The Studio at MWE has Arrived!
After months of planning and preparation, the highly-anticipated opening of The Studio at MWE took place on Monday, January 16 in the Marrero Weddings and Events’ Danvers location.
“The formal grand opening celebration will take place closer to the start of wedding season, as we really wanted to launch this new venture using the same approach we exercise in planning our weddings … with minimal fanfare, focusing instead on ensuring its success,” says Paula Marrero, Owner of Marrero Weddings and Events.
The Studio has been on Paula’s “to-do” list for several years. “We felt the need for a full-service, boutique-style wedding planning and design firm which can accomodate the needs of clients onsite for their decor and design elements, tablescape creations and floral options. To date, there has not been a full-service salon which includes adequate resources to meet the needs of couples in so many capacities.” In addition to offering a space where clients can feel comfortable browsing and manipulating the linen and rental options available to them, they also are surrounded by row after row of gorgeous vignettes designed to inspire every member of the family! The Studio’s services are included in the full-service planning package for clients of Marrero Weddings and Events, but is also now available for couples who don’t wish to or perhaps cannot afford to have a planner.
Vendor recommendations are also a vital resource at The Studio. “We receive at least a dozen calls each week asking us if we can just recommend a really good DJ, baker, photographer, etc. so we decided that it was time to develop an interactive space that would allow all couples to benefit from multiple services including vendor referrals, wedding planning guidance and education, and helpful industry tips. All of these services are available to couples, whether they are able to afford or utilize the services of a wedding planner or not.”
“Our years of experience and knowledge of the talent within this industry enable us to expertly pair couples with just the right vendors, and we are proud to offer this service to every couple who requires some assistance in their planning!”
“We have been simply overwhelmed with the number of vendors who wish to partner with us in The Studio, and we are thrilled to be able to support them in return by connecting them with the couples who need them the most.”
If you have recently gotten engaged or if you are in the midst of your planning and wondering how to make the right choice from the countless vendors available to you, contact The Studio today. You will feel your tension ease the moment you step into this beautiful boutique, filled with visually-appealling ideas and samples designed to inspire and excite!
“Over the years I have found that all couples really need is to be educated on their options,” adds Paula, “and having the background that we do allows us to put them at ease immediately, establish the trust so vital in this process and teach them how to make the choices which are perfect for them.”
Consultations at The Studio are by appointment only. Contact The Studio at Marrero Weddings and Events via phone at 978.304.0773 or via email at info@marreroevents.com.
The Wedding Planners
The following excerpts are from the current issue of I Do Magazine …
The rings $$$$ …
The dress $$$$ …
The venue $$$$ …
The peace of mind provided by a nuptial know-it-all? PRICELESS
As soon as the proposal is announced, the barrage of inquiries begin: “Did you set a date?” Have you started planning?” “How many guests?” “Where’s the honeymoon?”
Panic attacks ensue, inevitably gaining momentum with the increasing input – and demands – from the people on the periphery of the festivities.
Her mom has venue “suggestions” (er, expectations). His dad has a “short” guest list (100 people).
Her friends have strong opinions about bridesmaid dresses (in all the wrong colors).
Grandma needs a place to stay (for three weeks).
WHOA!!!!
For some couples, ditching the ceremony and reception idea and neaking off to Las Vegas to elope starts to seem like a rosy option. Such extremes are hardly necessary, however. For many brides and grooms to be, a wedding planner can be just the person to deal with all the meticulous details – and ecessary diplomacy – to pull of the wedding of their dreams.
“A lot of people ask what does a wedding planner do?” says Ana S, a certified professional wedding planner. The answer is, “We can do everything.” ”We can be involved as much or as little as a couple would like. We can help organized, create and execute a very memorable event.”
Wedding planners have been relieving stress and providing guidance for decades, but many people ahve the wrong ideas about them. These images were formed by the likes of Martin Short with that crazy accent as Franck Eggelhoffer in “Father of the Bride,” and Jennifer Lopez with her stash of emergency supplies as Mary Fiore in ”The Wedding Planner.”
“We do have emergency kits like hers, but mine’s in a suitcase,” Paula Marrero says, reminding that in the movie Lopez wore her supplies strapped to her body.
Marrero founded Marrero Weddings and Events in 2005. Prior to that she was an event planner for celebrity chef Todd English and once worked on a wedding with Oprah Winfrey’s personal event designer, Colin Cowie.
