We've Moved!

Our blog has moved from blogspot (still love you blogspot)... but I'm now hosting on my very own site.  Please visit us at www.slicecakestudio.com/blog.  If you scroll ALL the way to the bottom, there is a like where you can subscribe.  Every time I add a new update, you can get it delivered right to your email inbox! 

See you soon!

-Teri

Wedding Professionals - Who to Pick?!?

As a wedding profession in just one of many categories (Planners, DJs, Florists, Photographers, Venues, oh my!) - I love to meet other vendors.  The more I meet new people the more it becomes so obvious who is a true professional!  Couples:  Ask questions.  Ask lots of questions.  When you meet us for consultations, the primary focus should not be how much bang will I get from my buck, but rather is this person a good fit - do I like him, or do I like her? 

Don't get me wrong, I have a college degree in business with emphasis in finance - I appreciate a budget - do I ever!  However, you have got to meet enough people, and ask the right questions (for you) in order to really make sure that you are going to hire professionals that will carry out your vision for your big day - and they'll handle it like a well synchronized orchestra.  I understand not everyone can hire a planner, but do keep in mind all planners that I have met have day of services too - and that means just one part of the equation is keeping the vendors on task, on schedule, helping to put the oil on the machine.  You in the mean time are kicking back with your boys, or getting your mani/pedi - while in the background your professionals are taking care of business. 

Please interview us - ask us everything that you want to know - and take note of those professionals that made you feel at ease, exuded confidence in their abilities, and showed that they care about you as a couple - making sure this day is everything you'd hope it would be. 

Sometimes - we even make friends along the way.  ;)

Vintage Art Deco Wedding Cake in Boulder, CO

This weekend I had the pleasure of delivering a wedding cake to the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO.  The bride and groom added wonderful vintage touches to the scenic Boulder, Colorado reception including place cards featuring great movies of the past.  I love this cake design... added bonus with this gorgeous (!) red cake stand.  I'm also throwing in a photo of the tornado simulator that they have in the lobby!  So cool!

Modern Wedding Cake - Loveland, CO

This weekend how many weddings were there??  Some say 39,000... other sources are as high as 60,000+.   It was indeed a busy weekend  - but I made a cake that is in the running for one of my favorites!  This wedding was at the Fountains of Loveland, and the flower arrangement is courtesy of Florals by Rhonda.  The striking side design was taken from their invitation and really gave a modern, clean look. 

Flavors included Chai cake with ginger cream cheese, Snickerdoodle, and Vanilla Bean with Fresh Strawberries.

Grooms Cake - Raiders!!

It's a little scary walking out in public in Colorado with a Raiders cake.  I won't lie... I tried to get inside quickly.  Ha.. no seriously.  I never really get to see a couple's reaction to their cake.  I get to the reception venue typically while the ceremony is getting started, hustle the cake in, make any necessary touch-ups, and then I'm outta there!

But last night I got to deliver the cake made for the groom to the rehearsal dinner at the fabulous Oskar Blues in Lyons, CO!  I can't tell you how fun it was for me to actually get to see the reaction from the couple!  It is just really so great to see someone so happy with the final product, and not to mention, the groom's surprise (at he had no idea the bride had ordered this for him!)

Here it is... the Raiders Shield.  Hand painted details finish off this red velvet cake.

Congratulations Erika and Adam!

Adam and Erika became Mr. and Mrs. today in Fort Collins.  They had a wonderful lineup of wedding vendors.  I personally was really happy about the cake flowers provided by Earle's Flowers and Gifts in Loveland.  Beth did a wonderful job!

 

Reception Venue: Marriott - Fort Collins, CO
Florist: Beth - Earle's Flowers & Gifts
Photography: Pentico Photography
DJ: Ron Michaels Weddings

Fairy Tale Wedding

We recently created this 3 tiered cake for a wedding at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, CO.  It was covered in an ivory fondant and sprayed with a pearl shimmer.  The bride and groom also included a gift pack of 2 cake truffles with a hand written thank you note for all their guests! 

Cake Flavors: Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Bean w/Bavarian Cream, Chocolate w/Mocha Buttercream

Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau

DJ: Matt Martindale - Amore DJ Entertainment

Caterer - All Occasions Catering

Estes Park Wedding - Aspen Lodge

I'm so behind on posting a new wedding!  Several to come, but here is a recent favorite at Aspen Lodge in Estes Park, CO.  Jill and Thad had some wonderful ideas about creating a cake with several designs, and I think we all just loved it!  Thanks so much to Jennifer Schumacher Photography for her beautiful photos of the cake!

