomsmen fresh haircuts. No doubt this special treatment prepared Jimmy for his big day ahead.
After getting ready, the groomsmen enjoyed a few drinks to celebrate the groom. Additionally, Jimmy checked his watch as he patiently awaited the wedding day first look with his soon to be wife.
Similarly, the bride had a custom monogrammed robe to wear during her pre-wedding prep. Hair and make up by Femme Akoi. Additionally the back of Carrie’s dress was all lace. Paired with gorgeous Louboutin shoes and a diamond necklace and earrings. Without a doubt Jimmy is going to be wow’ d when he sees her. A few moments were also enjoyed laughing and smiling with her bridesmaids before her first look with her soon to be husband.
In line with the wedding colors, the bridesmaids wore emerald green dresses. Also they carried bouquets of soft blush, white and greenery created by FH Events.
And then it was time for the wedding day first look on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa. The photographer, Carrie Wildes Photography, says “It’s always such a fun moment to setup and photograph as it unfolds. There were definitely some tears. Subsequently you can always see the nerves just fall away.”
Carrie and Jimmy’s two boys, were the cutest little ring bearers. Above all the couple tied the knot at a lovely ceremony with the water as the backdrop.
This Downtown Tampa wedding reception was decorated with emerald linens, glass and white and blush florals. Carrie’s mom actually made all the table number holders out of wine corks. Certainly a favorite element was the custom bobble heads for their cake table. Likewise the wedding favors were a bag of coffee that said “the perfect blend”. Also a hand sanitizer that said “quarantined for life.”
Meanwhile the bridal party made a pretty fantastic entrance. All the while the gorgeous Tampa sun set in the background for all the dances and toasts.
For the bouquet toss, Carrie acted like she was going to throw it, and then didn’t. Instead she grabbed another bouquet and handed them to two of her bridesmaids. Certainly because they are getting married next.
To read more about this wedding, visit Carrie Wildes Photography Blog.
To see more Real Wedding Inspiration, go to the I Said Yes! Weding Inspo Blog.
Below are the wedding vendors who helped create Carrie and Jimmy’s dream wedding:
Venue: The Tampa Club
Hotel: Aloft Tampa Downtown
Coordination: Confetti Events
Florist: FH Events
Band: Matt Winter
Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi
Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography
Video: Pier Seven Productions
Wedding Gown Boutique: Ivory and Lace Bridal
Cake: Publix
Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey
Tuxes: Suit Supply
Stationery: Minted
A wedding reception venue can be uniquely styled to match your wedding design. The same venue can look completely different depending on the décor and design. In this installment of our Florida Wedding Venue series, we look at Paradise Cove and two different holiday events.
Tucked away in a private corner of Lake Buena Vista, Paradise Cove is an idyllic oasis on the shores of Lake Bryan. Complete with white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and cypress trees. In addition, twinkling lights and tiki torches add to the magical glow of this secluded paradise. The natural and scenic beauty of Lake Bryan creates a wonderful backdrop for the ultimate wedding in paradise. Continue reading to see how you can create this into your own personally designed paradise.
Atmospheres Floral and Decor created two stunningly different looks with the chandeliers. First is a colorful array of florals and greenery suspended with-in gorgeous wooden chandeliers. Pulling in the bright wedding colors and the wooden elements, an almost boho-chic-modern holiday was fashioned. The chandeliers are complemented by a simple white celing drape. In contrast, the second option is adorned with crystals and lights to soften and light the ceiling. This elegant chandelier is the perfect option to compliment the-over-the-top floral ceiling installation. As a result, both options provide a completely different look and feel to this wedding reception venue.
We absolutely must stop to admire the floral ceiling installation completed by Atmospheres Floral and Décor in the photo on the right above. If you want a statement piece for your wedding reception venue décor – look up and dream big. You cannot go wrong with a floral installation. To sum up this wedding decoration option – go big and get married!
Work closely with your floral designer to pick the centerpieces and décor that best fit your style and budget. First choose the type of table and seating you want for your wedding reception guests. Do you want family style like the top row of photos below, or more intimate seating like the examples in the bottom row? Can’t decide – do some of both.
Second, choose your place settings and consider the amount of room each will consume on the table.
Lastly, balance the room. If you go big on the ceiling, balance it more simply on the table. If you go more simple on the ceiling – add more drama to your table.
Choose the cake or dessert option that appeals to your sweet tooth. For example, you like chocolate and your fiancé likes vanilla. That’s ok, get multiple flavors of cupcakes or different flavored tiers of cake.