“Not every wedding needs a planner,” she points out. In many instances, however, couples do need assistance with one or more aspects of the event. “Some people need help with design. Some people need help setting a timeline. Some people are so stressed due to family issues,” she says. “A wedding planner can be a great asset.”
In general, wedding planners offer several types of packages, each tailored to what a couple needs, though services and fees will vary. “We conduct a pretty comprehensive consultation to make sure it’s right on both sides,” says Marrero. “We don’t take everybody on because that doesn’t benefit anyone.”
Most wedding planners move the getting-to-know you process forward with the help of questionnaires. “It’s mean for you and your fiance to sit down and really think about the things you like,” Marrero explains. “I think people get so intent on planning a wedding, they forget who they are and what they love. You want to make it your life, but just more special for that day.”
And yet, no matter how much a couple prepares, the chance that something can go wrong exists. Marrero’s story of Mother Nature throwing a wrench into the plan involves hurricane Irene.
“We had a 350-person wedding, outside, tented, which didn’t really scare me,” she says, “but an hour or so before the guests were to arrive, the worst rain I’ve ever seen in my life began coming down.”
The tent puckered and two feet of water seeped in, causing the furniture to float.
“It was awful. We took all the chairs and tables and moved them up on a raised dance floor and then ran out to get sump pumps,” she recalls. “It was the worst wedding fo my life, but it ended up going off without a hitch after that and the guests didn’t know what had happened.”
While it’s obvious that wedding planners can help save the day, what’s no so obvious is that they can also save you money.
“People think that having a wedding planner is a luxury they can’t afford. That’s just not true,” Marrero says. “We designed our packages so that you will have an overall savings of the cost of our fee, if not more.”
Ana agrees. “Weddings are really expensive, but a planner can save you money, simply because we know what we’re doing. This is our job.”"
“We’re here to support and guide,” Marrero adds. “It’s about maximizing your day.”
Article by Sarah Ashley Durrell
Marrero Events receives WeddingWire’s Bride’s Choice Award for Third Consecutive Year
BOSTON – January 25, 2012 – Marrero Weddings and Events has received the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Wedding Planning for the third consecutive year in a row. WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding Marketplace, presents this award annually to recognize the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry.
“WeddingWire is pleased to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Marrero Weddings and Events for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”
“We are thrilled to have received this award once again for being one of the best Wedding Planners within the WeddingWire Network,” said Paula Marrero, Owner and accredited Wedding and Event Consultant. “We try so hard each year to keep our weddings fresh and include vibrant components based on the wishes of our clients, and it’s gratifying to be recognized for our efforts.”
WeddingWire is part of a network which includes leading wedding planning sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee, and has quickly become a leader in this industry.
Marrero Weddings and Events is recognized as being in the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewStoreFront?mode=edit&tab=profile.
About Marrero Weddings and Events
Marrero Weddings and Events’s award-winning mix of working with local and long-distance clients, comprehensive understanding of the industry as a whole, and their ability to mix a little fun into an otherwise stressful process is what has catapulted them to becoming Boston’s most preferred wedding planning firm. Marrero Weddings and Events’ perfect blend of talent, experience and resourcefulness enables them to work with their Clients to better serve their needs and allows them to bring their clients’ wedding visions to life! A member of the esteemed Boston Wedding Group, Marrero Weddings and Events is recognized throughout the industry for their professionalism and creative design. To learn more about Marrero Weddings and Events, visit http://www.marreroevents.com, http://www.facebook.com/marreroevents, and via Twitter @marreroevents.
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Introducing … The Studio at MWE
Opening on January 16, 2012, The Studio at MWE, is a truly innovative resource for Couples, designed to inspire, excite & lessen the stress of wedding planning, as well as educate & offer guidance on how to effectively plan your wedding. Couples not only will receive industry tips and suggestions on how to make the most out of their budget, but will also receive unlimited professional vendor referrals.
For years, Marrero Weddings and Events (MWE) has been one of Boston’s busiest wedding consulting firms, assisting Couples in planning the most important day of their lives together. In addition to bringing our Couples’ visions to life, we always strive to ensure our clients are the most educated and knowledgeable, specializing in providing them insight to all of the wonderful resources available to them. We are in this industry because we love what we do, and we enjoy pairing our Clients with others who share the same passion and quality level of service.
