All the Fives...

 The last weekend in October had me delivering cakes on the Friday. Saturday and Sunday once again.

My first stop on the Friday was to Hillstone- to deliver, what evolved to be, a delicate pretty and whimsical cupcake tower.

This particular cake was a family affair. With the Bride and Groom residing in London- It was up to the Bride's sister and parents to organise the cake ( and the wedding too)

With emails between all of us checking back and forth with the design- the final design was decided!

There was two finishes/designs for the cupcakes.

One Butter iced with a small sugar blossom- the other Fondant iced with a piping and applique detail to match in with the top tier.

The whole cake was finished with fresh blooms (from the beautiful Jennine from Florabella). Jennine had sourced some stunning David Austin Roses as well as the prettiest Sweet peas too!

With Jennine's helpful eye- I placed the flowers in amongst the cakes to create this soft romantic tower of cupcakes.

 The first image is one from my camera- then next two- well what can I say- just WOW! Kindly sent through from the Bride and Groom! Images like these describe how badly I need a new camera. 

Thank you to Leigh for sending in not only a very kind message of Thanks- but some gorgeous images too!

After leaving Hillstone- it was over to Rydges to deliver the Legal Aid QLD (LAQ) 30th Anniversary cake. 

 

Iced in the colours of the LAQ Logo- this cake was allot bigger than it seems.

With over 200 mouths to serve it needed to be enough to both see in the room and cut into enough pieces.

A kitchen cake to cover the additional numbers was also ordered- meaning 4 different flavours to go around.

A little boutonniere with the LAQ logo sat in the middle of the sugar bow. The bow etc..... was a last minute design addition- a nod to the event- rather than the stock standard writing on the board.

With Friday done and dusted- it was all systems go on the Saturday.

I think this was one of the first Saturdays without rain for October- which was not only fabulous for my couples- but made my long distance deliveries that much easier.

I headed north to Sails on Suttons to deliver a two tier Luggage stack design.

This cake was wholly ordered over the net- with the Bride and groom based overseas.

 Incorporating the deep red theme with tiny petals and thin ribbon- this cake was fun with wedding elegance all rolled into one.

When I arrived a the venue the Bride had organised some toppers for the cake- too cute. A Bride and Groom on a Motorbike!  

 

I deal allot with clients via email- so it is always very special to recive such winderful Thank you's after the big day.

I recently recieved this Thanks from Adam and Lorraine 

"Dear Sarah-Jane

We have now returned to London from our wedding and honeymoon and wanted to say a big thank you!
We were so happy with the luggage cake you did for us it was everything and more than we expected.
Everyone commented on the design and how wonderful the cake tasted, there was very little left to take home at end of the night :)
Thank you again for a wonderful cake and all your assistance by email.

Lorraine and Adam"

The pleasure was all mine.

After Suttons beach- it was off to Willow vale- for the second time in a month- to the glorious Ruffle Lodge.

This time the weather was divine- clear skies looking out over the Hinterland and the Gold Coast.

 Three tiers of soft iced cake- finished with fresh white seasonal blooms.

Sunday had me out delivering again- but this time a short trip to the Polo Club to deliver a white chocolate design.

The cake was originally decided to be a simple traditional design- but after seeing a cake in a magazine when the bride was collecting her wedding gown- the bride approached me with the possibility of recreating the magazine cake. A far more intricate and detailed design than before- but the one that the Bride had her heart set on. With only a few short weeks to the wedding day- it was switched!

I don't often get asked to replicate cakes- generally brides are inspired by elements of designs they see- but never really whole cakes being mimicked. But this time the Bride and groom liked the cake as it was in the picture- and that was that.

Replicating someone elses design isn't something I take lightly. I am a big believer in ordering from the original designer- and not just finding someone to do it. Whatever the reason- albeit " finding someone to do it cheaper" or the designer is simply not available to you- it still will never be as satisfying as finishing your own design. Although I make cakes week in week out, and can mostly pick the dimensions etc.. from a photo - no matter how talented you are in decorating recreating someone elses design is like trying to copy their handwriting.You want to do the design justice- but no matter what the cake still is not yours. 

