I could not have picked a better couple to welcome the new year with than Bethany and Bill.  Bethany knew exactly what she wanted right from the beginning with no wavering whatsoever.  I first met her at the Weddings the Bridal Show in Nashville over the summer.  Her sister Eden helped plan the wedding down the the very last detail.  It was amazing and no easy feat with a husband and two young boys at home. 

Bethany and Bill chose to hold both the ceremony and reception at Cheekwood Botanical Garden’s  Massey Hall.  It was SO cold outside it certainly helped set their winter theme.  The hall was divided into two sections for ceremony and reception with the dance floor, DJ (who was a good friend from church) and white lounging benches between.  Bill has some experience in that area as he works for Music City Tents and Events.  I don’t believe it could have been more perfect.

Bethany wanted her day to feel like a Winter Wonderland with as few flowers as possible. It was certainly just that with her colors of ice blue and white with silver shimmery accents.  Her centerpieces were pieces of bushes painted white with hundreds of crystals hanging delicately from the branches.  They were placed in frosted containers and surrounded by faux snow.  There were “icy” trees everywhere from branches Eden had found, painted, and cemented into pots.  The linens were icy blue and chargers were clear with silver beaded edging.  They were my personal favorite detail.  The soft glow of votive candles and strategically placed lighting made the entire hall appear to glow.  There was not a detail that was missed.

Bethany asked me to bring a few different flavors when we met for the consultation but she especially loved two different flavors with chocolate.   She chose Chocolate Chip Cake with Caramel filling and Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling all iced with traditional buttercream.  Her cake was to have criss-crossed ice blue fondant ribbons on the second and fourth tiers and silver accents on the other two.  She wanted snowflakes placed here and there and larger snowflakes to make up the topper. 

I designed a topper for her cake that I know I will use again.  I loved the look of three larger snowflakes leaned into one another.  I brushed all of the fondant snowflakes with shimmery edible glitter and painted some accents with silver luster dust.  The accents on the top and third tiers were tiny silver dragees placed by hand in a bursting snowflake pattern.  The topper was made of fondant and gumpaste mixed so it would dry very hard but with little chance of breakage.  I was so happy to see other snowflake ornaments placed on the cake table and with the centerpieces.  They tied everything together perfectly. 

Bethany chose to make her cake a little larger by keeping her top tier-an option I leave open for the bride.  I will provide a fresh tier for the happy couple’s first anniversary unless they choose otherwise.  Bethany loved the look of a four tier square cake but with the number of servings needed, a fourth tier would not have been necessary.  Bethany and Bill will enjoy the top tier that has been properly wrapped and frozen on their first anniversary and it will be just as delicious as it was on their wedding day.

Bethany reminded me of a young and beautiful Katharine Hepburn in her wedding gown.  She’s naturally gorgeous and her dress was stunning.  She wore a small blusher veil that gave attention to her delicate facial features and big brown eyes.  It is always said that a bride is the most beautiful on her wedding day and I see that ring true time and again. 

Bethany’s entire family is gifted when it comes to party planning.  One of her sisters takes amazing pictures and the other loves planning and making cakes,  her brother-in-law is a musician and runs sound exceptionally well,  her step dad is a professor in sound and telecommunications, her mom makes cakes (NO PRESSURE!!) and arranges flowers, and Bethany is actually getting a degree in planning and PR.  With a new husband in planning and events the family could be a force to reckon with if they chose to do so!

I’m thrilled that they allowed me to be a part of their special day and even moreso that they were extremely pleased with the results. 

Bethany and Bill, may your love always burn hot enough to melt the ice in a Winter Wonderland!

WOW it’s been a great Christmas season!  The blessings are raining down at Covered with Icing and I am thrilled to share a few with you.  Let me start by saying it’s not every day that a decorator is able to see the awesome power of love working magically throughout a wedding ceremony.  It’s also a rare treat to hear a bride and groom sing to one another through their smiles and tears and it’s almost unheard of to watch Vince Gill choke up while singing to the happy couple, along with the bride’s amazingly talented brother and sister.  To witness all of these incredible events in a single wedding was something that wedding dreams are made of, yet on December 20th, 2009, my incredibly handsome husband and I were a part of that wedding dream. 

I had the utmost pleasure of meeting the lovely and talented Sonya Isaacs and her handsome and also incredibly talented fiance, Jimmy Yeary, a few months ago after being introduced by Sonya’s sister-in-law Mindy.  They were in the process of planning a December wedding and Sonya’s vision was to make everything feel like Christmas, even the cake.  I was comfortable with the couple right from the start when Sonya invited me to her home for the consultation and made coffee when I arrived.  