The Studio is a beautiful Showroom filled with gorgeous ideas and resources designed to inspire, excite & lessen the stress of wedding planning. We have included items that Couples will be able to touch, feel, smell and see first hand, as
well as a complete library of Vendor videos and portfolios. The Studio will also feature monthly workshops designed to educate and offer guidance on effective wedding planning, and Studio Vendors will have exclusive opportunities to conduct workshops to showcase their services. In addition to the many amenities available to them, Couples will also receive unlimited professional vendor referrals.
The response to The Studio at MWE has been overwhelming, and we plan to launch on January 16, 2012 on the beautiful north shore of Boston. We invite you to learn more about our Services by emailing us at info@marreroevents.com with your name, wedding date and venue, as well as other important information you’d like us to know.
When to send Save the Dates
You finally have your wedding date and it’s time to send those Save the Dates! But not so fast … many couples are anxious to send their Save the Dates to family and friends to announce their upcoming nuptials, but the worst time to send Save the Dates is from November through December 31, when mailboxes are inundated with holiday wishes, commercial bulk mailings, ads, catalogs and countless other pieces of mail that will inevitably be tossed into the trash faster than you can say, ”Yes”!
Plan to send your Save the Dates beginning the second week of January … that way, your special day will receive the attention it deserves! Until then, here are some fun Save the Dates we hope will inspire you!
Contemporary Design by Wedding Paper Divas
Simple elegance by Etsy
This design by Pear Tree Greetings is perfect for a destination wedding
Announce your wedding date to friends and family across the globe with this design featured on Weddingchicks
Share the fun with this whimsical design found on Wedding Elegante
Your Wedding Days includes this Save the Date, dripping in romance
Favorite Boston Wedding Venues
Our Favorite Wedding Venues … Part One
It’s that time of year again when we start to reflect on this season’s past weddings and anticipate the rush of newly-engaged couples who will soon grace us with their fresh ideas and visions for their Wedding Day! That got us to thinking about the many incredible wedding venues we are lucky to be surrounded by, and we would like to share a few of our favorites in hopes that it may be helpful in deciding which may be just right for you!
Fairmont Battery Wharf, Boston, MA … If you are looking for contemporary elegance and sophistication, a waterfront location located steps from the north end of Boston, ample space for up to 125 of your nearest and dearest and quite possibly one of the very best menus around, then you owe it to yourself to visit Ashley Lamy at Fairmont Battery Wharf. From the moment you pull up to this venue, it is clear that attention to guests and detail is paramount to this staff and they will cater to your every whim! From the waterfront ceremony site, to the Skylight Room which is perfect for cocktails to late-night dancing, to the Constitution Room for dinner, to the amazingly decadent restrooms, this hotel will never cease to wow you and your guests, and did we mention how stellar the service is?
Misselwood, Beverly, MA … If you have always dreamed of having your Ceremony on the water, then look no further because it’s literally impossible to get any closer than on the lawn behind Misselwood’s elegant Mansion! Misselwood, on the grounds of Endicott College, is a gracious, elegant Estate that houses an enormous tent complete with chandeliers and a wooden dance floor ideal for cocktail and dinner receptions. The photo opps on the sprawling grounds are sure to offer you breathtaking backdrops, and we have to commend Donna and Claudine, as they are widely known for treating their Couples like royalty! With several inns and hotels moments away, this is a beautiful spot to begin your lives together!
Massachusetts Horticultural Society / Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA … Set back on nearly 30 acres of fields, forests, and formal gardens as well as housing a collection of architectural masterpieces, Elm Bank is a beautiful venue that conjures up images of the grandeur of days gone by. There are countless spots on the sprawling grounds to celebrate your Wedding Day in style, from the Carriage House, which boasts a magnificent vaulted and trussed ceiling and attached three-season tent to the Children’s Garden, ideal for cocktail receptions, to the elegant fountains next to the Main House. With the grounds literally exploding in color and meticulously-maintained gardens, there is very little needed to add to the design and decor. And since your rental fee goes directly toward the ongoing restoration and educational programs that Elm Bank proudly champions, you can feel good that you are giving back.
