wedding cake trends

MeganJoy-1

WARNING: the photos in this post are going to make your mouth water…and your going to want to eat cake as soon as possible! We know we did. Not only are cakes by Megan Joy Cakes absolutely, stunningly gorgeous, they are mouth-watering delicious too. We asked Megan for her take on the latest cake trends, and she happily shared her expertise and experience with us. Pay attention brides.

“I’m so excited to see this new direction that wedding cakes are heading in,” said Megan. “Not only are they are an elegant dessert course, but also multi-dimensional works of art created not just by a baker, but a cake artist.”

In Megan’s words…

1. There is a Stronger Emphasis on Flavor
It’s funny how many clients mention the wedding cakes of their friends and family during tastings, and how good or bad they were. People always, always remember the wedding cake! 

Now that we have so many cake reality shows on television, people are becoming more educated about cakes and how they’re made. They’re seeking cakes that are made from scratch, and use real ingredients. Cake has become a great canvas for creativity too – local and seasonal flavor pairings are also gaining popularity.

As a pastry chef, I love this new attitude towards cake. When I first started Megan Joy Cakes, I sought to craft cake that served like a plated dessert – composed of contrasting flavors and textures with balance. My clients love that their wedding cake is unlike anything their guests have ever had before, and that it’s delicious without being too heavy or sweet. 

I often utilize as many local flavors as I can. In the summer I preserve Palisade peaches for a peach butter cake that’s swirled with ground pecans and layered with a vanilla whiskey buttercream, made with Stranahan’s Colorado whiskey. So many of our Rocky Mountain weddings are destination brides and they love when they can give their guests an extra taste of Colorado. 

MeganJoyCakes

Megan Joy Cakes

2. Cake is Getting Dessert Course Treatment
Gone are the days of crumbly, sad-looking corner pieces of cake hurriedly plopped onto your plate. Clients are definitely giving the last course of their wedding menu a lot more attention.

I have received increasing requests for plated accompaniments to the cake. Whether it’s a small petit four (a 1-2 bite-sized dessert), or two served along on the cake plate, or a full-on plated presentation, this is a classy and formal way to highlight your sliced wedding cake.

Some clients like to serve the sliced cake with a custom sauce and garnishes. I’ve had clients opt to serve two or three smaller slices as a cake tasting duo or trio. 

It’s common now for the wedding cake to have its own menu for guests to read from before they are served their special dessert course. 

MeganJoyCakes

MeganJoy-50-(ZF-5564-40006-1-045)[1]

MeganJoyCakes

3. Cake with Texture & Detail
There is much less of the heavy, brightly colored, flat fondant look and a new shift towards texture, lightness, and movement in the exterior design of wedding cakes. 

Fondant, edible sugar dough, is being used not only for covering the cake, but for adding texture to it as well. Rather than being applied in thick pieces, it’s rolled very thin and layered. I often use this application with fondant strips or feathers, which are also positioned irregularly so there’s some movement in the design. This look invites light to flow through the exterior design, and is striking pin-lighted or in natural daylight.

Intricate design details that take hours upon hours to complete are in high demand as well, and just like designer wedding gowns, they attain audible admiration and their price tag ensures that not everyone can have that same cake.

MeganJoy-

Bohemian-Cake_megan joy cakes

MeganJoy-

Megan Joy Cakes is located in Vail, CO, but she delivers cakes all over Colorado, as well as to other destinations such as Charleston, South Carolina. See more from Megan here.

{images via Megan Joy Cakes and Cara Leonard Photography}

{wedding diy} cruiser bike escort card

INphotography-cruiser bike escort card table

Yesterday you saw Sara and Jed’s gorgeous wedding, and if your like us, your heart swooned with the red cruiser bike escort card table. Today Sara is sharing her tips on how to re-create for your own wedding or party.

In Sara’s words…Jed and I together own seven bikes (I know, a bit excessive!). Two of them are cruiser bikes..mine of course being the pretty red one we used. 🙂  For someone who likes the place card idea, but doesn’t own a cruiser bike, I’d recommend that they ask around among their friends to see if they could borrow one or perhaps try calling a bike shop as there are some that will rent them (a tandem bike would also be cute).  had purchased a wicker basket for my cruiser bike a long time ago and thought that would be a great option for a floral display, so I dropped the basket off to my florist, Bella Lu Floral, a few weeks before the wedding and she put together something pretty!  Adding some greenery or additional flowers around the base of the bike would also be nice, we just opted against that.

