Monday, December 19, 2011
As we close out the year, we'd like to reflect and share our Favorite Cakes of 2011. The cakes below were submitted by the Ashley's Bride Guide staff and participating members of the Nashville bridal community. We hope you have fun taking a glimpse back at the year too!
1) Sugar flowers
If you've ever tried to frost a cake, you know that it takes an extremely skilled, steady hand to achieve just a swirl on top of a cupcake, nevermind intricate details like lace or beading. These cakes by Signature Cakes by Vicki are just two examples of years of experience - Sugar flowers that look like real flowrers, frosting that looks like real lace. Stunning.
Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki; Photo: Twine + Twig Studios.; Loved by: Music City Events (left) I Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki; Photo: Gray Photography (right)
2) Beautiful details
My personal favorite of all is the carousel cake by Signature Cakes By Vicki. I'm not sure how I'd eat this cake, I'll bet I would find a way but just to have it to look at would be enough for me. And would you believe the detailing on the cake with the pink flowers?
Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki; Photo: ABG; Loved by: Tabitha of ABG
3) Sweet style
Rhonda Patton, a woman with exquisite taste and a great eye for wedding design, sent us this beautiful tower of a cake by Crumb de la Crumb. "I just adored this cake! It's so stylish!!" Rhonda told us. I'm inclined to agree - that's the kind of cake that makes people go "wow!"
Cake: Crumb de la Crumb; Photo: Roland's Photography; Submitted by: Rhonda Patton Weddings and Events
4) Top that
Emily of Simply Yours Weddings has a knack for finding the cutest, quirkiest brides with really fun taste. This cupcake tower from Amanda and John's wedding has a lovely cake top.
Cake: The Bake Shoppe; Cupcakes: Gigi's Cupcakes; Photo by A New Heart Photography; Loved by: Simply Yours Weddings
5) Game for love
This next cake was sent to us by Music City Events. The top Apples to Apples tier is an actual cake made by Cupcake Collection to celebrate the fact that the groom proposed to the bride using a board game! How awesome is that? I do agree, this one's a favorite.
Cake: The Cupcake Collection; Photo: Jonathon Campbell Photography; Loved by: Music City Events
6) Cascading flowers
The cake below was a show-stopper at a Love Boat wedding that we featured earlier this year. It is by the renowned wedding cake baker Sylvia Weinstock and is one of Megan's (ABG blogger) favorites.
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock ; Photo: Jonathon Campbell Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
7) Cupcake glam
Fellow ABG blogger Sara loves the idea of using Crumbteenies by Crumb de la Crumb for weddings instead of just cake. These are so cute!
Cupcake + Photo: Crumb de la Crumb; Loved by: Sara of ABG
8) Wild wedding
A lot of our favorites from this year weren't your typical cakes, like this cake topper from Kate and Justin's zoo-inspired wedding, even though it's such a simple design.
Cake: Rebecca's Wedding Cake Design; Photo: Krista Lee Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
9) Mini-us
When Sara got married, we LOVED her super cute cake topper and edible penguin. See more from her wedding here.
Cake: Sweet G Treats; Photo: Betsy Limbaugh Photography; Loved by: ABG team
10) Get stitched
We saw some great cakes at bridal shows this year and simply can't leave them out. This first one was by The Bake Shoppe - I love the stitch pattern and the buttons they made. This is a great cake for crafty brides!
Cake: The Bake Shoppe; Photo: ABG; Loved by: Tabitha of ABG
11) Mid-summer's night
When a cake designer's son weds, you expect nothing less than a fabulous cake! And, that's what we got. Take a look at one of our favorite groom's cakes. This is not one cake but several 3-D cakes in the couple's Shakespearean theme.
Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki; Photo: Chris Weaver Studio; Loved by: Ashley of ABG
12) Jack, the Tennessee tradition
The Jack Daniel's cake from this featured wedding blew us all away.
Cake: The Bake Shoppe; Photo: Myrick Studios; Loved by: Ashley of ABG
We're excited to see what 2012 trends bring us with cake design. Do you have any favorites of your own? Tell us what they are in comments or on our Facebook Page, we'd love to see them. Join us tomorrow for another roundup of our favorite things from 2011!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Today's Guest Blogger: Wedding Planner Amy Thomas of Swizzle Events
Cake. When you think of weddings, the cake is often a top runner in the list of planning priorities. Think about it. You serve it at engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding luncheons, the reception (of course), and sometimes at the rehearsal dinner. It’s a wedding icon.
Not long ago, I discovered a little bakery gem that has quickly become one of my favorites. If you enjoy eating cake, then you must give them a try! As an event planner, I taste a lot of cake. Seriously, A LOT of cake. And, Nothing Bundt Cakes serves up a delicious cake that is worthy of your next special occasion.
