Was Labor Day weekend not the most perfect weekend of the summer for a wedding?  The weather was warm and breezy, the sun was bright, the trees and lawn were green and lush, and the couple had an extra day to enjoy their family and friends…or an extra day for a honeymoon! 

Simon and Kelly needed a glorious wedding day and I’m happy they were being smiled on from above by their loved ones who undoubtedly had a hand in the beautiful weather.  Simon’s mother had been taken suddenly from this life just two weeks prior to the wedding and I know it was a beautiful day filled with much sadness and thoughts of what she was missing.  I have to believe in my heart that she didn’t miss a single moment.  Her gardenias were alive as her spirit on the Memory Table throughout the day. 

I met Kelly and her mother Cathy at the Nashville Weddings the Bridal Show in July.  I happened to have Kelly and Simon’s date available though I wouldn’t recommend waiting until two months prior to the wedding to finalize vendors.  I think we were matched for a reason.  Kelly knew exactly what she wanted and she would not be swayed in the least.  She wanted a mixed wedding cake of square and round tiers with white almond buttercream and red scrolls.  She also wanted the entire wedding cake to be Red Velvet with cream cheese filling. 

I am enthusiastic about Kelly’s love for Red Velvet as I’m sure I’ve eaten my weight in that flavor and that flavor only…minus the cream cheese (I AM from the north!).  My mom used to make her special homemade Red Velvet cake from a recipe in an old warn church cookbook for my every single birthday growing up.  She never changed the recipe but she did change  the color a time or two.  I once had a Blue Velvet made into a Pacman ghost, an Orange Velvet basketball, and I’m sure she used the other colors as well but I digress.  I tried to talk Kelly into one tier of white cake for those who may not care for Red Velvet cake.  I succeeded during the consultation but afterwards when I gave her a sample of my delicious Red Velvet, she took it home for Simon to try and emailed me immediately.  If the guests don’t like Red Velvet, they don’t have to eat cake.  A girl after my own heart.  

Kelly and Simon were to be married in Centennial Park in Nashville with the reception following at the University Club of Nashville in the heart of the Vanderbilt campus.  Did I mention there was a Vandy home game Saturday?  While I love the school spirit, the tailgating, the crazy antics on campus, I realized it all takes on a whole new meeting when trying to travel through it with a wedding cake.  I did get through it of course and without a single incident but I’m certain I have a new callous on my left hand from gripping the steering wheel so fiercely.  Thank goodness I did not have to deliver AFTER the Commodores had shut out Western Carolina in their preseason opener 45-0!!!  

Kelly’s lovely young cousin Celeste helped me with the door and helped to carry the couple’s complimentary honeymoon cake downstairs at the club.  She was as sweet as she is beautiful and very graceful in high heels.  Thank you Celeste!  I had the honor of meeting several family members who were putting the finishing touches on the table decorations before heading off to the park.  They made me miss my aunts-Kelly is blessed with a terrific family! 

I almost NEVER get to see the bride while I’m delivering her cake.  I was so excited when Kelly strolled in to take a peek.  She was a vision in her beautiful white corseted gown and was gracious enough to let me snap a few quick photos of her.  

My favorite moment was when Kelly turned to her bridesmaid and asked if she had seen the cake topper.  It was custom engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date by Things Remembered.  Kelly’s quick-witted friend looked it over and exclaimed, “KELLY, this is the wrong date!  It says September 9th!”  Kelly turned white just for a brief second before they laughed together at the pre-wedding humor. 

I’m told it was a perfect ceremony, a wonderful evening, delicious food, phenomenal cake, and the couple is on a well deserved trip to the Cayman Islands.  I look forward to keeping this family as customers for a long time. 

Kelly and Simon, may the grief and sorrow that has filled your hearts be enveloped and overcome by your everlasting love for one another!