Boston Public Library, Boston, MA … The “BPL” as it is affectionally known has been one of our favorites since opening its doors to Brides and Grooms looking to wed in a location that is truly unique, elegant and grand! From the marble staircase that greets you, to the spectacular Italianate Courtyard boasting a gorgeous fountain and flawlessly-maintained greenery, to the uniquely different rooms and spaces you have for creating a wedding reception fit for a King (or Queen!). Bates Hall boasts enormously-high ceilings with the marble mezzanine just steps outside the room, and the priceless masterpieces adorning the Abbey Room set an elegant tone for post-dinner dancing! And let’s not forget that since this is, in fact, the Boston Public Library, books and literature abound, setting the tone for a truly intelligent way to begin your life as Husband and Wife!
Peabody Essex Museum, Peabody, MA … The Peabody Essex Museum, or PEM as it is known, has several distinctive spaces available for wedding rental ranging from the beautiful exhibition galleries, the exquisite rare book library, historic buildings noted for their world-class architecture, choice of unique gardens to the sweeping atrium with glass walls and ceilings sure to delight even the most discerning Couple. Located right in the heart of Salem, this venue boasts some of the most intriguing maritime pieces around. Lodging is ultra convenient with many hotels and inns just steps away, making your rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch options limitless. One of our favorites, Natalia Laskaris manages this venue with as much love and care as anyone can!
Laudholm Reserve, Wells, ME … If your dream wedding conjures up images of a setting that’s very private, touches of rustic elegance and deliciously romantic, then Wells Reserve at Laudholm may be just the place! Conveniently located in Wells, Maine, this hidden gem is just moments away from the hustle and bustle of Maine’s busy shopping and dramatic coastline, but once you enter the private drive for the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, you feel as though you are a million miles away. Since this venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, your fees help to preserve and protect the Wells Reserve, and when you rent Wells Reserve at Laudholm for a Saturday wedding, it’s yours from 12:30 pm Friday through 3:00 pm Sunday. Host a Friday rehearsal dinner and a Sunday post-wedding brunch for no additional rental fees! Laudholm boasts a variety of unique settings from the expansive lawns of Laudholm Farm to one of southern Maine’s most beautifully restored barns. Completely tranquil, this venue also offers limitless photo ops for you and your guests. And if you can’t tell by now, it’s one of our very favorite venues of all time.
The Lyman Estate, Waltham, MA … The Lyman Estate, also known as The Vale, was built in 1793 by wealthy shipping magnate Theodore Lyman. Originally used as a summer home, the Federal-style mansion was designed by renowned Salem architect Samuel McIntire and remained in the Lyman family until 1952, when the five Lyman heirs donated it to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, now Historic New England. The property is now a National Historic Landmark and provides a magnificent backdrop for weddings and special events. The property has indoor and outdoor areas that offer maximum flexibility for your wedding and seven rooms are available for your use: The oval parlor with its original, hand-carved woodwork; a dramatic Victorian library; the east parlor and the dining room, where light streams in through bay windows; the ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers, classical columns, and marble fireplace. A grand staircase with a Palladian window provides a perfect spot for photographs. On the second floor, there are two beautifully furnished changing rooms. Your rental gives you exclusive use of the mansion and the grounds. In fact, think of the Lyman Estate as your private estate for the day.
The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA … We’d be remiss to leave off one of the timepieces of the beautiful north shore of Boston, the Crane Estate. This grand Estate houses up to 170 guests inside the Main House and up to 250 tented on the grounds for a wedding to remember! The pristine grounds, surrounded by unparalleled views of the ocean, accommodate wedding ceremonies and offer settings for some of the most gorgeous photos we have ever seen. Adjacent to the property is Steep Hill Beach, a rustic beach-front location that is idyllic for beach parties or rehearsal clambakes! The sprawling back lawn known as the Grand Allee, promises to welcome each and every one of your wedding guests in old world style!
Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA … Commanding a magnificent view of the Atlantic waterfront, this luxury hotel takes pride in offering Couples a distinctive and memorable setting for Boston weddings and special occasions of all types. Their event facilities are equipped to accommodate dream weddings for 300 as gracefully as private luncheons and showers for 20 so you know you can’t go wrong with any of these waterfront rooms. Your guests will receive the highest level of personal service and savor four-star cuisine while gazing at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s famous architectural arch and enjoying breathtaking harbor views.