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Just as the name implies, they only bake bundt cakes. You can choose from 10 delicious flavors and my personal favorites are chocolate chocolate chip, white-white chocolate, and lemon. And, pumpkin spice is also pretty awesome, but it will only be here for a limited time since it’s a Flavor of the Month. (Ok, true confession, I have tried all 10 flavors and there’s not a bad one in the bunch.)
Each cake is topped with thick petals of delicious cream cheese frosting that is the perfect balance for every flavor. I especially like the Drizzle frosting since it has a more delicate design.
Besides traditional bundt cakes, you can order Bundtlets that are perfect individual servings, or Bundtinis for a delicious bite-sized treat. Imagine a tiered bundt cake surrounded by a sea of bundtinis on your dessert table. No need to choose just one flavor! Pick all of your favorites and give your guests an array of deliciousness. They’d also make a perfect addition to your bridal shower or bridesmaids luncheon. Maybe even give them as a favor dressed up in a cute little bakery box!
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Posted by Swizzle Events |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
If you have attended a Nashville bridal show (as an engaged couple or wedding pro) you have probably enjoyed a cake sample (or five, in my case) from Signature Cakes by Vicki. They're the mini cupcake samples with just the right amount of topping for a one-bite treat that gives you a great idea of just how good their cakes are. Well, they've scaled things down a little (not mini cupcakes though) for the holiday season and they're offering holiday dessert cakes that will feed up to 50 people, in their delicious flavors we already know and love.
This really is the most wonderful time of the year and to me, Thanksgiving is but a warm up for the feast of sweets and treats that the holidays tend to bring. You can keep your pumpkin spice lattes and pies, there is nothing that says holiday cheer like good old fashioned cake. And, who better to spread such cheer than Signature Cakes by Vicki? Here's how you can order yours!
Starting right now, Vicki and her team are taking orders via email or, if you have any questions, call them and let them know we sent you. If you're not picky when it comes to flavors, you can get one pretty quickly (one week) but for special flavors and orders please allow more time.
Why order a cake? Easy - it's stress free and taste fantastic. These dessert cakes are great to bring to a party, to have if you're hosting one or if you'd just like to give someone a tasty gift for the season. Flavors include strawberry, caramel with butterscotch (perfect for this time of year), white chocolate, chocolate and spice which is a buttermilk spice with cinnamon and allspice and the great flavors that conjur up the holidays.
Each 12-inch cake is $99 and a little extra if you want more personalized flavors. Again, allow no less than one week for your order for basic flavors (pictured, chocolate not shown) and more time for specialty flavors which include Signature Cake's margarita or key lime or banana cream. But trust me when I say the strawberry is amazing (real, pureed strawberries!) and you can't go wrong with the caramel. All the cakes come with the buttercream frosting and filling, with extra costs for ganache and any decorations. For more of their flavors click here.
Signature Cakes By Vicki's dessert and holiday cakes are a great way for you to sample her work in case you're still looking for a baker for your wedding. Her cakes are fluffy and have a great texture and taste. The same level of work is put into these cakes as is expended on the wedding cakes they make so you can expect the same great quality, just in a smaller size, just in time for the holidays.
Order your cakes soon, and be sure to mention that you heard about them from ABG! Visit their website at SignatureCakesByVicki.com.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering, Contests, Giveaways, Specials, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Monday, November 21, 2011
Main Event Productions recently ran a series that offered great advice for planning your Nashville wedding. If anyone should know what to ask, it would be them. With 4 companies under one roof - including The Bake Shoppe, Legacy Farms, Events@1418 and A Catered Affair, they know the questions that every bride should ask as she hires wedding professionals. From cakes to catering, their blog provide such great information for brides that we decided to share them here!
Here's what they have covered so far. Follow the links to read more.
1. How to Select Your Wedding Venue
After the date, the guest list, and the budget are set, the first big vendor to choose is your location. Where will you get married? There are many factors to consider, read through the post to make sure you cover all of your bases! And check out our venue list for some options to consider. Click here for their advice for selecting your wedding venue.
Winter Wonderland wedding inspiration at Legacy Farms in their Main Event Hall. Photo: Ace Photography
2. How to Select a Wedding Coordinator
Whether you are looking to hire a day-of-coordinator or someone to walk you through the whole process, it is important to have someone to bounce your ideas off of and take care of the essentials during your wedding day. Remember, you will be in your wedding dress and saying your vows, unable to take care of any behind the scenes issues or set up! Check out our list of planners, but the blog list is to help you find someone compatible, who will assist in making your dreams come true, and will always stay within your budget. Click here for their advice on selecting a wedding coordinator.
Emily of Simply Yours Weddings. Photo: Matt Andrews Photography
3. What to Ask Your Cake Artist
Yes it tastes great but what else is important? See the 20+ questions you should ask bakers when deciding who will design your wedding cake! And head over to see the great bakers we have listed.
