Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Frosted in Wonderland...


When you give of yourself, you never know if that gift is gone forever or if it shall be returned to you; sometimes, as a magically wrapped blessing or a day of sweet surprise.

This is how I felt when I created the wedding cake for Shannah and Daniel Warwick.

Shannah's parents have been so supportive of me and my business as well as one of my first customers. It was an honor and privilege to make the cake for their daughter's wedding and I wanted it to be amazing.

I was thrilled to hear about her ideas and the theme of the wedding. The bride is so distinct and unique in her style that I was instantly inspired. She gave me so many ideas and information and yet a lot of freedom. My favorite kind of customer!

I sketched and sketched and then spent hours on the finished product.
The result was a topsy turvy cake fit for a fantasy outdoor 'wonderland' themed wedding.


{Alice: "Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Mad Hatter: "That is an excellent practice."}








{Down the rabbit hole}


The wedding was held at Fern Hall Inn, an estate in Northeastern PA.

The historically correct building is so welcoming. Nestled among the Pennsylvania hills and a rolling golf course, the Inn was perfect for this wedding, which seemed to pop out of a story book.






Fern Hall Inn contains rooms and spaces that beg to have moments created within them.






Fern Hall Inn posted more pictures of this wedding on their Facebook Page {here}. The staff was helpful and friendly, the food was fabulous and the beautiful property only added to the wedding story as the day unfolded...

Guests were greeted at the front entrance hall and picked up their unique place cards. Their names were typeset on textured paper which was attached to a playing card. There were no table numbers at the reception. Only a card, such as the Jack of Spades or King of Diamonds.




{Through the Looking Glass}

The bride was stunning in a custom made gown:




Her bouquet of dark calla lilies, feathers and vintage brooches was perfect and put together beautifully. The maid of honor told me that many of the brooches were given to the bride at her shower by family and friends. This wedding was not only a wonderland but everything had meaning.



The centerpieces were whimsical and beautifully put together by a friend of the bride.











The magical atmosphere was enhanced by whimsical touches strategically placed throughout the property.









Guests meandered here and there and wandered to and fro. There were surprises around every corner.

{ "



The guests themselves only added to the wonderland experience. They arrived dressed in amazing top hats, suits fit for a mad hatter, corseted gowns, vintage hats, jewlry and theatrical makeup.







{ Mad Hatter: "Have I gone mad?" Alice: "I'm afraid so. Your entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." }







The bride and groom were married beneath a tree from which hung a vintage cake topper and amazing chandelier.





The love and emotion of the bride and groom was seen on their faces as they celebrated their union with a brief ceremony, full of meaning.

{"The first time, ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes. And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave to the dark and endless skies." - Ewan MacColl}








The bridesmaids carried colorful bouquets carried in vintage teacups.







Congratulations Shannah and Daniel. May your marriage be as full of fun and blessing and as beautiful and magical as your wedding day was!


Saturday, June 18, 2011

Once in a Blue "Blog" Moon...




I am recommending something.

I rarely do this.

I have my reasons, most of which I won't try to explain, but suffice it to say - I don't make a habit of recommending another vendor publicly. Especially in print.

But since this amazing company is IN the printing business, it seems perfect to give props here...

I stumbled across her site and couldn't stop staring. stunning. unique. so beautiful and whimsical and elegant and artsy...



So, you should go here. and meet Kristy Rice, the amazing artist behind Momental Designs, an invitation company. I have never met Kristy. I am not getting anything in return for mentioning her or her company here. This is just a case of "oh my word this woman is crazy talented and her invitations are GORGEOUS! I need to tell everyone". Well, you get the point. :)

If you have the $ and the desire for amazing wedding invitations, you should totally visit Momental Designs website. If you don't have the $, go to Great Aunt Flo and ask for some and then order from them.



If you aren't getting married and have no need for these invitations, then find yourself an amazing man and then call Momental Designs. ... and then call me to order the cake! :)







You're welcome.