Sree and Megan | Seaport Hotel
Megan and Sree contacted me in early 2011 and admitted they needed help with planning their elaborate, three-day wedding celebration consisting of Indian and American cultures. From the moment I met them, I immediately liked them and I’ll tell you why … their smiles. Megan has the most genuine, beautiful and heartfelt smile and Sree, who tried to put up a strong front and not let emotion dictate their decision, also had a warmth about him that was hard to miss. Considering the countless details involved in planning an Indian wedding ceremony and reception, this couple never once disappointed me with their lightning-fast response time, ability to make a well-thought-out decision together, while never once forgetting the reason that they were doing this … because they truly love and adore each other. As you will see from the photos below, it’s clearly evident the love that they have for each other, and when you watch the video which highlights their day, I dare you not to smile while watching it!
Although the vendors who so expertly worked in sync on this beautiful wedding were among the best Boston has to offer, there is no doubt in my mind that the Bride and Groom made all of our jobs a bit easier just by being who they are. The vibrant colors of their day really made for a sensational backdrop. Sree and Megan, I can honestly say that I miss speaking with you each day, and I wish you only love, happiness and cuddly memories as you begin your lives together. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your exceptional journey!
View the sensational highlight video by Long Haul Films by clicking here and get ready to fall in love with Megan and Sree.
A gorgeous blend of different colored petals symbolized the two cultures coming together as one.
DJ Yogz had everyone up and dancing as Sree made his way to Megan, who anxiously waited at the Seaport Hotel
Very few people realize how many times a couple will change their clothing on wedding day, and the time
constraints that are involved with each. Megan and Sree made it all look very easy!
Wedding Planner: Marrero Events
Venue: Seaport Hotel
Catering: Masala-Art
Videography: Long Haul Films
Floral Design: Mimosa Style
Hair: Wedding Tresses
Makeup: Rachel’s Makeup
DJ: DJ Yogz
Cake: Icing on the Cake
Fenway Park Weddings!
Most people I surround myself with happen to know that I have two true loves of my life … my adorable, ridiculously-smart, karate-loving son, Julian and my equally-as-adorable and always-happy-to-see-me yellow lab, Sophie! But come April, there is one more addition to this list … the Red Sox! There is truly nothing that can replace the sights, sounds and smells of Yawkey Way on Opening Day, coupled with the roar of the fans as our Boys of Summer make that first run onto the field! Combine this with the fact that Weddings at Fenway Park are now more popular than ever, and we’ve got ourselves a game!!
Boston has, if nothing else, some of the most loyal and die-hard baseball fans in the country so it’s no wonder that so many couples are choosing to say their I Do’s at Fenway Park! With that said, here are some fantastic ways you can show your love for the game while celebrating your Wedding Day with grace and style!
Combining a bit of fun with an elegant floral piece makes this centerpiece a perfect focal point for guest tables.
Use creative ways to incorporate your theme into your escort cards, table names and candy station!
Personalized pens in Red Sox colors are a fun favor and make signing the guest book easier!
Wedding Gift Registry
For some, registering for their wedding and shower gifts is one of the most exciting times during an engagement. For others, it can be a source of extreme anxiety and stress. Many couples feel uncomfortable with the concept of registering for a variety of gifts to receive from their family, friends and co-workers. For most wedding guests, a Registry provides a resource for ideas as to what the couple may need or want, while at the same time alleviating the need to “guess” and randomly choose an item or style on their own. Couples have often come to me and said, “We don’t feel appropriate registering for gifts; it makes it seem like our guests must buy us something”. Quite the contrary. Since 90% of wedding guests will indeed either give a gift for either the bridal shower or the wedding, think of it this way … you can either provide resources which will indicate your ideal choices, your personal style and your needs OR guests will simply make these choices on their own, and I have seen many couples disappointed in receiving a random item from a distant relative who knows virtually nothing as to the couple’s wishes, style or way of life. In my opinion, it makes much more sense for a couple to create a registry in an effort to aid guests as they attempt to choose the right gift for you as you begin your life together.
Some Gift Registry Do’s and Don’ts
DO … Think carefully about your registry. If you’re not the type to throw elaborate dinner parties very often, consider registering for a simple china pattern that you can use every day, rather than a fancy design you’ll never use.
DO … Research before you go registry shopping! Even if you register online, visit stores to look at items in person before choosing them. You’ll save time, energy and possible shipping or restocking charges by making sure you like what you pick.
DO … Choose items in a variety of price ranges. Be considerate of your guests’ varying budget limitations, and plan your registry accordingly. Most registeries will keep you up to date on what has been purchased, so you can add more items if necessary. Some vendors even allow your guests to contribute towards a larger, group gift.
