Just Divine!

 It's no secret that I send cakes far and wide. If my clients are happy to transport the cakes (or have them transported), and also weigh up any risks involved,  then I am most willing to box them up and ship them onto their destination.

This week in April saw a gorgeous variation of the Four Mummy Design head off to Agnes Waters.

Pretty Pink sugar rose petals dotted across the cake- with the wrapped icing finish looking soft and feminine. 

 Every time I make one of these "Mummy" cakes it reminds me of how far I have come. This design was originally inspired over 6 years ago when I was invited to display cakes at a season launch for Bridal Couture. Roz La Klein had a gown in her collection that had all these layers of Fabric- which I thought could be a bit different and a bit contemporary in a cake- I honestly thought that it would never be chosen- admired yes- but having a couple brave enough to choose something this was well outside my greatest expectations.

To my surprise This cake has been admired and chosen on many occasions- with many couples adding their own twist on the design to truly make it their own.

The Next cake is yet again a slight variation on one I have had the pleasure of creating a few times now. I am not sure who to credit this original design to, as TBH it was in many cake magazines by various designers- but this one was my handy work- with pretty piped detail following the line of the draping down and around the cake.

 The sugar roses had soft lilac centers to match in with the wedding colour theme.

Using Invitation patterns or Bridal fabric is a fabulous was to incorporate your cakes detail into your theme.

This next cake was for Hillstone- and whilst it has a contemporary twist- it is a design that should last the test of time.

 The detailed pipe work on the walls of the tiers was inspired by the Bride's Gowns lace and embroidery patterning.

 Once at the venue Karen from Bliss Floral topped the cake with a sensation poesy of Roses Tulips and Freesias! Pretty Elegant and Classy all rolled into one :)

The YUM factor cake of the week would most definitely have to go to this Three tier chocolate ganache cake.

 Please excuse my mediocre photography with this one- in real life it looked totally Lickable! The combination of the smell of the Whipped dark chocolate ganache and the Sweet avalanche roses would have sent anyone in viewing distance into sensory overload!

Quite often when I meet with my clients they ask "What do other couples choose?"  There is no straight answer for this. Each couple chooses a design that fits their event, and because the clients before you may have chosen an all White traditional design- doesn't mean that your wicked chocolate creation or novelty cake design isn't right for you :)

I love it when clients go out on a limb and incorporate their personalities into a cake, and IF they like I can help them design a cake that keeps the individuality either subtle or bold!

The next couple chose a Mad Hatter design- with an elegant edge!

 Having the black and white theme made keeping this fun cake all about class allot easier.

The simple line designs and names across the top tier worked beautifully!

A Cute cartoon couple stood proudly on top :)

I must sound like a broken record when I harp on about how much I value my repeat clients- I really honestly do!

I have been blessed to make a few cakes for Pat and her girls and Grandchildren now. She is such a pleasure to deal with- that it was a no brainer to say YES YES YES- when she asked if I could make Emma's Baby shower cupcakes!

It was way back in 2007 when I made Emma's wedding cake- so it was my utmost pleasure to create some cute baby cupcakes for her!  

Please excuse the side on piccie- my bad LOL!

The next cake is a gorgeous fresh flowers stack cake for Parliament house.

Deep red Colombian roses filled in between the layers. 

Once again- with my limited photography skills- I was unable to pick up the lace stencil detail on the tiers. It was pretty though- trust me  :)

The next cake has been my phones wallpaper since I delivered it, because I Love it so much!

The cake was beautiful- the Bride was Beautiful inside and out- what more could you want from your job??

Pretty cut blossom. crystal and piping detail rained down from the top tier to the base- just like the bodice work on Caroline's Bridal gown. 

 The Wedding flowers were created by Sandee from Always Fabulous Flowers, and like Always they were simply fabulous!

Held in the Rosewood room at Hillstone- the entire room was the epitome of a Classic Elegant wedding. You could stare and admire the set up all day long.

The cake sat on one of my Silver ornate cake stands- which gave the four tier cake that extra edge of Grandeur.

A week of absolutely Fabulous cakes that made me smile! I hope you enjoyed them too!

Thanks for Reading

SJ

Definitely no April Fool

You know what the best part of catching up (majorly) on your blog is?????? The reminiscing that you get to do about all of the beautiful cakes you ave been commissioned to do in the times gone by ;)

The First weekend in April was a very Special one indeed. So many gorgeous cakes to make and deliver- it was one of the weeks that - although I was well and truly buggered by the end- I had a definite sense of job satisfaction and achievement too.

