Southern Inspired Cake Tasting + Wedding Workshop Photos

On Saturday September 13th I hosted my first Wedding Workshop and Tasting.  I invited a few of my "Dream Wedding Team" vendors and friends and a few new Brides-to-be.  When you work from your home, the challenge to transform the space into a wedding or event venue becomes more difficult.  But, with some teamwork, we pulled it off (my team was my wonderful husband).  It also doesn't hurt to have an amazingly talented florist (Ivy Weezner) by your side, and a rental company (Y-Knot Party Rental) with beautiful tableware to make everything sparkle! Kelly Beeby,  from La Tavola Linens of Scottsdale,brought me the most beautiful linens for the welcome table, sweetheart table, and late night buffet.  Molly Marie of Love Story Films, and Julie Read from Juju's Tutus rounded out the "Dream Team" list of special ladies.  Molly made everyone, including me, tear-up with her touching wedding video.  Julie looked absolutely angelic in the Serendipity Skirt from her newest collection, and shared tips to make the littlest members of any bridal party feel really special.  As always, a very special thanks to my very dear friend, Diana Elizabeth Steffan, once again, for making everything I do look so beautiful in photos

A beautiful yellow and grey linen provided by La Tavola Linen graced the Welcome Table

 I chose a blue color scheme for this event, 2015 promises to be inspired by the color blue, in all shades and  forms.  My adorable LOVE flower vase greeted everyone at the front door with sprigs of blue flowers.  It is a luster champagne color that blends with every color palette, always one of my favorite little touches.

Sweet Southern Inspired Dessert Table

The Pure Elegance Backdrop has been covered in a gorgeous satin finish caramel taffeta fabric and topped with a Swiss Dot Vintage white lace and hung with gold finished mirrors and sconces.  The sconces are from my personal collection, French antiques purchased specifically for this backdrop.

Sweet Southern Inspired Dessert Table with Pure Elegance Backdrop

The white linen on the table is made up of yards and yards of white chiffon.  Romantic and flowing just like the blush color from a few years ago, I just love the delicate feeling of this fabric.  I've been saving this white lace and beaded border for a special table, and this was the perfect occasion.

Southern Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

 I've been developing some new flavors in both Gluten Free and Non-Gluten Free flavors........Peach Mojito, features Rum infused Vanilla Bean Cake with fresh peaches, Peach emulsion and mint Butter Cream topped with a sprig of fresh mint.

Bourbon infused Vanilla Bean Cake with Blackberry Butter cream , Blackberry Syrup Reduction and Fresh Lime Curd (my favorite)

 Double Chocolate Toffee Crunch with Dark Chocolate Ganache Filling

 The cake....is one of my favorites, simple, sophisticated and wrapped in plant-dyed silk ribbon.  The pale blue color of the sugar flowers took me HOURS to get just the right shade of blue.  Not too pink, not too grey, to compliment the beautiful, natural color of the blueberries, and the ribbon.  In the end, I loved it, even though the color blue has never been one of my favorites, this one is really growing on me.

The antique gold finished tier was brushed with several different luster finishes to achieve just the right tone, trying to match the finish on the various mirrors and sconces.

 The cake stand is White Italian Marble with vintage crystal and gold "ball 'n claw" feet, originally from  a vintage furniture piece.  The stand, as well as the backdrop and all props are available for rent.

 The blackberries featured on the cake are sugar, and one of my favorite little touches, dark grey sugar pearls!  The ribbon is a new find from Silk and Willow, plant dyed silk ribbon, vintage-look, and such a find, they are my new obsession.

 Vintage French Scones

 The large silver vases and cake stands are part of the Angela Saban Design Decor Collection and are available for rent with a Floral Decor Package.

Place settings by Y-Knot Party Rentals.  Special thanks to Christine Young for joining the party, educating guests about all the gorgeous rentals available including the gold flatware and vintage-look chargers.  The pale blue hydrangea linen from La Tavola Linens paired perfectly with Magnolia blooms. Kelly Beeby absolutely reads my mind every time I visit the Scottsdale showroom, it's like she reads my mind!

 Dessert Taco Late Night Station with Lemon Curd and fresh strawberries, Red Velvet  and Cream Cheese Cake Shooters.  Gold Chevron table runner from La Tavola Linens.  Thanks to Kelly again!

 I picked up the YUM letters at Micheals, they are ivory leather-look and so cute!  All props and stands are available for rent as well..

 Blue thistles in the adorable bride's maids bouquet.

 Jamila Watson, the mastermind behind Parties on Purpose  shared some ingenious ideas for bridal showers, including this collection of "Favorite Things".  Such a brilliant theme, a collection of a bride's favorites as gifts for her guests.

Jamila shared a few of her recent parties and themes. 

This workshop was SO much fun, and worth every minute.  The brides had fun, the vendors networked and made some great new connections, and most of all, I was able to share my inspiration for the upcoming wedding season.  My heartfelt thanks goes out to every one of you!