Cake Flavors: Chai Cake with Ginger Cream Cheese and Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Buttercream

My oops = a great donation!

I had my first major faux pas... I baked round cakes for a wedding cake order, then later realized the order was for square cakes!  So, I started trying to figure out what to do with an extra 3 tier cake!  I called The Children's Hospital in Aurora, to see if I could donate the cake for the kids.  Due to dietary restrictions, the kids couldn't have it, but the hospital volunteers sure could!


I added the hospital logo - it's such a cute logo, and  a "Thank You Volunteers" banner at the top.  I sure hope they enjoy it!
(And yes, I did catch my oops in time to bake and deliver the square wedding cake as promised!)

"Thank You Volunteers" Cake for The Children's Hospital - Denver, CO

The cake flavors are chocolate with peanut butter buttercream and chai cake with ginger cream cheese frosting.

Purple Hydrangeas

This year has been SO purple!  I read tons of wedding publications, blogs, tweets, you name it... everyone forecasts the trends (as weddings are typically planned a year in advance of the event).  This year, I expected pink and champagne colors, peacock colors, what I found though, was lots of purple!!  This month I've had three cakes that all featured purple hydrangeas on the cake.  Check it out!

3 Baby Shower Cakes

Debbie Orwat, Owner of  Save The Date Events planned a very trendy, beautiful baby shower at The Brown Palace.  I was pleased to be able to create the cakes, all fun, but the chandelier was the stand out!  Centerpieces were created by Bella Fiori - adorable!!

60th Diamond Anniversary

This weekend, I had the pleasure of creating a 60th Anniversary cake.  60th is the Diamond Anniversary, so we included a wonderful brooch and gave the cake some sparkle with sugar crystals.

We're competing for #1 - we'd love your show of support!

Amazing Flowers!

Lauren and Jason were married Friday night at the Historic Grant-Humphries Mansion.  I had the pleasure of working with Brilliant Blooms on this cake.  Cakes are chocolate with cream cheese frosting and vanilla bean with cream cheese frosting. 

Congratulations Chris and Jessie!

Today I had the great pleasure of making a cake for my dear friends Chris and Jessie. The union of these two wonderful people brings me joy - I'm so glad they have found each other.

Jessie's love of Hibiscus flowers allowed me the opportunity to make some for the first time.  I hope you enjoy this cake as much as we did! 

Sneak Peek - Hibiscus Cake

My friends Chris and Jessie are getting married on Saturday... I'm so excited to make their cake (and then actually STAY for the wedding!)  Here's a sneak peek at how the gumpaste hibiscus flowers are coming along...

Featured Vendor Friday - Okay Dance

I'm pleased to blog today about a fabulous dance instructor - Debra Endres!  If you are planning your big day - don't forget about the first dance!

Okay Dance in Loveland, CO is owned by Debra Endres - a professional ballroom dance instructor with over 25 years of experience.  Debra  received most of her training through Arthur Murray Dance Studio: teaching and  competing professionally in  Minneapolis, MN. before moving to Colorado in 2003. Once here she started Okay Dance in Loveland to continue her passion of bringing couples together by introducing them to the beautiful world of dance. Her teaching covers many styles of dance including ballroom, swing, latin, country, and line dancing.  She offers group, private and semi-private lessons, monthly dance parties, wedding choreography and special events here in Northern Colorado.

She especially enjoys working with wedding couples in creating their special wedding dance. It's her desire to assist the bride and groom in making their wedding day dreams come true by providing quality dance instruction and have something they can do together for the rest of their lives.

You can find out more information on her website at www.okaydance.com; for the latest in monthly group classes and events or call her at 970-988-4693.

50th Anniversary Cake

I celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary last week.  While that's wonderful, it pales in comparison to celebrating 50 years!  Today I had the pleasure of creating a 50th Anniversary cake adorned with gold lace. 

This 3 tier cake was a vanilla bean cake with vanilla pastry cream. 

Topsy-Turvy wedding cake

This cake was delivered to the Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette.  I had fun with this design - provided by the bride.  Flavors were Spiced Chocolate with Irish Cream Buttercream, and Champagne with Fresh Berries - all covered in white chocolate fondant.  Fresh flowers were provided by Rachel and Dixie of Bridal Rose Florists and the catering was by Footers Catering - what a great lineup!