DO … Consider registering at stores that will ship the items directly to your house if you are getting married out of state. No one wants to even think of the logistics involved with shipping all gifts back to your home, let alone even considering the thought of travelling with them!
DON’T … Register for gadgets you don’t need. Focus on things you’ll use and enjoy, not things you think you should have.
DON’T … Include your registry details on your wedding invitations. Spread the word about where you’re registered through friends, family and your wedding website. Your website is an ideal forum to provide additional details such as your registry for the ease and convenience of your guests.
DON’T be afraid to register for cash … that’s right … cash! Most people understand how limited couples are these days with their finances, and there are now polite ways to go about registering for almost anything, including money and even help towards paying for your honeymoon. Sites like Our Wishing Well and Honeyfund are very popular in helping Couples request what they would like and need most!
DO remember that this is a very special time in your lives, and no matter what you do, make sure you have fun!
Talking Cakes with Cakes For Occasions
We were thrilled to recently meet with Kelly Delaney of Cakes for Occasions, located in Danvers, Massachusetts to learn more about this powerhouse who created one of the largest, most successful Wedding Cake bakeries out there.
How did you get started in this business?
After graduating from Culinary school at The Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland and the Cordon Bleu in London, I worked at the Ritz Carlton in Boston. Prior to my leaving the Ritz Carlton, I was the exclusive wedding cake decorator.
When did you know this was your calling?
I was never much a ‘scholar’ but I was a damn good doodler. After years of working in bakeries as a child & young adult, I decided that the field of culinary was more my speed.
How many wedding-related Cakes do you create annually?
We create close to 700 wedding cakes a year as well as thousands of wedding-related cakes, such as engagement cakes, shower cakes and grooms cakes.
What do you think is the reason for your success?
Our success is largely due to the fact that we are a custom design cake shop that uses the finest and freshest ingredients available. We have a dedicated staff who truly enjoy working with customers to create the cake of their dreams as well as a team of experts that take pride in the cakes that they bake and decorate.
What do you do that sets you apart from other cake and dessert sources?
What sets us apart is our dedication and devotion to all of our customers. You will not find another ‘bakery’ or ‘cake shop’ that enjoy coming to work each day and working in a fun and challenging environment and I think this level of professionalism travels out to the customer and they realize that we all strive to give the “WOW” factor. We are also a nut free bakery, which gives us a huge advantage over other bakeries.
What are the hot trends in flavors right now?
The ‘island flavors’ such as key lime, coconut and rum are very popular. It makes since in a wedding cake, since when bride and grooms come in for their cake tasting, their honeymoon is always in the back of their mind and the cake is a great place to bring it out.
Can Brides save money by offering a “dummy” cake vs. a real one? What are your thoughts on this?
We don’t offer ‘dummy cakes’ vs real wedding cakes as an option. To be honest with you, the most challenging part in a wedding cake is decorating a wedding cake and the ‘fake’ ingredients that are out there are actually more difficult to use that the real frosting. IF you are considering using a dummy wedding cake because of the cost of a real wedding cake, my recommendation is to order a smaller 3 tier or even 2 tiered cake and order a ‘backup’ cake. This will defiantly help keep the cost of your wedding cake down.
When you prepare cakes for a photo shoot, do you prepare more than one cake?
Absolutely, we try to utilize the time of a professional photographer the best we can. When it comes time for our scheduled photo shoot, we will also create additional wedding cakes to be photographed as well as custom designed cakes to be photographed. Nothing is more appetizing than a photo from a professional photographer.
What has been your favorite cake of all time?
Over the past 15 years, there have been many, many favorite cakes of mine. There are
many that stand out, but I would have to say one of my favorite ones was a winter themed wedding (mid January). The bride supplied us with a gorgeous tree trunk to use as a cake stand. We then frosted a 3 tier round cake with white fondant and painted on vodka infused vanilla bean. The vodka evaporated over time and left behind tiny black spots that sparkled in the light. We then garnished the cake with tiny tree branches and beautiful birds. IT WAS PERFECT.
What is a common misconception in the Sweets industry?
A lot of people think that cakes have to be baked, decorated and eaten with in 48 hours or it is stale. It is quite the opposite. The best thing to do when you are making a cake is to bake it one day, let it cool and rest (let it fall back onto itself) then fill the cake the next day and chill. On the third day, to stack the cakes on top of each other and on the 4th day to decorate it. You want each process to be solid. You want to make sure that the cakes ‘settle’ prior to decorating, this will avoid cracks.