Cakes by The Bake Shoppe at the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show.
4. What to Ask Your Caterer
Advice from Main Event Productions can help you stay within your budget, since your caterer will consist of a large portion of your wedding cost. It's important to understand exactly what they can provide your guests, what their costs includes, and so much more. Click here to learn more about wedding catering. We do love food and have a collection of caterers to choose from.
Hors d'oeuvres by A Catered Affair. Photo: Donald Yeager Photography
Thanks to Main Event Productions for providing brides with such great information!
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Cakes & Catering, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
Hi All!
Ashley Currie again, founder of iHospitality and now a girl with a growing love for blogging, cheesy but so true.
Okay, as you are starting to notice, green is not only about treehuggers and Birkenstocks. It is truly about supporting local, making a conscience effort to pay attention to your total lifestyle and the choices you make. This is my little motto I try to incorporate daily plus a great segue into my post for this month. I wanted to provide a genuine look into the life of a green caterer and show why and how easy it is to incorporate this style of catering into your wedding day.
Kindy Girdley is the owner of The Chic Pea Catering Company. She was raised in Indiana and had a family farm in Kentucky allowing her first dibs on great free-range beef and more. Her childhood really nurtured her love of cooking and she boasts her dad as teaching her everything she knows. Kindy became a vegetarian over 13 years ago, as her mom was diagnosed with colon cancer leading her to realize meat was not the key to survival. This realization, along with her love of food, is the foundation for The Chic Pea Catering Company. Her seasonal menus offer vegan, gluten-free and locally grown ingredients. Kindy’s catering gives you a dose of simple flair, tasty food and green living all wrapped into one for your big day. Check out what you can expect if you go green with Kindy for your big day menu.
Impressive Seasonal Menu:
Kindy personally works with each of her clients to create a menu full of the freshest ingredients, bold flavors and healthy undertones.
Sample seasonal menus you need in your life plus a handy legend for the "green" newbies out there (wf=wheat-free, gf=gluten-free, sf=soy-free, vg=vegetarian, v=vegan, suf=sugar-free, df=dairy-free).
For the Vegan:
Polenta Cakes with Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese & Honey (wf) (gf) (sf) (vg)
Port Poached Figs Wrapped, Stuffed with Goat Cheese (wf) (gf) (sf) (df)
Mushroom Puff Pastries (vg) (sf) (suf)
Veggie Pate (v) (wf) (gf) (sf) with Rosemary Crackers (v) (sf) (suf)
Alfalfa & Spinach (wf) (sf) (gf)
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Sage Butter (vg) (sf) (suf)
Steamed Broccoli, Garlic & Cranberries (v) (wf) (gf) (sf)
roasted potatoes
For the Carnivore:
Sweet & Spicy Meatballs (vegetarian, beef, lamb, chicken or turkey) (df)
Assorted Cheese & Platter (wf) (sf) (gf) (suf) (vg)
Stuffed Grape Leaves (wf) (gf) (sf) (df) (v)
Roasted Red Pepper & Feta with Toasted Crostini & Vegetables (wf) (gf) (sf) (vg)
Warm Mediterranean Lentil Salad (wf) (gf) (vg) (sf) (suf)
Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Chicken (gf) (sf) (df) (wf)
Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes (v) (wf) (sf) (gf)
lentils - left; lemon roasted chicken - right
Locally Grown Ingredients:
Once you have finalized your big day meal, Kindy will submit her orders to her local farmers along with a usual trip to the Farmer’s Market. Many times, her famer’s will personally hand deliver her orders or provide via a designated CSA (community supported agriculture) location. Some of the local farms Kindy works with are: Delvin Farms, Bountiful Blessings, Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, Drew Brews, and Lazaroli’s Pasta.
Locally grown ingredients are a true stimulus for your community’s economy. It gives people a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing where their food came from and who produced it.
A Caterer Who Cares:
It may sound cliché, however Kindy is passionate about food and the clients she serves. Her green lifestyle is not just for show and you can see this through the dishes she prepares. Many times caterers are looking to "go green" for the sake of marketing and not truly embracing what it actually means. I asked Kindy, what are a few tips she would recommend to brides looking for green catering options and she stated "do your research, ask for references and the vendors they use. Be very specific about what you are wanting and be involved with the process so you know things are being done responsibly."
Kindy is truly a caterer after my own heart and is not stopping at The Chic Pea Catering Company. She will be opening up Thrive Kitchen with Melissa Brown near downtown Nashville. It will boast a cafe, meal delivery service and cooking school. You can follow Thrive Kitchen as it progresses via The Chic Pea Catering Company Blog
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Posted by Green Nashville Weds |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering, Eco-Friendly Weddings
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