The First cake to leave for the weekend was a three tier cake with a set of personalised toppers. A Variation of my "Team Supporters" cake, this one had the Bride and Groom wearing their favourite AFL football teams' scarves.

It was a good mix of classic, contemporary and fun cakes for sure.
The next cake design mimicked the invitation layout- with a sheer black ribbon and diamante slider to finish around each tier. 



I delivered this cake to the Landing- where the couple added fresh flowers to the top later on.

I headed over to where my own sister-in-law held her wedding reception last August, The Port  Office Hotel's- Restaurant Fix. 

This classic three tier cake with Sugar roses and leaves is a truly timeless design.

A quick trip around the corner and I was at The Royal on the Park to deliver this cake- which Together with Karen from Bliss Floral- we created a pretty two tier version of my Bridal rose design. 



My Next couple were one of the ones displaced by the January Floods, due to their original venue not being able to accommodate a function- seeing as they were still yet to officially reopen. Sadly their original venue- The Stamford Plaza- was so heavily inundated by the floods - that sadly even the April Wedding bookings had to be shifted to new venues. Luckily The Marriott was able to provide the reception for the happy couple!!!
So without doubt at such a beautiful venue- was an equally stunning cake! I LOVE big blousey flowers!! This cake was soft and pretty and everything you would dream for your romantic wedding day :) 

 

The cake walls were decorated with Brushed Embroidery, that resembled the Bridal gown lace.

The Big cakes for the week were at The Strand and Customs House.

First Stop was Customs House- where this three tier double height cake- which was finished pearl, stood proud in the Long room.  

The Next Big cake was a four tier version of the pearl lines cake. 



 

Fresh Antique and cream roses covered the top tier of this Grand Beauty.

Last but not least was a cupcake tower.
This cake was collected by the Bride- and she kindly sent me this image of it all set up :) 

"Hi Sarah Jane
Just wanted to say how spectacular your cake was at our wedding. Not only was it the most beautiful cake ever but it was delicious. All of our guests raved and raved about the cake.
Thanks again,
Jasmine and Ashton " 

Well that was the First week in April- as we are moving into the first week in August I had better get myself into gear and catch up... no more excuses :-P 

Thanks for reading!!
SJ





 

People Power

I am sure you all know it- but I really love my job! Not only is it allot of fun making cakes- and working with clients who are generally celebrating the happiest occasions in their lives, but it also gives me allot of joy being able to share in the excitement that sugar can bring.

I value what having this business means to me and my life- so much so that I love to share my passion to benefit others when I can.

I am blessed to have been invited to the RBCH Siblings Oncology days - to share cupcake making and decorating with the brothers and sisters and the patients of the Children's cancer wards. This small amount of time out of my schedule repays itself in so many rewarding ways that is so very hard to describe. While I see the excitement and joy that this brings- I still feel like I have contributed such an insignificant amount in comparison to what these folk go through.

So earlier this year when I received and email from the Wonderful Ben Clark of Ben Clark Photography asking if I would be interested in helping out to create a very Special 21st Birthday for a most deserving young lady I jumped at the chance.

Ben's email to me was short and sweet. He had received and email from the birthday girls' (Kristy) best friend (Tamara) asking about the possibility of getting a portrait shoot done- as a token of her 21st Milestone. What Tamara also explained was that Kristy was stricken with a terrible Cancer that may mean she would not get to enjoy another birthday after this.

Without hesitation Ben just knew he had to help and offered more than taking some simply stunning images of Kristy- he offered to see if he could rally his industry contacts to create a Dream 21st Party for such a deserving recipient!

While it still gives me goosebumps thinking about the generosity and willingness of all the people who made this happen- I cannot begin to Thank Ben , Tamara and Kristy enough for having me be a small part of this too.

Within a few short days- Ben had collected all the services necessary to give Kristy the kind of 21st she may have only dreamed before.

The venue was organised, with Victoria Park coming on board to look after both the venue location and a bit of fun for the night with Putt Putt for every guest too!

The Powder Room kindly donated their services giving both Kristy and Tamara Glamour Hair an Make up for the evening! Dressed in a Stunning Gown from Wardrobe Confidential- Kristy was destined to be the Belle of the Party!

The Stamford Plaza gave Kristy a room for the night- it was 5 Star all the way!
 And seeing as you are leaving from Brisbane's premier 5 Star hotel you will need to be collected in none other than a Schmick Kenz Classic Limousine! Pure style.. 

The room was pumping with music from the Band Ben Jam- Gorgeous Flower arrangements from Jennine of Florabella too! 