What is your most memorable moment in this profession?
My most memorable moment was actually when my professional life and personal life collided and I realized that I can have my cake and eat it too. We were on the “TODAY SHOW” on NBC in 2004. America chose our cake for the destination wedding they were having on Anguilla island in the Caribbean. I did not mention to NBC that I was in fact 8 months pregnant at the time when they called (I didn’t think it was relevant). When we won, we needed to be in Anguilla on November 19th for the wedding, well I was scheduled for a C-Section on November 18th. I choose one of my dedicated and qualified staff members to travel to Anguilla and create the cake for the TODAY show. It was absolutely amazing for me to be lying in a hospital bed holding a brand new baby girl while my business was on National TV. That is when I realized that I have a successful business that can operate with or with out me as long as I am there giving the proper guidance and support. It was truly remarkable!
What is the most expensive cake you have ever created?
We have maxed out at $1500 on a wedding cake. The bride requested a 5 tiered cake, covered with champagne colored fondant. We draped matching fondant drapes around the cake and adorned it with beautiful sugared roses. It was exquisite.
Do you have a “dream” cake that you would love to create some day?
Oh boy, that’s a tough question to answer. I am constantly blown away each week with the wedding cakes and custom designed cakes my staff makes that I often say to myself “I would never have dreamed we could do something so beautiful”. Each week we raise the bar to what we can accomplish. My dream is to have our cakes Nationally recognized and have multiple stores so we can create the cake of our customers’ dreams!
How far in advance should a Bride and Groom book you for their wedding?
We recommend 3- 9 months prior to the wedding date.
What can Brides and Grooms do to prepare themselves before meeting with you for the first time?
Our recommendation is to search the internet for images of wedding cakes that they like. They should start a folder on cakes. They can separate it by the ‘size’ and the shape. I recommend even separating it by the smallest detail of the cakes that they like. If it is the border on one cake that they like yet the design on the other cake that they like.
What is the largest, most challenging cake you have had to create?
The most challenging cake we did for a wedding was actually ‘mini’ wedding cakes as center pieces for a wedding. Instead of a large display wedding cake, the bride chose to have us make mini 2 tiered cakes as the centerpieces for the tables in the wedding (she decided against flowers as a centerpiece). We did 20 beautiful 2 tiered round cakes that each served 10 people. The cakes were garnished with edible burgundy dahlias made out of buttercream. The challenge was when we arrived at the reception site, the AC was broken and it was mid September (which can still be very warm here in the Boston area). We worked and worked like hell to make those buttercream dahlias stay on the cake. After about 1 hour of no relief and no AC, we needed to switch gears and come up with plan B. Plan B was use sugared roses (which do not melt in heat) and paint them quickly with Burgundy food coloring…if you could have seen our hands at the end, I had burgundy food coloring under my nails for days!! All in all, the bride was extremely happy (hot but happy). All that mattered was that she had beautiful cakes as centerpieces and the burgundy color was very important. (it turned out too, that she changed the flowers in her bridesmaids bouquet from Burgundy dahlias to Burgundy roses 4 days prior to the wedding because the florist was unable to get the dahlias…if we only had that information 24 hours prior, our experience would be completely different!)
What is your most popular cake/combination of flavors?
Our most popular cake, hands down, is our Opera Cake. It is a chocolate cake, soaked with coffee and filled with a chocolate ganache and a layer of mocha buttercream and then frosted with a vanilla buttercream.
What tier of the cake should couples cut into during their cake cutting?
We recommend cutting the bottom layer, it allows the cake to be more stable.
Do you eat cake?
The only kind of cake I eat is Ice Cream Cake …YUM!
What is your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is Ice Cream!
What can we expect in the future from Cakes for Occasions?
What I hope you can expect from us is an expanded menu offering additional ‘allergenic’ cakes options such as an extended gluten free line, soy free line, sugar free line as well as a fat free line. We also have plans for expansion in the future, so stay tuned for that!
If you weren’t creating stunning works of edible art, what would you be doing as a profession?
I don’t know! I don’t see myself doing anything else besides being behind the wheel of this fantastic, creative and fun company! In the future, I would like to see myself branching off to help other young, energetic and inspiring entrepreneurs’ and help them navigate through the sea of business!
We invite you to experience Cakes For Occasions yourself by visiting their Bakery, located at 57 Elm Street in Danvers and by following them on Facebook by clicking here.
