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Cakes & Catering

Tasty Wedding Ideas from the Chef’s Market Tasting Event

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Rarely am I excited to make the drive to Goodlettsville (I can sense those of you who commute everyday rolling your eyes - sorry!) but last Thursday was an exception. Rush-hour traffic be damned, I happily drove to the Chef's Market Bridal Tasting Event.  I made it there with ten minutes to spare and already a good crowd had arrived, eagerly waiting for the party to get started.  Everyone, including me, was eyeing the dishes being set out on the yellow and green themed stations.

Nashville wedding catering snacks

Paper cones with kettle chips make a great snack during cocktail hour, or even through the night.

Marquee lighting by Nashville Event Lighting

In true Chef's Market fashion, the entire area was decorated impeccably with paper cranes hanging from wooden branches, creative use of birdcages and really simple centerpieces of votives and clusters of moss.  Nothing invasive, and it allowed for people to have good conversation over food.

Pictures courtesy of Donald Yeager Photography

Nashville wedding caterer dessert

Decadent brownies, mini cupcakes (orange sherbert, chocolate with marshmallows and strawberry) on the dessert table

Nashville wedding decor

Paper cranes - Such an effortless and easy DIY decorating idea.

Everything was really colorful and vibrant and, as usual, tasted fantastic.  Because the food was really festive the serving platters were kept simple - round panes of glass sitting on moss-filled glass containers that were decorative but didn't steal the show from the fare. 

Nashville buffet reception

A circular buffet table keeps the line flowing.  Non-conventional serving platters and chaffing dishes aren't intrusive and are easier on the eyes!

We chowed down on little strawberry fields salads, tiny cones of orzo or quinoa, a scrumptious assortment of mini burgers (I had three cheeseburgers but they're mini so that's ok right?) and guests could choose between pan-fried chicken and mac' n cheese topped with a pepper jelly, or braised shortribs with a shiitake slaw. 

Ashley had two servings of the chicken and mac and several mini burgers too.  She's a very picky eater but wasn't shy at all!

Bite-sized food makes it easier for guests to mingle and eat at the same time. No unwieldy large plates or heavy silverware clattering all over!

This tasting was a good opportunity for brides to see Chef's Market showcase their cullinary and event design skills.  Everything was set up as if you were at a reception from start to finish - they even had a wooden cart set up with goodie bags for guests to to take on their way out!

Nashville gift bags weddings

A fun alternative to a table for your favors

Brides who came got to chat with the creative minds at Chef's Market and the other wedding industry folk who attended.  Ashley and I certainly had fun, and it's always nice to see what else Chef's Market can come up with.  Tastings and open houses are events that aren't to be missed.  They really provide insight into how companies operate, and it gives you a better feel for the vendor you are considering so keep checking our bridal events page for more of these to help with your planning!

Posted by Tabitha | Filed under: Cakes & Catering 1 comment »

Like Your Wedding Dress? Love Your Wedding Cake! Part 2

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Yesterday, I shared The Bake Shoppe’s gown-inspired cakes from Weddings: The Bridal Show. If you didn’t see the post, you should! Today, I’ve got two more cakes to show you, and I know you won’t be disappointed.

Their fourth cake, another The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole bridal gown (Style # B1051), was a completely different feel than the other Cotton Bride gown. This one would be great for a classic bride.  With just the slightest bit of sparkle, you could make the jewelry/attire the focal point or the bouquet you’ll be holding as you walk down the aisle.

cotton bride 2

For the cake, the cake designers focused on the folds of the dress’ bodice and the embellishment at the waist, which I LOVE. You can see in the sketch how intricate and precise the design is on the cake. It is definitely a reflection of the dress’ most notable feature.

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The final product is practically identical to the sketch and reflects the personality of the dress perfectly. In fact, had I not known it was based on a cake, I would have loved it just the same if not more.  Gotta admit - this is one fabulous cake.

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cotton bride 2 cake 2

Our final dress - A 2BE Bride bridal gown (Style # 231034). This gown has fabulous shoulder and skirt detail. This is definitely a dress for a trendy bride with the spectacular floral detail. Plus, the bubble skirt softens the dramatic dress and makes it adaptable to any location.

2be bride

This cake is a hidden treasure, just like the dress. It takes the wrap design in the dress and highlights it with flowers to create a perfect compliment to the all ready gorgeous dress.

2be bride sketch

While slightly different from the sketch, the end result of a divine cake delivers a perfect accessory to an all ready trendy wedding filled to the brim with everything important and delightful.

 2be bride cake 1

 2be bride cake 2

I hope you enjoyed seeing these amazing transformations from dress to sketch to cake. It just goes to show that not only can you wear your wedding dress but so can your cake!