Share your wedding style and décor options with your cake designer so your cake is a sweet compliment to your reception space.
In conclusion, when it comes to dessert, you can’t go wrong. The two styles featured here are simple cupcakes and a simple 3 tier cake with some flower drama.
Your wedding reception is your time to celebrate love and happiness. Surprise your guests with live entertainment. If your wedding reception venue has space, the options are endless.
First start with your DJ to keep the party going all night and to control the energy in the room with the music selection.
Second provide a live entertainment performance that wows your guests. For example, the two events featured here had: Samba dancers by Spirit of Samba; an artist creating personalized wedding favors by Leo’z Arts & Photography; Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elf provided by P.S. I Love You Productions; snow princess by Key Artist Group; and a champagne girl.
To sum up, design your reception to match your unique wedding style. Each wedding reception venue can be decorated differently to show off you and your fiancé on your special day. Whether you go big and dramatic or small and simple, at the end of the day, you have married your best friend.
Contribution wedding vendors:
Venue: Paradise Cove
Floral and Décor: Atmospheres Floral and Décor
DJ and Lighting: Soundwave Entertainment
Photography: Rudy & Marta Photography and Castaldo Studio
Cake: Cake and Bake
Cupcakes: Anna Cakes
Rentals: Trove Rentals
Live Entertainment: Spirit of Samba, Leo’z Arts & Photography, Key Artist Group, P.S. I Love You Productions
Nature sets the backdrop for your wedding. Florida is uniquely diversified in the types backdrops available. With 1,350 miles of coastline, 3,000 lakes, big cities, amusement parks, rolling hills, swamp and flat lands, the possibilities are endless. However, we can’t forget that two-fifths of Florida’s land is considered farmland, and much of that being pasture. For example, take Lovelock Ranch. This family owned, working cattle farm is on Carlton Lake, just 30 minutes from Tampa. It boasts a 5,000+ square foot barn with a modern Western aesthetic perfect for cocktail hour and reception. In addition, it has dreamy fields, cypress trees and a tee pee constructed of repurposed pine. This styled shoot is dripping with romantic charm, fall florals and an unexpected guest.
Blooming Flowers and Art created beautiful floral bridal hats. They are not only unique, but give that added flair of fall beauty. Similarly, they created a floral hoop instead of a traditional wedding bouquet style. As a result, these florals create a statement that represents you as the one-of-a-kind bride. Speak with your florist about creative ways to incorporate your personal style and uniqueness into your special day.
Surprise your wedding guests with a visit from an unexpected attendee. Fairytale Petcare are the handlers for this special guest – a llama. That’s right, a llama made an appearance and the cuteness is on overload. Animal guests are trending at weddings, from llama’s, to sloths to beverage burrows. Many of these animals are rescues and they love the attention. Furthermore, they are adorable in your wedding photos.
Charcuterie boards and coffee – you can’t go wrong. Make your wedding extra special by serving your guests some of your favorite things. First, consider pleasing their pallets with a variety of cheeses, fruits and crackers at cocktail hour. These days you can even order individual charcuterie boxes for each guest. Second, choose food that represents you as a couple. Merge your favorite foods into a smorgasbord of courses so you each get something you enjoy. Lastly, don’t forget the dessert and coffee. This 3 tier cake by Tampa Bay Cake Company is sure to wow your guests. Most importantly, everything is made better with specialty coffee in to go cups.
The stunning chandeliers inside the barn and the beautiful barn doors set a gorgeous backdrop for photos. Almost as beautiful as the sunset over the fields with your new spouse and a llama. Whatever type of Florida wedding venue you choose, make it uniquely you. Work with each of your wedding professionals to tell your love story the way you want it told.
Thank you to the contributing wedding professionals:
| Planning Coordinator: Wilder Mind Events Photographers: Garry and Stacy Photography Co. Venue: Lovelock Ranch Cake: Tampa Bay Cake Company Hair/Makeup: Just Beauty Stationary/Placecards: Hey Hunn Paperie Llama Handling: Fairytale Petcare Men’s Suit: All Brides 2 Be Dress: The Dressing Room St. Pete Vintage Coffee Bar: Cafe Al La Carte Cinema: JS Media Cheese Board: Adored Boards Models: @haley_dreamer @drewprobertson Florist: Blooming Flowers and Art Styling Accessories: ADR Decor Harpist: Emma the Harpist Furniture: Traditions Rentals Linens: Elite Events and Rentals |
Love is like wine, it gets better with age. And this winery themed styled shoot proves that to be true.