Working around a Purple, Black and White theme I was ecstatic to create a stunning Sweets table- complete with a drool worthy lolly bar!

After all the Fun at Vic Park- The Met nightclub supplied a private room where Kristy and her friends could continue to celebrate.

Ben's magnificent images have truly captured the emotion of the night- every time I look at them I cannot help but smile :)

I was so honored to be apart of this event, and would love to Thank first and foremost Tamara for being such a beautiful friend to Kristy and taking the initiative to get the ball rolling on such a fantastic idea. I would also like to not only Thank Ben, but to praise him for being a wonderful kind hearted soul- who truly epitomises what it means to Pay it Forward.
I also want to thank my Mum for coming and helping me out- she made this happen by helping me through one of my busiest wedding weeks and keeping me on track! And lastly to my wonderful Confectionery wholesalers ABF- who sold me all the lollies for the buffet at cost price. Purely out of their own kind heart after hearing why I was suddenly in need of all these sweets (not on my normal order) offered to forgo their own profit to help make this very special indeed!

So Congratulations Kristy! I am certain this was a Birthday you will never forget. The smiles on the faces of you and your guests will remain with me always!

Keep Smiling :) SJ

So that was my account of this fabulous display of people power, but I wanted both Kristy and Tamara to share in their own words a bit about themselves and how they enjoyed the night!

Ladies you both are true inspirations I wish you all the very best and every happiness you both deserve!

So over to Kristy and Tamara :)

Kristy: 

 

When I was 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Carcinoid cancer on my appendix. I had the tumour removed and the operation was successful. I was living in a small country town at the time and was taken to Brisbane to undergo a range of tests, to make sure the cancer had not spread. I was given the all clear, but informed by my doctors that the cancer would likely return.

When I was 18, I was again diagnosed with caricnoid cancer. I soon found out that it had spread to my liver. I spent the next 2 years undergoing treatment after treatment and several operations. It was the amazing and continual support from my friends and family that helped me through these times.

In Februaray this year, I had recently come off treatment, when my amazing friend, Tamara, asked me what I was doing for my 21^st birthday. Emotionally and physically exhausted, I told her that I wouldn’t be doing anything. She asked me if she could do something for me, and I agreed.

Both Tamara and I were absolutely blown away at the amazing support that so many people gave as Tamara planned, what would be, the most amazing birthday ever. When I arrived on the night, I could barely breathe as I looked around at the amazing venue, band, cake, lolly bar and all my friends and family. What began as a dinner with friends, transformed into a fairytale, and I truly did feel like a princess.

I had the most amazing night, surrounded by so many beautiful people. It was just amazing to be able to let all the pain and worry go and just have fun. I would really like to thank all the amazingly beautiful people who helped to make the night as amazing as it was. I will never forget that night or the love and kindness I felt from so many people. Feeling that love and support, has made this ordeal that much easier, and it truly meant the world to me.

Tamara:

I met Kristy at uni where we are both studying to be teachers and now in our last year. We had worked on some assignments together and became quite close friends. After our first year of uni Kristy told me she had cancer. She explained she had cancer originally when she was younger but now it was back and the outlook was not great, maybe a year though no-one could ever really know.

Last year I spent what I thought was going to be her last birthday with my friend, we had a small party where there were lots of tears and people pretty much saying goodbye, was a very difficult and sad occasion. Kristy had cancer and my latest update was that she had a stage four tumour, and didn’t really think she had very long left to fight her cancer, well a year later after several surgeries and lots of chemotherapy she was still fighting and one day when we were hanging out she casually said to me “Wow, I’m turning 21, maybe you and I could go out for dinner to celebrate, I don’t think I will really do anything”.

“That’s huge I said to her, wow, you’ve made it to 21 you should be so, so proud that you are still here for this birthday, we need to have a party!!!”  I knew Kristy didn’t really have the money for a party, but I also knew this was an opportunity that I couldn’t just ignore! I wanted something different to last year, a celebration! I blindly sent out emails to anyone I thought might be able to help out with a party, telling them about my friends Kristy who despite the odds is still here, still fighting and deserves the opportunity to celebrate that she is still here for her 21^st.

I didn’t know where to start or what to do and didn’t really hear back from anyone until I had an email from someone who I think is one of the most amazing people I have ever or will ever meet. Ben Clarke from Ben Clarke photography, Ben said he would help out in any way he could maybe taking some portraits of Kristy and then being there to capture her party. He asked me where the party was and when I told him I had no idea yet but it would happen, he came back with more and more amazing people who were helping out! I’ve never been so overwhelmed in my life!

Sarah-Jane from Cake That made the most amazing cake and lolly bar I have ever seen.

