Barbara and Kai were literally giddy with excitement about their wedding cake.  We met back in May (2007) along with Barbara’s mom Debbie.  I had made Barbara’s cousin Lisa’s wedding cake last year so they already had an idea of what to expect of my work and were ready to taste more!  =)  

A day or so before we met I had gotten the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (collectors edition) which has some gorgeous contempory designs.  I happened to throw it in my bag as I was out the door to meet with Barbara.  When we sat down I asked her and Kai what their style was… what they had in mind for the look of their cake.  They showed me the colors ~ chocolate brown and a soft blue.  They described a few cakes they’d seen and said there was one in particular, but they forgot the magazine clipping.  They wanted something striking and elegant, modern and unique.  Barbara said “I’m all about the cake… the cake has to be IT!” 

I thought to myself… hmmm, wasn’t there a picture in Martha just like that? I pulled out the magazine and was flipping to the page while she spoke.  Then, turned the magazine around and her eyes zero-ed in on the cake and sparkled!  That was the one they had left behind. 

She told me later that she know then and there that I was the one to make the cake!  It was like sparks flew from there… we nailed down all the details and adjustments, choose the flavor (“Pucker Up” – a luscious lemon and almond combo) and everything just fell into place. 

Kai and Barbara were the sweetest couple!  They were almost child-like with the fun they were having making the decisions and were so careful of the other’s opinion and preference.  It was a nice insight into how their married life might play out! 

Kai’s dad, Bill, made a gorgeous stand to place the cake on.  It was custom designed to suit the color and scale of the cake and made a precious gift to the couple because it was also a treasure box to hold mementos and keepsakes.  It made the cake a real focal point of the room by making it about 6″ off the table and literally “placed on a pedestal”.  Bill has great woodworking talent and I was so pleased to share the cake table with his creation! 

Here is the final cake design – adjusted to 4 tiers, with a monogram “B” added, and placed on the custom stand….  Pale blue fondant icing with piped chocolate medallions and scrolling. 

An additional medallion was placed on the center of the top to finish it off, since there would be no flowers, no topper ~ very modern and chic! 

Other wedding details:

Bill’s custom designed cake stand/treasure box.  The dark espresso stain complimented the chocolate design on the cake and the rich brown satin linen.  The box also has beautiful antique gold metal trim at the corners (which you can’t see in the picture)

Gift table/card box – I love how this pattern and the cake are similar -but different!

Guest sign in book – nice that the colors are reversed here and the graphics nice and simple.  Makes a nice balance with the ornate details of the other elements

Welcome Table with display of invitation – I think this idea is inspired!  I love it!! What great way to add decoration and continue the theme without additional expense!  A Flickr friend of mine http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbietabbie/ noticed that the ceremony was held at “The Little Brown Church”!!  Too cute ~ even the building matched the decor!! 

Sweetheart Table – Perfectly placed between the guests, the cake and the dance floor!  A lovely table for two!

Ceiling Treatment – The ceiling at the Sunol Valley Golf Club has these gorgeous chandeliers, and there were ooodles and oodles of sheer yardage draped with twinkle lights across the whole ceiling. It looked like a fairytale room!  

It was such a pleasure to create this dream cake for Barbara and Kai!  I got such a thrill and inspiration from their enthusiam. Of course, all couples are excited about planning their wedding and choosing the cake ~ But, there is something extra special about this couple.  I wish them all the happiness in the world!

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