INphotography-cruiser bike escort card table

How To

  • Give the bike a good wash, design and print all the place cards and start clothes pinning.  
  • Clothes pin sized 1 7/8″ worked best with paper thickness and spoke size.  
  • Also, depending upon how many place cards you have, you’ll need to be mindful of their size as well.  We had 110 place cards which were 3.5″ X 4 1/4″ and this was about the max of how many we could fit on two wheels without it looking stuffed. 
  • Divide the place cards evenly in to four groups to how many to affix to both sides of the front and back wheels. 
  • We decided to run things alphabetically by last name with A starting in the 12pm position on the front wheel and then spiraling inward (clockwise) as we went down the alphabet.  Grouping by table didn’t seem like it would work very well for something like this.

Other Important Tips

  • Do the arranging prior to the wedding.  Don’t leave this for the day of as it takes a little bit of work to make everything fit and look pretty.
  • Once done, you’ll need to find a way to keep things stuck in place so place cards don’t fall off or move during transport to your venue.  Our day of planner suggested Saran wrap and it worked out perfectly!  So after we were done, each wheel was heavily wrapped!
  • Find a nice friend with a large SUV to fit the bike in the back of their car and drive it to your wedding venue!
  • After cocktail hour was over, asked your planner to move the bike over to the dinner/dancing space. It made for a fun decor item and the beautiful flower arrangement that could still be enjoyed!

INphotography_cruiser bike diy

Thanks to IN Photography for the beautiful photos!

sara + jed

Let us tell you, this bride and groom have it all figured it out – they know how to plan a gorgeous and intimate wedding that so eloquently told their love story, and amazingly {and most importantly} they understand what life is all about – love. And the crazy, unpredictable and beautiful ride that love takes us on. Enjoy a peak into Sara and Jed’s love story today, thanks to amazing photography by IN Photography.

INphotography-jsorelle

In her own words, Sara tells us about her magical day…Beyond wanting to give our guests a true taste of Colorado – a mission that’s impossible to not accomplish at Spruce Mountain Ranch – as well as an opportunity to learn a bit more about our love story, our vision for the day was that we really wanted everyone to be completely present, sit back and enjoy a truly beautiful and romantic evening… to not have to lift a finger.  So we kept that in mind with every decision we made.  I know when I’ve been to weddings, it isn’t just a beautiful day for the couple getting married, it’s also a reminder to Jed and I that love, in all its forms, is really what this whole ride is all about.  I wanted everyone to walk away from the night experiencing that too.  So we worked extra hard to make sure that we had all the details dialed in.  From no tip jars at the bars so guests didn’t have to worry about carrying cash (we made sure to take care of the bartenders on our own), romantic candlelight absolutely everywhere (I think I asked the florist to add more candles to our order about four times), amenity baskets in the bathrooms that held everything from hair ties to Advil and eye drops (an inexpensive addition), to a cooler of water that I asked the shuttle driver to have available for everyone on the way home (no one likes a hangover), we wanted to create the best opportunity possible for everyone to take a moment to stop and not worry about anything, but enjoy themselves and celebrate whatever way love was manifesting in their life at that moment.

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

 One of my favorite moments would probably have to be hearing the vows that Jed had prepared for our ceremony.  They were so beautiful, poetic, incredibly deep, and funny.. I had no idea that he was able to write like that!  I also loved the few minutes right before our Planner came in and said “okay, it’s time!”  We had our favorite songs turned up in the bridal cottage and my bridesmaids, nieces and I started spontaneously dancing!  It was our own ‘pre-game’ pump up session!  And then there was my Sister’s Matron of Honor speech sung to the tune of Taylor Swift’s Love Story.. amazing!  

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

 Jed and I are both avid mountain bikers.  Mountain biking together was actually our very first date!  So we really wanted to incorporate bikes into our wedding, but I wanted to make sure that our use of them was still classy and tasteful.  The place card display idea came out of a decoration that my parents created for our Engagement Party {image inspiration here}.  Stay tuned TOMORROW because we have the DIY details on how to re-create the Red Cruiser Bike Escort Card Display. 