Typically, wedding planners organize wedding styled shoots. However, as a Central Florida wedding photographer, Kristine with Honeywood Photography was inspired to produce a styled shoot after visiting Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens.
Wineries and vineyards are not common in the Central Florida area. Therefore, Kristine wanted to spotlight this winery’s uniqueness as a Central Florida wedding venue. Her goal was to incorporate deep wine colors and hues within the cake, florals and styling in general.
“With any styled shoot, you have to gather together the right vendors to create the specific look and feel you’re going for. I wanted to put together a group of wedding experts that would incorporate that rich feeling of the winery,” said Kristine.
For hair and makeup, Kristine secured Tatiana Rivera of Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry. Having worked with GAD Artistry many times in the past Kristine knew that Tatiana could put together the look for the bride she wanted.
Lubelle’s Cakes was chosen for her amazing drip cake skills and stunning butter cream. A traditional 2-tiered cake that was slightly “naked” on top allowed for rich decorative copper drip detailing. Finally it was topped with blackberries and The Flower Studios’ roses and flowers. It beautifully mimicked the wine vibe of this shoot.
The Flower Studio created a gorgeous lush bouquet with wine inspired hued ribbons. Additionally they provided a floral piece for the wooden honeycomb ceremony arch. It had the perfect balance of pink and wine roses with plenty of greenery.
Luxe Wedding Wear dressed the bride in a spaghetti strap, lace and tulle wedding gown. So light and airy, it was ideal for this Florida winery wedding venue.
Kristine told us that her favorite part of the Island Grove styled shoot was photographing the models within the actual vineyards themselves.
“I know it sounds silly, but there were actual grapes on the vines! I’m not sure what I was expecting,” said Kristine.
The rows of vines lent themselves perfectly to wedding portraits. And what a treat it was to just have the option of being in a true vineyard in Central Florida. All of the details, from the arch, to the jewelry and flowers were chosen to play off of the winery feel. However, set in Florida, it feels very different from wineries up north and out west.
If you are currently looking for your wedding venue, spend the day at the Island Grove Winery. Make a reservation to eat their delicious food and set up a wine tasting. Their wines are delicious! Kristine admitted that she may have bought several bottles of their house wines on her way out.
We completely agree with Kristine, love is like wine. Cheers!
Venue: Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens
Photographer: Honeywood Photography
Hair/Makeup: Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry
Floral: The Flower Studio
Dress/Accessories: Luxe Wedding Wear
Cake: Lubelle’s Cakes
Tux: Any Tux 45 Bucks
Styled shoots are a big part of the Florida wedding industry. As a result, creative vendors team up and put their expertise to work. That’s why we’re so excited to share this Modern Day Marie Antoinette Styled Shoot.
The shoot was set at the Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. This 20-room European-style mansion was the perfect location. Likewise, it mirrored the days when Marie Antoinette and her ladies in waiting spent their time lounging about, just being beautiful.
Jolie Colon of i do events and party rentals was inspired by the series “Versailles.” She fell in love with the fashion and lifestyle. As a result, Colon wanted to showcase this era, updating the look for modern day couples.
First came hair and makeup by the team at Laura Reynolds Artistry. They recreated the beautiful up-dos of the era. Also, the team added pale face makeup and beauty marks. After that, jewelry, headpieces and jeweled masks were provided by Panther’s Gallery, a Orlando-based artist and jewelry designer.
“Creating the ballroom scene was fun. It brought out the creativity of our wedding vendors,” said Colon.
Le Fleur Atelier hung a vintage frame with greenery over the fireplace. Then they spread flowers throughout the space. In addition, Bakers Cottage Cakes covered the table setup with decadent sweets.
Meanwhile, the beautiful models were fitted with gorgeous ball gowns by Isabella Talya. After that, they lounged on a vintage loveseat by Xclusive Rentals.
Finally, the day ended with a masquerade ball. Each lady wore custom designed jeweled masks. It was a perfect ending to this modern day Marie Antoinette styled shoot.
Photography: Captured by Elle
Videography: Elmwood Forest Production
Venue: The Howey Mansion
Planning/Table Top Rentals: i do events and party rentals
Floral: Le Fleur Atelier
Cakes and Goodies: Bakers Cottage Cakes
Dresses: Something New Bridal Boutique
Hair and Makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry
Furniture Rental: Xclusive Rentals
Stationary/Calligraphy: Two Peas Design
Jewelry: Panther’s Gallery
Designer Paper Cones – @doloresylolitaus
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter filled with helpful articles, local wedding pro events and exclusive I Said Yes! opportunities.