Edible Figures

I don't get requests very often to put figurines on a cake, so I took the liberty of trying one out when I did the garden cake for the Loveland Wedding Professionals meeting.  She's a bit heavy on eye make-up, but I had fun making her!  There is a wonderful book at the library on fairy tale type cakes (by Debbie Brown) and she has great figurines.  Can't wait to try more!

Featured Vendor Friday - The Great Frame Up

I am proud to be a member of the Loveland Wedding Professionals.  We are a group of businesses with a goal to make Loveland a destination wedding location - but did you know we are not all cake makers, venues and florists?

One of our members plays a key role in preserving those memories, and I wanted to learn more.  Today I would like to introduce you to our first Featured Vendor - Ming Bao from The Great Frame Up .

The Great Frame Up, located at the Promenade Shops at Centerra, has over 67 years of framing expertise, and have experts for all your framing needs.  They have a selection of ready made frames and mats that are cash and carry.  Special orders are welcome, too.  They help you select a frame/mat design that fits your taste, matches your decor, and shows off the framed pieces the best.  All the work is done on site, and it usually takes us about 2 weeks to complete an order.  Same day service is available if the materials are in stock.


The Great Frame Up has frames made of metal, and wood, and molded plastic.  Wood frames range from earth-friendly frames made from recycled materials to hardwood frames.  They have approx 1000+ different
frames to select from, and clients can see a physical sample of the different frames they offer.

For brides, The Great Frame Up offers framing and shadow box services.  Shadow Boxes are a great way to preserve such items as engagement photos, wedding photos, dried flowers from the wedding, invitations, or other memorabilia.


One great item I love are the Signature Mats.  You can place one at your reception or other party and have guests sign the mat border, then afterward it is used to frame the photo of your choice. 

I am glad to have learned so much about The Great Frame Up.  They offer a great way to preserve and display memories of your special day. 

The Great Frame Up is located across from Barnes and Noble at the Promenade Shops at Centerra in Loveland.
Hours are 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

Do we make Birthday Cakes?

I get asked all the time if I make Birthday Cakes  - my answer - a resounding YES.  But this will not be a $40 single layer, throw-some-buttercream-on-it-cake.  I find myself needing to explain a few things, just in case you think you've called the neighborhood cake lady that's working from home.  Our starting price for all special event cakes is $100 - here's what you get for your investment:

My cakes are not grocery store quality (shipped in frozen from some factory).  I say this because I've worked in grocery store bakeries many years of my life, I know from experience.  Most don't actually bake anything other than bread these days.  You will get to choose from my custom flavor selection.  (Yes, your birthday cake can be an Island Lime margarita inspired flavor!)  Next, your cakes will not be baked until just days before the event to ensure a moist, delicious crumb.  Oh yeah, did I mention my cakes are made from scratch?

I need at least 1 week notice for all cakes - Why?  I don't bake in my home, I have a commercial cake studio, but I'm not there all the time.  Your cake will be special and it will require time, research, prep and planning.  I often make gumpaste "elements" a few days in advance so they have time to set before placing them on the cake.  This is the #1 reason most cakes can't be made within a day or two. I like to build in plenty of design time.  When you call me, we will discuss design ideas for your cake, you tell me what you would like to see, and I'll add in some flair where appropriate.  You will always get a sketch to review so that we know our ideas align!

Your cakes will be delivered and set up by me also.  This is now a piece of art, and I don't want your or I to take any chances making sure it reaches your party  perfectly.  I bring a repair kit to all deliveries - just in case! 

If you're a fan of Ace of Cakes, Cake Boss, Ultimate Cake Off - you know what can be done with cake.  Let's put our heads together and make something fantastic for you!!

In the news...

Got a fun article today in the Food Section of the Longmont Times-Call.  This is a section featuring a particular person and a recipe with a story usually.  I was honored to have them call me to ask about my cakes!  http://www.timescall.com/food/food_story.asp?id=22179

S'mores cake

Every now and then, I get to create whatever I want for a cake.  I had visions of making a cake that looked like a giant s'more - YUM!