Sonya had mentioned that she wanted a cake covered with snowflakes so I made several to place on their samples with different types of edible glitter.  She adored the snowflakes covered with disco dust that seemed to shimmer at every angle.  Sonya and Jimmy went back and forth on different icings and cake flavors and decided they were both happy with Sour Cream Almond and Red Velvet with Cheesecake Swiss Meringue buttercream.   By the time I left, hugs were heartfelt and Jason and I had been invited to stay for the upcoming wedding and reception. 

Sonya had found a picture of a sleigh cake stand online that she really loved.  I told her that finding something similar should not be a problem-I was wrong.  I first looked in hobby stores, home goods markets, and scoured the internet.  I found a company that made them but rental was extremely high and I didn’t think it was necessary.  I emailed several metal works companies in Nashville who either didn’t respond at all or said they could not do it.  I had almost decided to go for Plan B when a former bride and friend of mine mentioned in a COMPLETELY unrelated conversation that her dad had retired and was tinkering with metal works in his garage.  It’s funny when a plan comes together so beautifully. 

Not only did Mr. Joe Fertitta say he could do it, but he added snowflakes to the sleigh that gave me goosebumps.  He is so talented and such a great guy I was thrilled to work with him for a third time but in such a different way!  (This time I paid HIM!!  LOL)  Joe had the stand ready in a matter of a few days and I couldn’t be more thrilled with it.  I told him maybe the next stand would be a princess carriage so future brides, let’s start planning!  

Sonya and Jimmy had chosen a remote wedding venue in Lebanon but plans fell through as sometimes happens when planning a wedding.  They were able to book the historic Hermitage Hotel for the wedding and reception and I must say that it was a perfect backdrop for the range of equally historic musical guests included in their special day.  The Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville is breathtaking with its unique Beaux-arts style architecture, Persian rugs and overstuffed furniture in the lobby and especially breathtaking at Christmas as the giant Christmas tree, bright red packages and greenery add to the rich colors already displayed. 

The guests arrived in a steady stream of Christmas hues and greeted one another warmly waiting for the ceremony to begin.  As the guests were seated, six candle girls (rather than flower girls) sang Silent Night prior to Sonya’s entrance.  That was a sight to behold and they sounded like angels!  A little bird told me that the backup track was made of just 2 of the girls.  Cameron and Kyra, your parents are SO proud!  

I learned in a movie to look at the groom while the bride is walking down the aisle.  While it was a horribly cheesy and predictable chick flick, I must say I still love it and watching the groom is now my favorite part of the wedding.  It’s amazing to see the love in his eyes as they shine on his bride.  It was difficult to look away from Sonya as she was so incredibly lovely but Jimmy’s gaze on her was equally mesmerizing.  One thing that I noticed not only before the ceremony but after as well, the couple wanted everyone to know how important they were and how blessed they felt to have so many friends present.  Sonya looked at every guest as she walked down the aisle and the couple looked at every guest and touched each person on the center of the aisle on the way out.  It’s the little things that make a huge impact! 

There were three musical breaks in the ceremony.  The first was Vince Gill singing The Rock of Your Love with Ben Isaacs and Becky Isaacs Bowman, Sonya’s brother and sister and two of the four members of The Isaacs.  As Vince was singing, his voice cracked as he was incredibly touched by the happy couple and I’m certain that 200+ guests choked up at the same time.  Jimmy and Sonya sang a tune they had just completed called Feels Like Christmas to one another as soon as they finished their vows.  It was an honor to witness the first time that song was sung before an audience and I’m looking forward to the release on an album in the future.  The Gaither Vocal Band’s I Then Shall Live was played during the lighting of the Unity Candle and the Kneeling Bench. 

The ceremony was packed with love from family and friends who then gathered for hot cider and cookies as Austin from Last Minute Planners and her staff transformed the room into the reception area.  It was a very informal reception with the bride and groom’s favorite passed hors d’ouvres, fruited sweet tea and cake.  A close friend of the family made the Groom’s cake covered with chocolate guitars and a tiny couple on top.  Ms. Peggy should be proud of her work! 

The Bride’s cake was a tower of alternating tiers of Red Velvet and Sour Cream Almond.  The ivory Swiss Meringue looked beautiful as a backdrop to the dozens of ivory and white snowflakes shimmering in the light, set off by glorious sugared cranberries.  Sonya had mentioned how she  loved berries and thought it would set off the cake, but decided maybe red fondant ribbons would work.  I surprised her with the gorgeous sugared berries that were as delicious as they were beautiful.  The tart pop of the cranberry was a delicious end to a sweet piece of cake. 

