I had the pleasure of meeting Nicole and her family nearly a year before her wedding ceremony.  She was living in Indiana at the time and going to school for midwifery.  Nicole’s family is very hands on and a terrific bunch to bring along for a consultation.  Nicole’s sister, niece, and mom all helped in the cake decisions.

Nicole really liked the idea of a mixed tier cake and originally the cake was to feed about 150 people.  When planning ahead, sometimes it’s hard to know whether you’ll have that many at the wedding and reception or not, especially when families are scattered across the country.

Josh is a huge Florida Gators fan and had his heart set on The Swamp for his cake.  As time grew near and the couple was calculating finances and RSVPs, they decided to make the bride’s cake much smaller and forego the Swamp for Albert E Gator, the official team mascot.

Albert E Gator, Florida's mascot for Josh, courtesy of Allan Williams Photography

I give my brides until 2 weeks prior to the wedding to make any changes in flavors, design, size, etc.  After that time the cake will be paid for in full and no changes will be made.  We completely changed Nicole’s first plan and decided to go with a three tier round cake in ivory with piping to accent that on the bodice of her dress and veil. 

Nicole and Josh wedding cake with piping to match Nicole's dress, courtesy of Allan Williams Photography

Nicole and Josh chose Chocolate with Strawberry filling for the groom’s cake and Red Velvet with Cheesecake filling and traditional Vanilla for the bride’s cake.  The cakes were all covered with Vanilla Buttercream.  The bride’s cake was accented with gold and orange fondant Gerbera daisies and deep red gumpaste roses.

Nicole's topper and flowers courtesy of Allan Williams Photography

Nicole’s cake table could not have possibly been more spectacular.  She had incorporated photos and toppers from family weddings that were absolutely beautiful.  Her sister, parents, and grandparents were showcased as well as Josh’s.  That was such an incredibly beautiful and moving tribute to the family.  I had the pleasure of setting up the cake while a few of the family members were talking about the couples in the old photos.  I was really touched to hear all of the stories.

The cake table with photos of happily married family members from the past, courtesy of Allan Williams Photography

Nicole and Josh held their ceremony and reception at The Pick Inn in Gallatin.  I absolutely love that venue for an outdoor ceremony and reception.  They have made a few changes since I was there last and I was so excited to see what was new.  There is a nice kitchen area attached to the reception area and there are also heavy roll down shades in case of rain.  Nicole and Josh didn’t have to worry about that.  Their day could not have been more perfect.

The incredible Allan and Susan Williams of Allan Williams Photography took amazing photos of the day, as they always do, and I am fortunate enough to have already received copies of their cake photos.  Now, I take photos of every cake I set up but there is something about an amazing photographer’s photos that mine cannot hold a candle to.  I fell in love with Allan’s work a year ago and have only come across a few others who can shoot my cakes the way he does.  His photos tell a story and his eye always seems more personal.  I highly recommend him if you haven’t found your photographer yet!  Because I met with Nicole so long ago, I had truly forgotten that I gave her Allan’s name and was so pleasantly surprised to see that he was shooting the wedding.  You can find beautiful photos of the happy couple on Allan’s blog.

Nicole told me after the wedding that Josh ate a piece of cake the size of a plate before their honeymoon because according to him, he wouldn’t have another chance.  I’m always happy to hear that the grooms love my cake too!

Nicole and Josh, thank you for allowing me be a sweet part of your special day!