What is your most memorable wedding?
A romantic, intimate wedding in a fairy tale castle on a little island in Enniskillen, where the cake had a gorgeous botanical feel with handmade sugar roses trailing around the tiers, made to match those in the Bride's bouquet. The period setting was just perfect and the staff were so helpful and friendly.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Elegant, stylish, floral, bespoke and handmade.
What about your business are you most proud of?
That has definitely got to be my handmade sugar flowers, they do take many days to make, but they set the cake off, make it really special and everyone thinks they are real.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Just enjoy the whole experience, we are here to advise you and make your special day a truly memorable one.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
It would be the little personal touches where the couples pets are included, like the ring bearer who was a much loved spaniel, or a small figure of a favourite black cat, Jess, hidden at the back of the wedding cake where only the Bride and Groom could see.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I meet with the couple for an initial complimentary Tasting and Consultation where they can choose their favourite flavours, discuss their ideas and current trends and see examples of my work. If they like what they see and taste then a deposit will secure their date. About six month before their wedding they will then return, complete with dress images, colour swatches, flower details etc.... and then we have fun finalising a bespoke cake design. It is all in the very relaxed setting of my home offering a personal service from initial consultation to the final delivery and set-up.
What is your signature cake?
Design wise it has got to be any cake with sugar flowers and flavour wise... well everyone loves the Orange blossom and pistachio.
What is the most original creation you have baked for a wedding?
Probably the vintage style tower of cupcakes, overflowing with blossoms and topped of with a cutting cake that had a dusky pink teapot and little sugar paste cups and saucers sitting on an edible tray, complete with mini cupcakes.
Describe how you got into making wedding cakes.
I have always loved baking, from a little girl, and worked as a pastry chef, at home and abroad, for 25 years after leaving college. While working in Bermuda I entered the yearly catering competitions and was thrilled to have won several gold, and silver medals and trophies. A fantastic competition full of amazing chefs. It wasn't until I had raised my family and turned fifty that I started making wedding cakes from home, and haven't looked back. So I guess would you say a mid-life-crisis... :-)