 The boys from Benjam came to play and made the night sooo much fun, Ben and Lisa from Ben Clarke photography were there taking photos and did some amazing portraits of Kristy to remember this moment.  

There were flowers from Florabella, Wardrobe Confidential helped out with a dress and the amazing girls at the Powder Room made her feel like a princess. A car from Kenz Classics picked Kristy up from the Stamford Plaza where Andy the events co-ordinator had organised a night for Kristy to stay after the party, we even were given a private room at the MET for an after party, which was incredible as Kristy had only been to a nightclub once before where she passed out quickly from the smoke and crowds, the room meant she was able to sit and enjoy what other 21 year olds can without getting too sick.

 

I still think back and cannot believe how incredibly generous and supportive all of these people have been! I am a foster carer for children with a disability and because of my kids I knew that really I wouldn’t have a lot of time to organise a party for Kristy but I desperately wanted to celebrate the fact that despite being told she wouldn’t be here, she was! Ben Clarke and Sarah-Jane organised so much of this party and it would never have happened at all without them and I will be forever grateful! It really was like a fairytale and something I know neither Kristy nor I will ever, ever forget!

Finally a very Special Thank you (Once again) to Ben Clark of Ben Clark Photography.

All images supplied are courtesy and copyright of Ben Clark Photography.

Win the Ultimate Dream Wedding!

That is Correct- no need to  re read the tittle.

The Sunday Mail- together with Riverlife, and a host of Brisbane vendors are giving you the chance to Win the Ultimate Dream Wedding.

This Prize is valued at over $43000 and includes everything from the Dress through to the Reception, a Honeymoon and of Course a Cake!!! Proudly sponsored by Cake That!

In order to Win your Dream Wedding Simply follow this link and Tell the Judges in 100 words or less why You deserve to Win the Ultimate Dream wedding!

Hurry Entries close This Sunday at 11.59pm!

The Winner will be drawn on Monday 20th June- with the prize taking place on Saturday 20th August 2011!

So if you think that you deserve to win this fantastic prize- get a move on and enter!!

You've got to be in it to win it :)

Sunny Days!

A whole other season ago- way back in Autumn- when the days were warmer and much sunnier skies were seen- I made some pretty wicked cakes- for some equally wicked clients.

So to start this entry off- I will showcase the first Sun inspired design.
A three tier variation of my chocolate mountain cake.
Decorated with sugar Frangipanis - this cake looked the epitome of summer!


Then there was the next Gluten free two tier chocolate creation- with fresh ripe strawberries mmmmmmm delish!

I had some pretty big tall cakes to do that week. I actually think I love the look and finish of the three tier extended height cakes. Grand without being ostentatious.
The first one was headed for Sirromet. The poor Bride had been unwell earlier in the week- but pulled up trumps for her big day.

Simple and elegant this cake was too tall to capture in my photo tent neatly LOL!
So here is a picture of the cake with the top part cut off.


And now in all its glory!

My husband likes to call Tortured Willow "good sticks" and in this case "good wedding sticks" LOL! I must thank the lovely Karen from Bliss Floral for giving me the willow- she is always so very kind and lovely- Thank you Karen- you are a gem and all your kindness never goes forgotten :)

The Willow with sugar Singapore orchids mimicked the table centerpieces of willow with fresh orchids.

If you want to see more piccies form this wedding- head on over to the uber talented (and a personal favourite photog of mine) Toni Snell's Blog to see the pictorial blog of Aleasha and Matt's day!


The next big cake of the weekend was for one beautiful bride indeed. One of the loveliest brides I have met- and her mum was simply adorable. Both glowing with excitement about the wedding- it was certainly a highlight of my year so far!
The cake itself was finished in a pearl silver- with stencil detail and crystals.
So very pretty and elegant. The cake was topped with a Crystal topper- handmade by Ana and her mum. The reception was held at Topiaries at Samford. The room set up was just magical!


So from Elegant to a few cakes with a bit of fun :)
The first was a variation of my Fresh bride design- complete with a set of personalised toppers- perched on top of the second tier.


Sweet avalanche roses across the cake and covering the top looked so pretty!

The next cake was all about love!
Intertwining heart covered each tier of this cake.


The stylish black and white designs are certainly very fashionable at the moment.

The last cakes for the weekend had me headed to the Summit.
A three tier variation of my Amanda's Desire design- but this time with fresh roses.


A last minute request by the Bride for a tower of cupcakes to compliment her dessert table was added to the order only days out from the wedding. I love to help out when I can and in this instance it was possible indeed.

