Vintage Wedding Theme at Gray's Court

Just back from a fantastic wedding fair with the lovely ladies from The Wedding Affair (www.theweddingaffair.co.uk).  

Today's event was at Gray's Court which is a beautiful venue in the shadow of York Minster.  

I opted for a vintage themed cupcake display which I felt would be off-set beautifully against the dark wood paneling in the main hall.  The decoration was all done in buttercream, but some used granulated sugar and some were piped swirls.  I presented a collection of coordinating toppers including handmade cardboard toppers and individually made fondant decorations.  The decoration followed an antique gold theme, with hints of pearl, lace and a bit of sparkle.

Where possible I make all of my cupcake toppers, particularly in bridal schemes, as coordinating with the overall colour-scheme is essential.  The cardboard toppers can be created using images, photos, messages, initials... anything.  These touches can make a display so much more special.

My tasters today were Red Velvet (a chocolaty sponge with cream cheese icing), Amaretto (almond flavoured sponge with buttercream and almond flake), and Gluten Free Vegan Vanilla.  These were made using a variety of gluten-free flours, soya milk, Yorkshire rapeseed oil and sugar.  The 'buttercream' was made from vegan margarine, vegetable shortening and icing sugar, and it piped beautifully!  

It was a lovely day and I met some fabulous brides and grooms-to-be.  I look forward to creating something beautiful and personal for them.

Cupcakes.... delivered!

There is a fantastic website which has recently been launched in the UK, which enables you to order a box of cupcakes online and have them delivered to virtually anywhere in the country!

Imagine Interflora for cakes!

The cakes are baked locally by approved bakers and delivered by hand.  No risking cupcakes through the post here - all orders are lovingly delivered to their lucky recipient. 

Their full range can be found at www.directcupcakes.co.uk

Some cakes are just special.....

I was asked to make a cake for a good friend of mine's mum's wedding.  To be asked was an honour, and to make a cake (with such an incredible brief!) for a woman who I have great respect and fondness for was a privilege.  I was so saddened, recently, to hear that she is very unwell and things are not looking well for the future.  To be contributing to her special day, particularly with this context, is quite overwhelming.  

The brief was "a bright rainbow with their names underneath".  A rainbow is often used on children's cakes, so I wanted to make sure that this was bright, but sophisticated.  I really hope they like their surprise cake.  I loved making it.  Though the future may be shorter than they might have anticipated, I am sure it will be filled with love, happiness and life. xx

Roses are red.....

It's impossible to resist the indulgence and pure decadence of these red rose cupcakes.  A light sponge, delicately flavoured with rosé apple cider gives these cheeky cakes a heady aroma, without being too over-powering.  

 

A dozen of these would make an impressive Valentine's gift, without breaking the bank (though a few New Year's resolutions may be have to be broken!)

Baked in polka dot cases for a bit of retro glamour, but why not request them in dark green cases, to enhance the illusion of a bunch of red roses?

I'm in love with these, and luckily for me, I get to keep these!  Though how long they'll survive is another matter entirely!