"Birds of a Feather"...

This past September, I had the privilege of creating a wedding cake and desserts for my friends and fellow Art Institute Alumni, Marco and Kirstie Segura.  

I'm not going to lie... I was a little scared.  Why, you ask?  Here is why... because Kirstie, like me, was a culinary arts major. And Kirstie, like me,  notices everything... "it's a blessing and a curse...."

I'm sure all you other "Creatives" know what I'm talking about.  When ever you do something for someone who does the same thing that you do, it's nerve racking, is it not?? Styling a hair-dresser's hair. Photographing a photographer.  Writing to a writer.  Tell me that's not just a little stressful. Just a little? 

Well, luckily for me, despite the uncooperative Tiramisu, the almost-too-big pan for my oven, the "fluffy" chocolate flour-less cakes that didn't want to "fluff", the scheduled power outage that I was clueless about until the day of...need I go on? 

As I was saying... despite All that, I still made it through. I still made it on time. I still made Kirstie and Marco, happy :)

Cake Flavor Choices: Red Velvet and Vanilla Marble Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and  Lemon Cake with Ginger Cream Cheese Filling.  

Kirstie and Marco were really fun, and supportive, by giving me creative freedom.  They had a peacock theme throughout their decor, which I just adore!  It's my most current decorative obsession.

Marco, a graphic designer, created this logo for their wedding invitation, and I decided it would look lovely on their cake, as well.

The Tiramisu, that ended up cooperating :)

The Chocolate Flour-less cakes that ended up "fluffing" 

You can only imagine how excited I was when Kirstie sent me this message:

"OHHHH GIRL!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZZZZZZING!!!!!!!!! Everyone loved it...I got those faces like "are you kidding me with this? SO GOOD". Some people ate one of everything!!!! We both are so very thankful and it looked above and beyond what we expected!!! We appreciate you so much and recommended you to everyone!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! :) xoxoxo"

Thank You Kirstie and Marco for the opportunity to be a part of your history, all the while, giving me a lesson in what I AM capable of.

xoxo

A Ceremony by the Sea

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to create a rustic nautical dessert table scape, for the now newlywed, Katie and Chris. 

Remember my earlier post, in which I asked, "if you were the bride and groom, which desserts would you choose?"   Well, that was Katie and Chris!  And I must say, they made some delicious choices! 

Petit Fours From Left to Right: Vanilla Cheesecake Bites w/ Fresh Blackberry Garnish and Sauce, Pumpkin Meringue Tartelette,  Apple Oatmeal Crisp Tartelette, and Decadent Fudge Brownies with Espresso Ganache.

K & C  wanted their guests to have a choice when it came to dessert, but they also wanted a cake, just for the two of them to slice and share. 

Vanilla Bean Cake filled with Vanilla Swiss Buttercream, fresh Blackberries and Raspberries. Decorated with  Meringue sticks, and fresh berries.  Wrapped in a "tree bark" tie, and ribbon that states, "We Tied the Knot!"

...Um....excuse me.... Mr. Pelican?  I'm pretty sure you're not on the guest list, and.... oh....wait.... you were invited....and, you're not real....


Just one of the reasons why I loved working with this couple -- I enjoyed the quirkiness of the props they wanted to use.  It made the table really playful and fun!

Rustic Nautical Table Scape



This was my first official table scape, and I was very excited to bring it to life!



A few days ago, I received a wonderful e-mail from the Mother of the Bride, Mrs. Kent:
"Dear Mariana,   I just want to let you know that your desserts were over the top!!! They were a tremendous hit. Your display was wonderful too. I have several wedding guests that want your card and number. A  family member would like to contact you to do her Christmas party. I can't thank you enough for making Katie and Chris's so extra special."

Thank You Katie, Chris, and Mrs. Kent! It was a pleasure!  

No Questions When it Comes to Cake!

Last month, one of my nearest, dearest, and most loving best friends, had her very first baby shower, in honor of her very first ...yup...you guessed it! BABY!!  

She's going "the old fashioned" route, and waiting until the the baby arrives to find out what the gender is (LOVE THIS! ... and for the record, I think it's a boy!).

So while there may be questions as to whether we should be buying dresses or denim, there was no question that Angie wanted cake, and I was honored to create it for her.

Angie's Flavor Choices: Bottom Tier- Pumpkin Vanilla Marble w/ Cream Cheese Filling.  Middle Tier- Vanilla Bean Cake w/ Cinnamon Buttercream. Top Tier- Citrus Cake w/ Ginger Buttercream.

I realize now, that perhaps, subconsciously, I thought their baby would be a boy...and it showed it self in my chosen decor...what do you think??

My favorite part of this cake -- The silver dusted, white chocolate sand dollars, and the glitter bow!

Oooo! One more favorite thing!  This "baby" top tier with the trio of sand dollars, packed the most powerful flavor punch -- Citrus cake with ginger buttercream, was for the more adventurous guests.

Just the other day, I received a most lovely Thank You note from Angie, expressing how much she enjoyed the cake....perhaps more than she should have.  Her words! Not Mine!! :)

I am so happy you enjoyed it, 

'Bestie'

I Love You, too.