I put some tiny spray roses in amongst the tower to match in with the wedding cake.

Well that rounds off March.
I am super excited to get more blogs out- now that wedding season has calmed a bit- because after uploading my camera (after almost 3 months of not doing so) I was reminded of some magnificent cakes I was able to make and look forward to sharing with you all.

Have a Fabulous Long Weekend!
Thanks for Reading
SJ

Slowly but Surely

Well it has certainly been a while..........and when I did get around to finding time to write this blog- the blogging dashboard was broken :(( But all seems to be working now- and I can get on with the job.

Well- way back in March I had a week that had me making some truly beautiful cakes. Challenging designs that were slightly different from my usual Wedding fare.

First up was a cake for a Thursday wedding. I have been blessed to have created Wedding cakes for each and every weekday- so an early start is no worries at all.

This cake was orgainised entirely over the phone/email.

An Elegant Black and white design with a touch of Bling.

I actually bumped into the Bride and her Bridesmaids in the hotel Lobby when I came to deliver the cake. They were all just about to head off to the ceremony :)
It is such a wonderful feeling to see a Bride on her wedding day- makes me smile really BIG :)

The Friday was a jam packed day! First off I had the Team from Ben and Jerrys Australia coming to Cake That! Headquarters to deliver 50 pints of Ice cream!! What for you ask????- well I had won the ice cream through one of their Facebook promo's. So my humble office of 1 was filled with delicious Ice cream. I never win anything :)

Suffice to say I did NOT eat all 50 tubs- but shared the wealth with the family and friends who are always there to help out and support everything that is Cake That!

So with a freezer stacked to the brim with Ice cream- I headed off on Friday Afternoon to deliver a Very Special 21st birthday cake.


Purple and Black themed- with a White disco Glitter 21 on top- Sparkly as!

As far as Saturday's go- this one was pretty hectic.
First up I had one of my past grooms coming to collect a Surprise 30th Birthday cake for his wife.
Now this is one very cool cake- organised by one very awesome husband. It is no Urban myth that some husband's are just really well orgainised- I get to see the best of them when they do fabulous surprised like this!
For a very long time Kathleen had been saying how she would love an elephant cake for her 30th Birthday. Those subtle hints paid off when Peter organised a gorgeous (IMO) cake for his wife's intimate birthday celebration.

The party was a small gathering- so there was no need for a mammoth cake. Despite its size it certainly had impact. Peter was open to my ideas of working around a Bollywood colour theme- incorporating the henna-like patterning in the feature 30 on the front. I brushed the cake from a pink/purple through to a pearl orange! LOVE LOVE LOVE!


Now the Elephant was one of those challenges you grab with both hands and simply go for it!
I had him standing on top with a mini Kathleen riding him- too cute for words :)



Riding in bare feet with painted toenails- I could have gone nuts with the details!
A very memorable start to the year for sure!

I had another Birthday cake also for that Saturday.
A Panda! Now this panda became one fat panda- but in a cute way.

Like he had munched a bit too much on delicious Bamboo- but he looked happy as!
This cake was also for a surprise for a birthday Lady who LOVED Panda's. Such a lovely job being able to make people smile with cake.

The cuteness didn't stop there- I had a Cupcake tower to set up and deliver to Brett's Wharf that afternoon.
So the wedding cake is meant to be all about the Newlyweds and a Symbolism of their love and commitment to one another.
However- on this cake a certain little family member may just have stolen the show.

As well as the gorgeous bride and groom perched on the top tier- was their two pet dogs!

So cute. One was a Kelpie?- the other was a Jack Russel- now his sugar mini me was adorable!


The couple let the cupcakes speak for themselves and had the top tier as the feature.


I received such lovely feedback from the couple- so wonderful to hear and such a pleasure to be apart of!

The last cake of the weekend was for a wedding at Custom's House.

This Three tier Chocolate creation with Fresh roses in the channels and top was elegant and irresistible all at the same time

Ordering roses that had the correct size heads was the make or beak of this design. With only a small channel around each tier meant that roses that were too large would mean that they wouldn't sit correctly- but once again my wholesaler came through and delivered me simply perfect blooms!

I recently received a lovely Thank You form Karly and Eugene in regards to their cake :

"Good afternoon Sarah-Jane, I just thought I'd send you a very belated thank you for creating the perfect cake for Eugene and I's wedding on 13th March 2011. It worked out exactly how I imagined it and it tasted sensational."

Thank you Karly! Hearing feedback form my clients is never to late :)

So that was was back when- it was still lovely and warm ;-P

Thanks for reading
SJ