Be Our Guest... or not!

This subject that never gets old for me when talking to my clients. Of course you cannot have an event or a Wedding without guests, right? Right. But there should be a limit of just HOW MANY guests you should have. Their are many circumstances why couples feel the need to invite everyone to share in their special day. They can be an only child,

the only girl, the only boy, or maybe your parents are relieved to get rid of you so they want EVERYONE to know..LOL Just kidding!! But seriously whatever your reason for inviting guests is something that you need to take your time with. Especially if you have a tight budget, these are some things you may need to ask yourself or speak with your

fianceʼ about when deciding who to invite.

REASON[s] TO NOT INVITE A GUEST[S]

1. Just because you may share the same last name BUT they have not seen you since

you were five! NO

2. Aunt Margie who cannot remember who your parents are, let alone who you are! NO

3. The Exes-a BIG No No!!!

4. Single friends who MAY want to bring someoone-I always say unless their engaged

or living with each other, but if none of those donʼt apply....NO

5. A friend that you have not seen since you were exchanging pacifiers in pre-school

and you happen to see him/her on the street...NO

6. You share a cubicle with your co-worker but only say “good morning” and “bye” to

them during your work hours...NO

7. But theyʼre my Facebook Friends?...NO

8. But they follow me on Twitter..NO

9. If you are having an Adult Only Reception and your guests say “ I canʼt find a

babysitter”...NO if they really want to come they will find a babysitter!!

10. This is the one I hear from most couples....let invite the “wealthy” relatives and

friends because we can get most of our money back that we spend! That could no

further from the truth and THE WORST reason to invite someone to your wedding!!

WHO SHOULD I INVITE?

Invite the people who are most important to you and who are generally happy for the

two of you!! Itʼs that simple.

Let there be cake...

I would like to introduce to you our first featured vendor interview. Her name is Hope Looney and she is the Owner of a gourmet bakery located in North Branford, Connecticut called JCakes.   JCakes began as a one-woman operation within her home 16 Years ago. Since then, JCakes has grown to a full scale bakery through its reputation of delivering delicious, unforgettable cakes for weddings, birthdays and all special occasions.

It was always a lifelong dream of owner, Hope Looney, to create gorgeous, gourmet wedding cakes. After attending countless weddings in the U.S. and abroad, she was always disappointed with the stunning cakes that tasted mediocre. Her goal was to make cakes that taste as good as they look. A few career paths later, Hope's international travel, business background and passion for the pastry arts lead her to JCakes. Her favorite thing about JCakes is contributing to the celebration by collaborating with people to personalize each cake .

1. Have you always dreamed of having a bakery?

Yes.  Running a cake shop became a dream when I was in college, pursuing a degree in International Business.  My roommate and I contemplated what types of jobs would fit our personalities and would make us happy and not be boring.  We always also discussed how there were no quality, high end cake shops where she grew up in Hermosa Beach, California.  So we bridged those two ideas into the dream for a cake shop on the beach where we could work together and fill a need for a gourmet cake shop in an affluent community where lots of demand existed.  Charlie, my roommate, bought a kitchen aid mixer and we started baking in our college apartment.  We tried tons of recipes and tried to perfect our buttercream.  We had lots of failed attempts but lots of laughs and fun.  Now I realize North Branford, CT is not on the Pacific Ocean, but there is still hope of one day expanding to the beach and working with my best friend.  

2. What has been the most Wedding Cakes you've done in one weekend?

Ten Wedding Cakes in one weekend

3. Do couples still request Groom cakes?

Yes, i've made a few Groom's cakes.  Its starting to become popular again.  

4. Do you have a signature Wedding cake style?

Our signature Wedding Cake style is a round cake, iced smooth with vanilla buttercream, embellished with satin ribbons and fresh flowers with beargrass-  I feel like our fresh floral designs set us apart-  Most brides lately tend to gravitate to a clean, fresh look-- not an overly decorated cake-  

5. How far in advance should a couple make an appointment with Jcakes?

I recommend making their appointment once they've selected a venue, caterer, bridesmaid dresses, centerpieces and linens.  It makes the cake design much easier to plan once those details are in place.  Usually this is 6 months before the wedding but some popular dates do book earlier than that.  

