Cake Camp, Part 1

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Gummi

Last month we took some well-deserved time off and headed to Nevada for Cake Camp.  The 4-day workshop, run by the California Cake Club, featured instructors and master cake bakers from all over the country for classes and demos.
They had tons of different classes to pick from – from “Bling, Bling, the Art of Edible Gems” to “Sushi Cake” to  “Totally Tipsy with Tulips”.  It was hard to choose, but below are a few photos from the various classes we attended:
Tattoo Flowers class with Becky Rink from About the Cake
Specializing in sculpted and unusual cakes, Becky’s designs can be seen atop American Greetings cards, Today’s Bride Magazine and Wedding Cakes, A Design Source. She has written the book “The Top Shelf Baker – Sweet Treats From a Well-Stocked Bar” and travels the country working as a free-lance instructor and judge.
 
Elegant Cake Toppers class with Martha Hebert and Rebecca Guidry, also known as the Sweet Southern Ladies
Martha Hebert and Rebecca Guidry are real sisters and have published the book “Sweet Treasures”, teach cake construction and design classes across the nation and internationally and were past winners of TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off.
 We had an amazing time at class, picked up some new techniques and lots of new ideas.  Now it’s back to the kitchen to create some beautiful cakes…


Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Cake Camp, Part 1

Royal Aloha Wedding Featured on Entertainment Tonight

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Gummi
We were honored to be contacted by Kathy Ireland to provide this glam crystal cake for the grand prize winners of her Royal Aloha Wedding contest – a “wedding of their dreams” for special military couple, April & James.  This particular segment was featured on Entertainment Tonight.  More photos of the cake, and the wedding coming soon.
Posted in A Cake Life, Hawaii Wedding Cakes, Kathy Ireland, Oceanfront Oasis, Royal Aloha Wedding | Comments Off on Royal Aloha Wedding Featured on Entertainment Tonight

Porsche & Stephen Modern Meets Vintage

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Gummi
Photos by A Cake Life
When we met with Porsche for her cake consultation she explained she wanted a modern meets vintage cake design for her May wedding at the Hale Koa Hotel.  The decor inspiration for the event was black and white with touches of silver.  The only color would be the purple uplighting illuminating the ballroom, setting the mood for their modern ambiance.  They completely transformed the Waikiki Ballroom with beautiful pipe and drapery and a cool lounge by Les Saisons and Vignette.
Their cake design was originally inspired by our “Ashley” cake, featured on the home page of our website.  Porsche loved the idea of an all white fondant cake accented with silver and pearl white details.  For their design we incorporated a cascade of handmade sugar jewels and vintage style brooches, scallop embossing around the top trim, an extra large silver modern style sugar flower, and a ruffle accent.  For their flavors, they chose Devils Food Chocolate with Peanut Butter Cup filling and Yellow Butter Cake with Cookies N Cream filling.
Photos by A Cake Life
 
 Photos Courtesy of Bianca Photography
 

We also had the privilege of designing Stephen’s Groom’s Cake featured on our blog a few weeks back.
 
Congratulations Porsche and Stephen!
Posted in A Cake Life, Featured, Hale Koa Hotel, Hale Koa Weddings, Hawaii Grooms Cakes, Hawaii Wedding Cakes, Modern Wedding Cake, Vintage Wedding Cake | Comments Off on Porsche & Stephen Modern Meets Vintage

From Sketch to Display: Cherry Blossom Cake, Part 2

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Gummi
Another couple, another cake, another sketch.  Cherry blossoms are a favorite décor accent, especially for couples integrating an Asian feel into their wedding.  Last week we shared Annie and Christian’s cherry blossom cake, and this week we wanted to share how another’s couples vision translated to their cake design.
Katherine and Ryan live in Las Vegas, but Ryan is a local boy so they decided to return to Honolulu for their February wedding at the Hale Koa Hotel.  Their wedding decor was inspired by this red plum blossom picture that Katherine gave us.  It also served as the main inspiration for their wedding cake.   Their reception was decorated with traditional Japanese details – shoji doors served as the backdrop for their head table and rice paper lantern centerpieces provided a modern accent.
When it came to their cake, Katherine and Ryan wanted to create a unique cake design inspired by this picture that integrated their traditional meets modern style.  For their cake design, we created a 3-tiered white fondant base cake. For a modern design approach, the cherry blossom branch climbed from the right side of their cake.  The branch was hand painted on for a softer overall look and had a textured feel for that traditional Japanese look. The handmade plum blossoms were matched to the picture provided and made in different sizes.  The 3D flowers added great dimension to the overall design.  Katherine and Ryan provided their own Double Hearts cake topper.   For their flavor, they chose Red Velvet and Cream cheese icing and Yellow Butter Cake with Fresh Strawberry cream filling.

Congratulations Katherine & Ryan! 
Photos Courtesy of Perfekt Photo

Posted in A Cake Life, Cherry Blossom Wedding Cakes, Hale Koa Hotel, Hawaii Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cake Sketch | Comments Off on From Sketch to Display: Cherry Blossom Cake, Part 2

From Sketch to Display: Cherry Blossom Cake

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Gummi

After meeting with a client for their cake consultation, one of the first things we do is put together a sketch of their cake based on the design details we discussed.  This is based on photos provided, their invitation, cake size/shape, color swatches, and much more).  Here is one example of a cake we did from sketch to display:

Annie and Christian came to their wedding cake consultation prepared with lots of information!  They wanted a large cake, with a cherry blossom theme, butterflies, and LOTS of pink!  We discussed several floral arrangements for their cherry blossom design but Annie wanted to do something different than a common climbing branch design. 
After our consultation, we put together their sketch of “blooming” floral bouquets arranged throughout their 4-tiered cake.  Their light pink buttercream and cobalt blue bands around the tiers were all color matched to fabric swatches they provided.  For a little added detail, we included a swirl piping design along the cobalt bands in a slightly brighter shade of pink.  The cherry blossoms were colored a brighter shade of pink to “pop” off their cake. Silver metallic sugar butterflies were added around their tiers.  Annie and Christian provided their own custom figurine topper. 

The flavors they chose were our Yellow Butter Cake (all color tinted light pink!) with Lilikoi Cream filling, and Pretty Pink Strawberry Cake with Guava Cream filling… Even the inside of their cake was PINK! =)
Posted in A Cake Life, Cherry Blossom Wedding Cakes, Hawaii Wedding Cakes, Sketch | Comments Off on From Sketch to Display: Cherry Blossom Cake