I'm thinking Girls Scouts of America should know about this one.  :) 

Todays Challenge - Dress replication

Today's wedding cake was a challenge to try to replicate a pick-up style wedding gown.   I do like how it turned out, but this one challenged my thought processes. Lessons learned!

Flavors were White, Champagne & Strawberry, and Chocolate

Gumpaste roses were added, along with some silk flowers.

Great American Bakesale Fundraiser

Today was the big day over at Cayenne Kitchen in Longmont.  They have a terrific customer base - many of which donated their very own baked goods to raise money for Share Our Strength.


Slice was happy to be a part of the event, giving away some cake truffles, and we donated this teacup cake (the flavor was Chai of course!).

Happy Mother's Day!

My mom sent me the best card I think I've ever gotten...
(It says: Just think - I received your first original!)

 

I wonder how old I was when I made this?!?


I love you Mom, you made my day.

Fun Cake Today!

Ashley and Dustin were married today at Christie's of Genesee.  The wedding colors were white, black and fuschia - Fun!

Flavors: Champagne and Strawberry

Great Luncheon today at Table Mountain Inn

Thanks so much to Nancy Grubin and the fabulous staff of Table Mountain Inn in Golden! We sampled some delicious menu items and I provided a Champagne and Strawberry Ribbons and Pearls cake. One gumpaste flower adorns the cake.

Loving sugar flowers

Why hire a Wedding Consultant?

I talked with Ann Marlin, Event Consultant at Cloud 9, formerly Nancy Chase Weddings about the benefits of hiring a wedding planner.

How did you get your start in wedding planning?

I have always loved to plan parties so my passion started at an early age, followed me through college and lead to planning my wedding in Montana. When I moved to Denver, I was lucky enough to interview with Nancy Chase and was hired on the spot. It was like she had downloaded all her planning expertise and vendor relationships in to my head. I was so fortunate to dive in and learn so quickly and soon gained the experience I have now after eight years in the business.

What do you consider your specialty?

My specialty is weddings and stationery. I acquired the wedding consulting business and the stationery company in 2005. We love to design every wedding to reflect the true relationship of the couple so that their wedding is always one-of-a-kind. We do that by special touches we incorporate and of course, fabulous wedding invitations and paper accessories!

What sets you apart from other wedding planners in Denver?

Our experience and vendor relationships. We partner with all our vendors and view it as a ‘team’ to obtain the same goal rather than doing an event as separate entities. The bottom line is that the wedding day is for the couple and our ‘team’ works together to make sure it is a day that they always remember as wonderful!

Do you offer services all over Colorado?

Yes and we are available for travel. We have done weddings in Montana, Florida, Maine, Kauai, Louisiana, Texas and Mexico.

Describe the challenges that you face when friends/family act as wedding planners.

We love when family members are involved. We usually know ahead of time and we ask our clients to be clear to their family members of what their personal responsibilities are for the wedding day. It helps us do our job to the best of our ability if everyone knows their tasks. When the wedding day is complete, there is a feeling of a community effort where the family is happily content with the results.

"My reception site has on-site planning, so I don't need a wedding planner."

We inform our brides that a majority on-site planners that we have worked with are there to assist with room rentals, tastings, overall venue coordination and in some facilities, the food and service. This does not account for vendor referrals, reviewing vendor contracts, scheduling vendor meetings, event design, invitation and stationery assistance, weekend timeline development, confirming all vendors, running the rehearsal, coordinating and assisting vendors, event set up and execution. I could go on but I will keep it brief!

"I don't have room in my budget for a wedding planner."

We save our clients there two most valuable assets; time and money. We also offer customizable packages so our clients can have the support, confidence and assistance they need to plan their wedding for any budget.

To find out more about Ann and her services, please call her at 720-570-1168

Feathers

This cake is nice and simple, just some thin feathers.   A beautiful wedding at a home near Centerra. 

Flavors: Champagne and Strawberry and Spiced Chocolate with chocolate ganache and mocha buttercream.

Tinker Bell Birthday

It's so fun to create cakes with a little pixie dust! 

This 2nd birthday cake is Spiced Chocolate with Strawberries and fresh cream.

Great Bridal Show!

Kalie and I at Slice's  first Bridal Show!  I absolutely could not have done it without her!  

Thanks to all who visited that day!

Loveland Wedding Professionals

I had a wonderful time last night meeting the talented members of the Loveland Wedding Professionals!  So pleased to be a member of this fantastic group!