I must give kudos to Mr. Paul Wharton who took hundreds of photos throughout the day, to Baughman Media Works for the Videographers and DJ, to Oshi’s International Florist for the beautiful winter arrangements and to Joanne Camcam and the incredibly hospitable, courteous, and professional staff at the Hermitage Hotel. 

Sonya and Jimmy, thank you so much for allowing Covered with Icing to be the sweetest part of your special day.  It was a very moving experience for Jason and I.  We will never forget the love and friendship that was extended to us so effortlessly through you. 

May every day Feel Like Christmas as long as you both shall live!

Last month I had the pleasure of making Jovon and Ron’s wedding a little sweeter.  I met Jovon and Ron back in February after several emails and a few phone calls to figure out the best time to meet.  Jovon wanted Ron to be a part of all decision making, but as an active duty serviceman (God bless!) it proved easier said than done at times.  When Ron was home on leave we met for a consultation and he immediately loved my lemon cake with lemon curd filling.  

Jovon and Ron’s colors were burnt orange and chocolate brown with splashes of gold-one of my favorite combinations for late fall.  The tables and chairs were covered with white linens and sheer brown tiebacks adorned the chairs.  The chargers were gold and really made the place settings stand out.  They chose gold favor boxes stamped with their names and wedding date filled with chocolate kisses to give to their guests and the flowers were extraordinary! 

Flowers by “D” did an amazing job incorporating Jovon’s colors into gorgeous bouquets and centerpieces.  Darrell and Delores were terrific to work with and their flowers were amazing.  Delores is super sweet Darrell never stops moving!  I wish I had taken a photo of the bridesmaid bouquets that were smaller versions of Jovon’s but with ornamental grasses crossed over the top-they were exquisite. 

Dante` from Atkinson Entertainment and Events (ae&e) was setting up when I arrived. He’s a great guy with a LOT of music and I’m sure he kept the party going late into the night.  I was so impressed when I was reading information about him on his site (aka cyberstalking)…”While serving in the United States Navy, he incorporated his skills as a collateral duty, while serving as Sound Technician/Engineer for the Navy/Marine Corps News where he obtained his hours of certification in Pro-Live Sound Engineering. He facilitated live recordings that were shown in the continental U.S. and oversees to all Navy/Marine Corps Personnel. “  This guy deserves bigtime kudos!  How cool is that? 

The entire top floor of Millenium Maxwell was the backdrop for Jovon and Ron’s reception and the view was great. Jess Jarve did a terrific job keeping things on track and Jovon’s friend Miss Tiffany didn’t let a single detail go unnoticed. I have already told Jovon she could not have had a better planner to make sure her wedding was perfect. 

Jovon chose a four tier cake with alternating tiers of sour cream almond with buttercream filling and lemon with lemon curd filling, iced with traditional buttercream.  Jovon loved the design of simple elegant scrolling wrapped with dark chocolate fondant ribbons at the base. She purchased a gold initial for the topper and Flowers by “D” were kind enough to provide a few peach roses and filler to set off the colors perfectly. Ron’s red velvet Groom’s cake was a very patriotic display adorned with his crest, unit, rank and draped with a handpainted edible American flag-one of my favorite things to make! 

Just a little sidenote of appreciation for Sargeant First Class Ron Jones-this is a man fighting for OUR freedom every day and I feel a great sense of pride when I painstakingly handpaint all of the stripes on that flag and cut out all of the tiny stars to line up as perfectly as if it were sewn by Betsy Ross herself.  I am never more driven to strive for perfection as when I’m recreating the American flag and I hope he felt it too.  I know, it’s “just” a cake but that was a military cake made with more adoration than SFC Jones could possibly imagine.  HOOAH! 

Jovon wanted to add this after their wedding: 

“SFC & Mrs. Ronald and Jovon Jones
Wedding – November 8, 2009 

I met Heather at the Bridal Show in downtown Nashville last year. Of all the cakes my aunt and I tried at the show, Covered with Icing was the best tasting and the most inexpensive. When Ron and I met with Heather in person, she was a joy! She accomodated my crazy work schedule and my husband’s miltary schedule and was able to understand exactly what we wanted. The pictures we gave Heather mirrored the actual cakes she made perfectly! I would recommend Covered with Icing to anyone that is getting married!” 

Jovon and Ron, may your love for one another and your love for our country go hand in hand forever!