6. What do suggest that a couple bring with them so that you can create their dream cake?

Photos of cakes that catch their eye, dress color swatches, names of all of their flowers in the centerpieces and linen colors-  Also photographer and florist contact information-

7. What does a couple have to look forward to when they come for a cake tasting? 

We provide a slice of vanilla and a slice of chocolate cake frosted with our vanilla french buttercream.  Then we supply little cups of all of our fillings to the couple can try each one without being too full from a full slice of each combination. Also, the couple can have fun making their own cake and filling combinations.  

8. What are some of the most requested flavor combinations?

Our most popular combinations for weddings are golden layer cake with white chocolate mousse and mixed berries and our chocolate devil's food cake with chocolate mousse.  

9. What have been the most requested cake toppers? 

Swarovski Crystal Monogram Cake toppers have been the most popular cake toppers besides fresh flowers. The traditional bride and groom is not as popular as before.  Humorous cake toppers are also popular such as the bride dragging the groom the alter, etc. 

10. What other specialties can Jcakes offer in addition to Wedding cakes?

We offer cupcake towers and chocolate truffle towers for those who want something a bit untraditional.  

11. Do you deliver outside of Connecticut?  If so how far?

We can deliver a wedding cake within a two hours driving distance from our shop.  

12. What would be your Dream Wedding Cake?

My dream wedding cake....that is the hardest question of this interview.  If cost was not an option, it would probably be some type of individual, plated ice cream/cake combination dessert-  Coconut with passionfruit mousse-- lots of exotic flavors--Maybe individual ice cream wedding cakes with a plated individual cake or mousse-- with lots of decorative sauces on the plate-- and edible glitter-- ha ha!!

To contact Jcakes please go to her website: www.j-cakes.com!

Planners Day Out for Inspiration.

Oh yes I do get to go out to Events instead of planning events. When I get the chance, I love to go to other events, it always sparks inspiration. I never leave the office without a notepad and a pencil!!

I love NYC and whenever I get a chance to attend an event in the city...Iʼm there!! I recently attended a Bridal Event called “URBAN WED”, which was hosted by Brooklyn Bride. The event was held at the Nest Event Loft space, in true NYC charm on the 17th Floor!!! [sidebar... did not enjoy the elevator ride!!] Anywho, once you entered you heard an awesome band by the name of Elan Artists. The space was very cozy, which instantly had me think of a great location for a Bridal Shower, Rehearsal Dinner and even an intimate wedding.

Then I saw one of the most creative table runners for a table setting, which was created by Hatch Creative Studio. It was a collection of black & white family photos. Talk about family memories. It was just beautiful, see for yourself!

I needed a a glass of wine, so how convenient as the next vendor was set up for wine tasting by Swirl Events. Swirl Events offer wine tastings at a location of your choice, which is a great alternative for bridal showers and bachelorette parties. One of the wines that I tasted was by Seven Sisters Wine and then of course I had POP Champagne! Half glass of each...I swear!!!

Cobblestone Catering offered mouth watering finger foods, followed by the cutest lilʼ cupcakes by Nine Cakes. Of course there were gowns, did I say gowns? I meant to say masterpieces by Samuel Couture. The designer was there and she was very pleasant to speak with!! She also had hand drawn sketches of her work which was just breathtaking.

A colorful collection of Bridesmaid gowns by 57 Grand were displayed and very moderately priced.

My favorite part of the evening was the photo booth corner. Studio Booth, provided a great space to get silly and be creative by using Whisker Works and Paperfinger props. I think all of your Wedding Guest would enjoy a moment to be silly. You simply chose the prop of your choice, say “cheese” and within 5 minutes we had the photo in hand. What a great favor and so not a “dust collector” but a great memory!!! Other great vendors that were there were: Jenny Ebert Photography which had an awesome bridal books for all to see, Face Time Beauty Concierge which were doing fab before & after makeovers, Paper +Cup had great table filled with paper ideas!!!....It was great eve out in city, canʼt wait for the next event!!!