Inspiration Board: All Cakes Considered

The cake is one of the most celebrated and anticipated details of any wedding.  There aren’t many people I know that don’t love cake in one form and flavor or another.  When author Melissa Gray of NPR came out with the book All Cakes Considered, I was thrilled to learn that it is a no-nonsense approach to baking for those of us who are less experienced.  From Amazon:

Perhaps the first humorous and unintimidating baking cookbook, Melissa Gray’s “All Cakes Considered” chronicles the author’s triumphs through over a year of weekly baking projects. What began as a simple gesture by bringing a cake to work on a dreary Monday morning quickly became a celebrated tradition at National Public Radio. With her quick wit and calm, non-scientific approach to baking, Gray’s recipes are easy to follow and feasible for any home baker. Each chapter focuses on a different genre of cake baking, breaking down the recipes according to techniques, ingredients, and special supplies to ensure success both in the kitchen and the next morning by the water cooler.

What was even more inspiring, at first glance, was the cover photo, which prompted today’s inspiration board:

This one took me a little more time than usual to get right, as I didn’t want the look to appear too casual.  Cakes and desserts, especially chocolate and red velvet, are decadent and sensual.  However, being that we’re in the height (and heat) of summer, I still wanted to reflect a playful event.

Sources:  Row 1:  Dessert table by Amy Atlas; Chocolate ganache -  The Nibble;  Dress – Amy Michelson;  Bridesmaid dress – Jenny Yoo.  Row 2:  Candlestick photo – Brides; Jadeite cake stands – Eddie Ross; Invitations via Oh So Beautiful Paper; Flower Photo – Brides; Red Velvet cake photo – Stardust and Sequins.

Moroccan Inspired Dessert Table

Before I get to regular posting today, I just wanted to share this amazing Moroccan inspired dessert table designed by the ever talented Amy Atlas for Sunday Suppers.  Those mum towers are amazing!!!

LOVE the aqua and tangerine!

Monday Eye Candy

What better way to start the week of than this adorable image of a ring bearer (aka “ring security”).  Love it!

Image courtesy of Studio Tran.

Friday Eye Candy

After two days at home with a very feverish toddler, I am certainly ready to get back to business!  As any of you with young ones can relate, it was next to impossible to get anything done, but I quite enjoyed our special time together eating popsicles and watching cartoons.  He’s feeling much better today, so as I get my bearings and head back into the swing of things, enjoy today’s eye candy from Margaret Singer Photography, snapped of an older couple  getting their cuddle on at a wedding.  This image absolutely warms my heart.

Image via Margaret’s blog.

Real Wedding: Jenny & Yoongu, Part III

I am so impressed by the thoughtful touches that Jenny used to make her wedding so unique for her and her husband.  It’s weddings like this that make me so happy to be in this business – to be witness to such effort that a bride puts into making her wedding so special (not to mention entertaining her guests!) is so refreshing. 

 

Incorporating more of their travel theme, Jenny used vintage suitcases as decor, and even used the one below as a card box.  Check out the escort cards that were made to look like plane tickets and the beautiful detail on that cake topper.  Not a detail was overlooked!

In lieu of a traditional guest book, Jenny had her guests sign these lovely vintage post cards for the couple.

Each invitation was handcrafted and sewn to resemble passports.  Guests received lucky bamboo favors with tags attached that boasted compasses and suitcase buckles!

And finally…the delightful centerpieces…also DIY.  The amount of talent oozing from this woman is astounding.  Considerable thanks to Caroline Tran for sharing this absolutely charming wedding with us!

Real Wedding: Jenny & Yoongu, Part II

 We’re back with the DIY details you’ve been waiting for from this beautiful wedding shot by Caroline Tran. 

 

Jenny did all of her own flower arrangements and bouquets.  She ordered them wholesale online using American Floral Distributors, spending only $250 for all of her flowers!!! 

For her bouquet, she chose beautiful yellow alstromeria.  A flower that is often used as a less expensive filler, when grouped solely together takes on a completely different look.  How gorgeous is that bouquet?!?! 

Adding charms to the bouttenieres that read “Mom”, “Dad”, “Brother” and “Husband” also added a very sweet personal touch.

One of my favorite details of this wedding is the DIY cake topper that Jenny crafted from – wait for it… – Crayola Model Magic!!!  Using their love of travel as a central theme for all of the decor, the model of the bride and groom on an airplane was a perfect accessory to their lovely cake. 

Every guest was given an opportunity to win a centerpiece by guessing how many total miles the couple have flown together.  (The winning guess was 75,000!!!)

Stay tuned….there’s much more to come!!!

Real Wedding: Jenny & Yoongu, Part I

 I am so excited to show you today’s wedding and all of it’s DIY glory!  Jenny handcrafted her entire wedding…all the way from Korea!  Today, I have the pleasure of sharing all of her special touches that made for such a unique and personal wedding, but up first…some sweet photos of the happy couple, courtesy of the lovely Caroline Tran.

 

I absolutely adore the bodice of this dress, which is also DIY, believe it or not.  Jenny ordered this dress from Nordstrom, which only cost her $180!  Jenny didn’t care for the rhinestones, so she removed them and re-beaded the dress, adding the sash and sleeves.   

 

Jenny and Yoongu had a traditional ceremony in Korea, and brought back photos to share with her guests here. 

 

Next up is the fun stuff….the amazing DIY details!!!