Please don't be reading this wrong- I am flattered when I see fellow decorators creating my cakes- but when I get asked (and so close to the wedding date) to recreate  another local designers cake,  the sense of achievement in the finished product can feel marred by the fact that this wasn't my cake. 

Had the couple approached me to make this cake in the beginning- I would have suggested contacting the original designer (Julie Whitehead)- after all it was all her effort in creating the design :)) But being merely a few weeks out from the wedding date- I took on the task of recreating a cake from a designer that I truly admire.

With a few sizing changes to suit the couples numbers- the cake itself presented well- but all in all was never the genuine article.

So  that was the last week in October.

Holey Moley- I cannot believe it is already December.

I have some Xmas giveaways on my Facebook Page - so if you are on Facebook- become a fan and keep up to date with the latest Cake That! cakes.

Time just flies.......

Before I share the next weeks of cakes with you- I should first mention that on the 19/09/09 My parents shared their 34th Wedding anniversary! That is a long time for Sure! Congratulations Mum and Dad! sorry I didn't have time to make you a cake- maybe next year ;))
It was also my dad's birthday- and when I went to buy my dad the Brush cutter he wanted- I ran into a past client of mine- who recognised me in all of my glory- small world! With a hectic week of cakes, luckily for me my Nana took care of the cake of that one too! Thanks Nana!

This week I had some truly beautiful cakes- once again all thanks to my equally gorgeous clients for getting me to make them!
Anyway- it was a MASSIVE week of cakes! allot of big cakes and allot of detailed cakes- allot fo flowers- both sugar and fresh!
The First cake of the week was being sent to Ocean view estate at Mt Mee- I swear I have done so many cakes for this venue- but am yet to personally deliver there.
This cake was an adaptation of my "ruby love" design. The wedding colour theme was a deep red- which was reflected in the ribbon and the piping detail on the base tier.


The top tier had a brush embroidery detail that mimicked the applique on the skirt of the brides gown.


Trying to put the applique onto the cartoon toppers skirt was a mean feat! so teeny tiny!

The Bride (Alicia) was worried that maybe she had too much going on on her cake- but in the end it turned out just gorgeous! I don't have a flashy camera- so the detail isn't as "up close" as I would love to show- but the brides bodice is also encrusted in a diamond white edible glitter- that made it sparkle like the crystals that encrusted her entire top on her actual gown.

I have some really fantastic repeat clients, and one in particular is Michelle. She and Brad got married in May 2008- and they star on my website too! Her Sister in law and her husband - Kieran- also got their wedding cake from me- and this cake ordered by Michelle was for Brenda's Baby shower. I made Brenda and Kieran's cake back in August 2008- and they are expecting a baby any week now!


The theme for the baby shower was Jungle animals- so I made a bunch of Jungle animal face toppers that sat onto of cupcakes- all piled onto a stand.

I had a Friday wedding this week too! White Ivory and bling buckles, coupled with faint pink dusted sugar roses turned this combination into an elegant and contemporary design.


I was all over Brisbane on Saturday the 19th September.
My first stop was for another repeat client family.
Earlier this year I made Emma's sister Selina's wedding cake- but this time it was Emma's turn!
A three tier white iced cake with Adrenalin roses between the layers- just gorgeous! I only wish I had a better image of the cake- as the light was directly behind the cake.


The single row of roses is a more economical way to display the fresh flower stack cakes. It looks so elegant!
After the Hotel Grand chancellor we were off to Tattersalls to deliver this four tier design.
The bride had especially requested rounded square tiers- which is challenging given my edges are normally quite square.


The invitation paper was wrapped around two tiers, the entire cake lustered with snowflake- and random cachous and crystals across the design.
My next stop was the Royal on the park- where I saw the fabulous ladies from " The Party Girls" setting up. I was surprised to have my cake recognised as a "cake That!" cake by one of the girls- flattering indeed.
A cute cartoon couple on top of this classic three tier design.


The Brides gown was lace with a diamante brooch under the bust- really pretty. I love the detail that the cartoon couples can have.

I remembered to take a shot of the gown close up whilst I was making the topper for you all to see!

I also had to travel to Caboolture- for one of the best in home wedding set ups I have seen. A brand new home completely decked out as a pink and white elegant wedding reception. So pretty!


