A wedding blog LONG overdue…let me remind you about the weekend of May 14-16, 2010.  It was a VERY hot weekend with storms that hit with such force people were extremely worried, as we had just flooded less than two weeks prior.  Tornados touched down around us and hail as big as softballs came through my friend’s sunroom roof.  She only lives 45 minutes away.  While I didn’t see hail any larger than acorn size, it was still not pleasant delivering cakes in torrential downpours and hail of any size.

Jessica and Justin had received my name and information from another bride friend married the previous fall-thank you Brittney!  They had been together for several years and were a super sweet couple.  I loved to hear them talk to one another.  It was with patience, love, and gentle teasing.  They seem to be a perfect fit and I was thrilled to make their wedding cake. 

Look how cute this couple is!

Jessica and Justin were married at the lovely Spring Haven Mansion in Hendersonville, TN.  The tented back yard and covered porches helped to keep things dry with a few modifications.  Thank goodness for tents with sidewalls!  Kara and Kevin Hogan are always a pleasure to work with for weddings.  It’s apparent that the venue is their pride and joy.  On any given day you will find them both working in the yard, raking the tiny rocks back where they belong and keeping the grounds beautiful.  Their employees are extremely helpful and courteous as well.

Love the pink and ivory flowers with the mossy basket!

See the pretty pearl chains draping the branches? I know-I'm not a photographer!

Jessica showcased earthy tones of chocolate brown, ivory, mossy green and pinks throughout the  decorations but wanted to keep the cake ivory with chocolate accents.  She really liked the looks of large scrolls in varying thicknesses but she wanted them all to touch one another.  She also was using long strands of pearls in decorating and wanted pearls on the cake as well.  She chose a lovely square tier design of  alternating quilted and scrolled layers wrapped with dark chocolate fondant ribbons and a gumpaste monogram.

Jessica and Justin

Jessica and Justin details

The cake was Chocolate with Chocolate Ganache, Strawberry with Strawberry filling, Sour Cream Almond with Raspberry filling and Red Velvet with Cheesecake filling, all enrobed with vanilla buttercream.  There was a flavor to satisfy every sweet tooth.  I do warn against buttercream at an outdoor venue in the summer-you just never know what the weather is going to do.  Even under a tent it’s still not considered optimal conditions.

I will take every precaution to keep the cake chilled and beautiful but when it’s set up in 90% humidity and 90 degree temps it’s not in my hands anymore.  My buttercream is made with real butter and it will melt.  That being said, the cake was beautiful, the bride and groom were both very happy with it and are well on the way to spending the rest of their lives together.  I couldn’t be more thrilled for a couple!

Justin, you’re a good ole boy with a huge heart.  I can tell you wear it on your sleeve-especially where your beautiful bride is concerned.  Jessica, you have nothing but respect and love for Justin and it shows in everything you do.  Keep that forever and you will be one of the truly happy couples in this world.  I know because I am blessed to be one of the lucky ones.

Jessica and Justin, may your love be like an umbrella to get you through any storm that hails down on you!

I hear those words frequently at Covered with Icing.  I take a limited number of cakes each week because I’m only one person.  I don’t have an assistant, I don’t have a baker, I don’t have a finisher, and I don’t have a maid.  Sadly, my body requires more than 3 hours of sleep on any given weekend.  Therefore, when I reach my quota, I’m booked.

I would rather focus on quality work and completely satisfy each and every customer than to try to knock out 10 wedding and birthday cakes each week without any help.  I like my cakes to be a custom work of art for each customer.  I don’t think I would be able to do that if I over extended myself. 

My buttercream is whipped up fresh each day.  My ganache is made when it is ordered.  Fillings do not come out of sleeves.  Cakes are baked to order.  I do not have several on hand to pull out of the freezer for something last minute.  I am not the supermarket bakery and I never wish to be.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, “but it’s only a simple cake”.  If it’s only a simple cake that doesn’t really warrant freshness, uniqueness, a custom design, etc…then as a new customer why would you call me?  If the above traits are important to you, then please call in advance and I will be happy to make your special day a little sweeter!  If you wait, you just might hear, “I’m sorry, I’m booked!”

Masters graduation-congrats Josh!

Monkey for a special mom's 50th birthday

Aaron-Michael's birthday!

I recently met some of the sweetest and most polite young ladies planning their prom at Harpeth Hall.  The Juniors work VERY hard raising money and building decorations to transform their auditorium into something special as a gift to their departing Seniors.  This year was no exception.

The prom was to be A Night in Wonderland and from the second one came near the theme was apparent.  The roses were painted red on the walkway, the Chesire Cat’s grin appeared everywhere and signage was abundant.  Upon entering the building, the wishing well was to the right, covered with flowers and a mini garden was to the left, complete with a croquet set.  Right in the middle was a sign that marked the rabbit hole, or the entrance to Wonderland.

Painting the roses red!

Let's make a wish!

Everyone down the rabbit hole to Wonderland!

The girls had ordered cupcakes for their prom, brightly colored and all delicious.  Some were decorated with the Cat’s grin, the Mad Hatter’s hat, the Rabbit’s pocket watch, and of course a tiny teapot, all made of fondant and completely edible.  The cupcakes were set up on two tables at the bottom of the stairs, hiding movie projectors that were showing Alice in Wonderland in its entirety.

Cupcakes for Harpeth Hall

Giant Wonderland chair

There was a large beautifully painted mural on one side of the room which was amazing and HUGE.  I forgot to ask who painted it but I’m sure I’ll be filled in as soon as I post this blog.  On the other side of the room was a sitting area complete with giant cards and small glass bottles marked “drink me” of course. 

Is this not the most incredible use of color you've ever seen?

Seating area with giant cards

Love it!

The girls had even made a maze that was taller than me and appeared to be made of large cinder blocks with signs pointing the direction you should go.  It was very cool.  It led the way to the dance floor.  I was amazed with the fun and creativity that went into designing the decorations.  They did such a great job I couldn’t resist giving them a blog spot.

Cheshire Cat's grin

Special thank you to Ms. Jess who found a small screwdriver for me…I’m pretty sure that wasn’t in her job description but I appreciate it anyway.  Thank you also to Eleanor for finding me on the internet, Ms. Elizabeth for taking care of finances and to Miss Madison for all the details.  I hope to work with you all again in the future!

Beautiful Junior girls of Harpeth Hall

 

And with their dates...

 

Girls of Harpeth Hall, I hope your night was truly one in Wonderland!