INphotography-cruiser bike escort card table

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

 The table numbers were another way that we decided to incorporate our passion for biking in to the day.  We’ve biked on a lot of trails together and have taken many a photo among all these trails, so we named the tables after some of the trails we have ridden.  The front was kept clean with the table name and number and the back afforded a fun story and photo of us on that trail.  Jed and I spent A LOT of time writing up the story for each of those tables that explained where the trail was located, why we loved it, or some fun memory made while riding that trail.    

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorellewedding

Additional fave details were glow sticks on the dance floor, and late night surprise of lemoncello icees served in mini glass milk bottles.  People went NUTS for the glow sticks and were making jump ropes, suspenders, and who knows what else out of them.  They were a LOT of fun! 

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

VENDOR LOVE
Location: Spruce Mountain Ranch
Coordinator: Sara Viera Events
Photographer: IN Photography
Florist: Bella Lu Floral
Caterer: Catering by Design
DJ: Jammin’ DJs
Videographer: Wild Vision

{images via IN Photography. click here for more beautiful images.}

emily + randy

We love pretty weddings. And, we really love pretty weddings with a DIY touch. Emily and Randy’s wedding had it all – a pretty bride and handsome groom, a lovely setting, creative DIY’s, a yummy dessert table, a gorgeous ceremony backdrop and an amazing photographer to capture it all, Connie Dai Photography.

Today, Emily, the bride {and now happy newlywed} shares her tips for how she added personal DIY touches to her wedding day, and why you should try it too.

In Emily’s words…I definitely recommend DIYing as much as you can. It adds such a personal touch to your big day, and including those items as decorations in your home after the wedding are awesome reminders of the day. Honestly, putting on some tunes and creating beautiful things is great therapy during an often stressful time!

After you read about the easy DIY’s, please visit Connie Dai Photography to see more gorgeous photos for this beautiful couple’s special day. You won’t regret it – they are stunning. And it’s not just us that thinks so – Style Me Pretty thought so too.

DESSERT TABLE
Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_Web_369

Glass Cake Stands
Find glass plates and glass candlesticks from a dollar store and E-6000 glue from a craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels.
Glue a candlestick to the center of the bottom of a plate.
Let dry.
Leave as a single plate for small cakes, or add a couple of layers for a unique cupcake stand.

The other cake table pieces, the green box chalkboard and the compartment stand, were both from World Market.
Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_Web_372

Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_Web_371

Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_Web_370

ESCORT CARD FRAME
Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens

Find an empty frame (Hobby Lobby had a perfect wooden frame to go well with our details)
Buy chicken wire at a home-improvement store {hopefully your handy husband has a staple gun. If not, buy one or thumb tacks or something similar should work}!
Stretch chicken wire over the back of the frame and staple periodically around the frame.
Trim excess chicken-wire with wire cutters and bend any sharp edges.

WOODEN RING BOX
Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_Conniedaiphotography

Check the wooden crafts aisle at Hobby Lobby or Michaels for inspiration for easy decoration projects.
Find a small box to hold rings.
Stain the pre-made wooden crafts. I bought one brown stain and one grey stain. For some projects I used only one color, and for others, I mixed the two colors together for variety and a nice rustic color.
Paint on your new initial by hand or with a stencil in a contrasting color of paint.
Voilà! Cheap, simple, and fun wedding projects!

Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_

 

Emily_Randy_Chatfield_Botanic_Gardens_Web_007

Thanks Emily and Randy. And, thank you Connie Dai Photography.

{images via Connie Dai Photography}

Gold Wedding Inspiration

gold rush_jeffandjewelsphotography

When we saw the Whiskey Barrels from this Gold Rush photo shoot, we fell in love. We are whiskey girls at heart, and we love rustic event decor…but when we saw the insane talent and details behind this shoot by La Boheme Events, we just knew we had to share.

Details behind the shoot told by amazing photographer Jewels, of Jeff and JewelsWhen Bridget from La Boheme Events and I met for the first time, it was obvious that we were meant to be together. Her idea of doing a “GOLD RUSH” themed Styled Shoot made my mind explode! We brainstormed with big eyes, giggles, and a cohesive vision that we knew we just HAD to make happen. Industrial yet rustic, vintage yet glam, and “Colorado”, but unique (“Rustic/Vintage” is all the rage ’round these parts).

