To me it’s a sneaker cake.  I’ve made it before, I’ll likely make it again.  When I repeat cakes its easy to get a little jaded.  Sneaker cakes are very popular and it’s one I’m very comfortable making.

 To Deshwan and his family this was more than just a sneaker cake.   Remember, I make memories, (delicious ones at that)  and  just in case I had forgotten this for a moment, I was quickly reminded.  Deshawn and his family had been planning this party for his younger brother who was newly engaged and moving to California.   So many emotions wrapped up in the event, and a lot of that was transferred into the cake.  They wanted it to be just right, to be something he would love, and his sneaker collection was the inspiration.   Since it was a going away party, I suggested adding some edible photos to the display that made it more personal.   The idea excited Deshawn and he started sending me tons of photos.  I work hard on every cake I make, but I feel a deep sense of privilege and obligation when I’m acutely aware that what I’m making has so much meaning wrapped up into it.

I don’t often get to do my own deliveries.   So I often miss seeing the reaction when a client first set eyes on their cake.  So much goes into their planning… time, thought and money.  So many hopes are invested in what this custom cake creation will actually be.   They think they know what it will be like, but there is always a special magic when the cake comes to life for them.  When I delivered this cake everyone gathered round, taking photos while it was still in the box.  I reached out to shake their hands and was hugged instead.   Mom had tears in her eyes.   My cake, my sneaker cake that I had made before, brought her to tears.   This is why I love making cakes.  I’m honored that I was able to be a part of their joy… of their history, and helped them make a sweet memory.  And so happy I was there to see it.

As a professional baker, most often you don’t want your work to end up on Cake Wrecks.  If it does, you’re really doing something wrong.   Except for Sunday Sweets.  That’s a whole different thing.  It highlights the beauty and art of the best cake makers and I’m thrilled to tell you a Sugar Couture wedding cake made the grade this past Sunday.  Click through for the all the stunning 50 Shades of Gray cakes and find ours (#10)

Thanks Cake Wrecks!

Style Me Pretty just published a gorgeous inspiration shoot by Divine Light Photography, featuring darling succulent wedding cakes by Sugar Couture.  Just loved the glowing photography.  The Green Building is an amazing Brooklyn event space with rough edges, and refined elegance perfect for a natural feeling wedding.

Here are a few of the images featured, but please click through for the full story…

Like pretty much everyone that ever lived, I’ve always wished I could sing.  Way back when, in another lifetime, I took vocal lessons for a while. My instructor and first gay crush, picked Send in the Clowns for my first song.  I was like 12.   Send in the Clowns?  Really?     Since then I’ve hit one or two pretty amazing notes, only to disappoint whomever was listening moments later when it all came crashing down.    I never really had the interest in learning an instrument, and the poor guy who tried to teach me to read music a few years ago, soon realized there was really no point.  Its a good thing I managed to develop a few other talents.

Though I might not be able to play any of them, I’ve been able to make some pretty great instrument cakes.  Wedding Cake guitars, electric and acoustic, birthday cake drums, graduation cake clarinet and a pretty fun sax cake for the jazz great Sonny Rollins.   And, for good measure,  a still very musical birthday cake for a DJ.

Oh, and I still sing, but only when I’m alone, and with the car windows rolled up.