This house was so new- the address wasn't registering on the NavMan- but I found it quite easily!

I had a birthday cupcake design to set up at The Story Bridge hotel- but there was an engagement party there during the day- so unfortunately I didn't get to take a picture of the cake set up.



Each cupcake had a teal green dragonfly on top of each cake. It would have looked so pretty!

the week wasn't over with Saturday- I had two weddings on the Sunday- 20/09/2009 ( 20 09/ 2009) another lucky number date.
The First cake I delivered is one of my " If I had my wedding again" designs.
With the flowers supplied by Karen at Bliss Floral- I delivered the entire creation to the Marquee at Victoria Park.


Soft and light vanilla butter cream over four different flavoured cakes! The vertical palette lines give the illusion of added height- although each tier is already 20cm high.

Last but not least is a real stunner! Three double height tiers with piped pearls around the top edge and fresh flowers scattered across the design. Pretty Pretty Pretty! Classy elegant and just gorgeous!
That all for now- I better get back to today's cakes- but for now I am close to being up to date with my blogging- only a week behind now! ;)

Mountain of Chocolate............

This week was another busy one- but after all it is peak wedding season!
Not only did I have allot of cakes this week- I also met with a heap of clients to discuss cake designs! So today I am officially "Caked Out"! A rest day before I start my week over again tomorrow.

I had three cakes this week with cartoon couples on them- such cute little people placed atop of their cakes!
The first cake is a version of a cake I have made before- but with a touch of colour and the cartoon couple added!


The wedding theme colours were a Jade and Mint green. This was incorporated with ribbon and mint coloured piping- as well as soft colour dusted onto the edges of the leaves amongst the roses.

The next cake was for a couple that I never met- everything done via email!
They requested a suitcase stack in white with gold detail. Simple design that is fun and has a touch of elegance all rolled into one!



This cake was for a reception held at Southbank. Delivering to Southbank is not the easiest to do- firstly it is a two person job- one to stay with the car at the loading bay- while the other carries the cake through Southbank- yesterday I even had to dodge some Kids kicking a ball (at me) in the Piazza- on my way through! Seriously- why would you let your kids kick a ball towards someone - obviously- carrying a heavy large box??????????? I am sure my facial expression said it all- as when I returned empty handed the Kids stayed well clear!

The Venue was Cafe San Marco- and the staff there were swooning all over the design when I dropped the cake off. I love it when people show some interest in the cakes, as I rarely get to see an actual clients reaction to the cakes I make!

The next are some cupcakes that were sent over to Straddie for a wedding on Friday!


Seriously Blue- these cakes were iced to match the wedding colour. There was also a "silver" butter cream too- so the cakes sat alternately on the stand "silver/blue/silver......." I can't wait to see a picture of the cakes all set up for the wedding- and maybe a picture of a blue tongue or two ;))

Last but not least- I have found my new favourite chocolate design!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE this cake- so much so- I had to convince myself that is was not professional to call the clients when I had completed the cake on Friday to let them know how much I loved their cake- and how I couldn't wait to finish the cake off! I was like an excited kid at Christmas- bursting to share my new toy joy!
So after oggling over it every waking hour or so- I finally got to deliver the cake yesterday afternoon!
The venue was Eve's on the Park- at Roma Street Parklands. The first time I had delivered there. This is the sister restaurant to Eve's on the river at Teneriffe.
Yesterday was HOT day! more than 27degC when I left to deliver the cake. I set the cake up in an air conditioned room- to be moved onto the decorated table later that afternoon! I cannot believe that summer is almost here!



This four tier chocolate creation has "Wow" written all over it!
Lathered in a thick layer of whipped ganache- the cake is then covered in handmade long chocolate scrolls- to form a "mountain" effect! Stunning!
Love It! Love It! Love It!!!




Once at the venue- this cake then had fresh roses dotted throughout the design- then it was going to sit on top of a ring moss and dodder vine- that also had roses dotted throughout.

I am so eager to make this cake in either Dark or milk chocolate too! It looks and smells divine!

Well this week ahead brings another load of fabulous cakes- and long distance deliveries! Until then...thanks for reading!
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments- no matter how small! To leave a comment simply click on the comment button below the post!
SJ