We planned for months. Finding the perfect venue proved to be the most challenging aspect, but finally did with 2127 Larimer in Denver. Once we had that, all the other elements just fell into place. Every vendor was fabulous to work with and executed our vision perfectly!

The shoot was not without challenges. The main one being that we had to postpone the “outdoor portrait” part due to the fact that it snowed the entire day…the ENTIRE day. Despite this major obstacle, we were able to do those photos not long after. Another hurdle was over-came when the two models we had lined up decided to bail the night before the shoot. But again, the stars aligned and we were able to get “Jenna” & “Noah”, professionals who had no problem pretending to be Husband & Wife (Hannah Kimball & Caleb Gardner).

As the Photographer, it was important to me that the photos told a story – the story of Jenna & Noah, traveling cross-country by train, “Pikes Peak Or Bust”. Their chapel wedding – intimate and romantic. It was important to us that all of the details were accurate, if not totally authentic, and they HAD to be perfect!

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

DETAILS

We loved the dress, a Waters & Waters, and the fabric made us think of an antique handkerchief. The western style suit complimented it perfectly. The model’s gold jewelry fancied up as only a first-class ladies’ would.

Plum Sage went all out with the flowers including chamomile, lavender, subtle sprays of wheat, deep red roses, and some spray painted thistles! The handle of the bouquet was perfectly wrapped in twine and lace.

The details of the table were just as stunning. A reclaimed wood beam ran the length of the table and held the many vessels that were the centerpiece – gold mercury glass, wooden boxes, and gold and glass candle holders. My favorite part was the rock candy in the champagne!

The Alter was built around draped muslin with dried flower bouquets, a cow skull, wagon wheel, whiskey barrel, and gold bars. The ceremony benches were made by Bridget’s husband (La Boheme Events), just for the shoot (thanks Jason).

Gold mica and gold “nuggets” adorned the aisle.

Thanks to Chairished Vintage Rentals, we had this fantastic wooden arch to hang things from for the Sweets table and Late Night Snack set ups.

Goodies from Leaf & Crumb Bakery included 2 kinds of cake pops: milk chocolate and peanut butter, dipped in chocolate, and vanilla bean and fresh strawberry dipped in white chocolate & gold sugar; mini apple strusel pies; vanilla and rooibos mini scones with vanilla glaze; 2 kinds of french macaroons: traditional with mild chocolate granache and butterscotch with marshmallow buttercream; milk chocolate whiskey mousse with Chantilly cream shooters; chamomile & thyme caramel; a 3 tiered Earl Grey cake with white chocolate Earl Grey swiss buttercream; and a pumpkin chai cake with cinnamon cream cheese filling covered in GOLD!

Relish Catering & Events did such a great job on the food that they had to prep the Late Night Snacks in a different room, so that we wouldn’t eat them all before they were photographed! They made us Mac & Cheese in the cutest little cast iron skillet you’ve ever seen; tomato bisque shooters with a grilled tilagio- prosciutto panini; truffle fries, and delicious kettle corn served in paper bags.

The “General Store” bar backdrop was the combination of a piece made by Bridget’s husband Jason, and an old door set up on some whiskey barrels. Page & Mason Invitations even made the most adorable beer and whiskey bottle labels! We even had Goldschlager shots egging you on with a “Pikes Peak or Bust” mantra.

We are absolutely THRILLED to share GOLD RUSH with you and hope you love it as much as we do…

VENDOR LOVE & DETAILS

Photography: Jeff & Jewels Photography
Photo Shoot Stylist and Planner: La Boheme Events 
Venue: 2127 Larimer
Catering: Relish Catering and Events 
Florist: Plum Sage
Bakery: Leaf and Crumb
Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals
Dress: d’Anelli Bridal
Suit: Alter Occasions
Printed Details: Page & Mason
Vintage Rentals: Chairished Vintage Rentals
Designer: Peggy Cox, cainrocks@msn.com
Hair and Make-up: Jeff & Jewels Photography

{thanks for images Jeff & Jewels Photography}