Posted by Ashley | Filed under: Cakes & Catering 0 comments »

Found Your Perfect Bridal Gown? Design Perfect Cake to Complement!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Every so often there comes a trend where you just have to stop and stare in awe. Some times you stop and stare because you can’t believe someone did that. And, some times you stop and stare because you love it and want it in your wedding!

At Weddings: The Bridal Show, I had one of those moments, and it was fabulous.  But I was warned.

Ashley had told me before the show, “be sure to check out The Bake Shoppe” and I’m glad I did. They’d worked with Arzelle’s Bridal to find the five most popular wedding dresses.  From there, The Bake Shopped used the gowns for inspiration to give Nashville brides and idea of how you can take your dream gown and use it to inspire your wedding cake!

We got the exclusive and are elated to share the entire, delicious process with you - from the gown and the sketch - to the final, inspired cake.

First up - An Alvina Valenta bridal gown (Style # 9609).  This gown is perfect for the bride who wants to add drama to her wedding. It is ideal for a night wedding with candlelight surrounding the bride and her groom. The sash is a perfect touch to add just the tiniest bit of romance.

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In the sketch below, you can see how the cake designer picked the sash as the focal point. It drapes down the cake just as the sash drapes down the dress.

alvina valenta cake

You’ve seen the dress and the design; now, see the final product. It is a beautiful cake that accents the high point of the dress without overtly pointing it out!  How incredible!!  I’m still in awe.

 cake 2 alvina valenta

Next - The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole bridal gown (Style # B1047). This gown is fitting for an outdoor setting in the summer. It is made with a light fabric and would be quite comfortable on your big day. No need to worry about “glistening” {since we fine Southern ladies do not sweat}.

cotton bride

There is no sketch to go with this gown/cake transformation, but you really don’t need one with it anyway. You can see which detail the designers chose to showcase, which is the intricate pattern. With the cake, they used soft spring color hues that would look lovely at an outdoor wedding.

cotton bride cake 1

cotton bride cake 2

Then - a Watters & Watters bridal gown (Style Positan0). This gown is for the pure bride who dreams of the simple and beautiful. This gown makes a statement but isn’t overwhelming. It is a perfect destination wedding gown.

watters and watters

For the cake, the designers chose to highlight the intricate details throughout the dress. The centerpiece of the cake is definitely the simplicity of the design.

watters and watters sketch

After seeing the dress and the cake design, you will not be surprised to see the end result. The designers took their time and really thought about how to make it all flow together just like the pattern on the dress flows.

watters and watters cake 1

watters and watters cake 2

Check back tomorrow to see the other two cakes. You won’t want to miss them!

Today’s blog was written by Cassandra, an ABG bridal blogger.  She is also a Nashville bride-to-be and writes from her unique perspective!  Read more about Cassandra’s here.  

Posted by Cassandra | Filed under: Cakes & Catering 0 comments »

Bridal Show Finds: Nashville’s Delicious Desserts & Designer Wedding Cakes

Friday, January 22, 2010

Today’s recap is about a topic close to my heart - dessert.  There definitely wasn’t a shortage at the bridal show and we were more than delighted to sample the bite-sized treats.

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THE BAKE SHOPPE - thebakeshoppe.com -  In case you’re wondering why dresses were on display,  The Bake Shoppe was debuting cake designs that were inspired by actual wedding gowns!  Look at the intricate detailing on the cake and on the sash.  Tres chic!

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So elegant, so classy, and not a single detail was missed, right down to the pleats.  We’ll have more of the great cakes from them next week but for now here’s a few more from the show that we just adored.

MAGGIE MOO

Everybody loves ice cream, especially ice cream buffets!  Here I am making a decision on what flavor to sample (I went with chocolate and a couple of toppings).

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It’s just $6.00 per person (less if you have a lot of people), and guests can choose from three flavors, choose the toppings and their staff will mix it for you really quickly on the ultimate action stations. This is a great dessert option, especially during the warmer months.

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MAPLES WEDDING CAKES - maplesweddingcakes.com -You know you can’t go wrong with a cake designer and baker who’s been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings.

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Jay had his best flavors for us to sample and while I think their sour cream almond tastes divine, my new personal favorite is their lemon cake.  Maples’ cakes definitely taste as good as they look.

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DULCE DESSERTS - dulcedesserts.com - Juanita, owner of Dulce Desserts was the first person to come up to our booth that morning during set up to say hi.  She’s such a treat to be around, and her desserts are a reflection of what a sweet, vibrant person she is.

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I highly recommend their chocolate layer cake.  Love it!

CRUMB  de la CRUMB - I met the good folks of Crumb de la Crumb at the bridal show last year and have always been quite taken with their cake designs.  This year we were neighbors at the show and with such easy access, it was hard to resist sampling more than once.

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Their cake designs are more contemporary and almost pop art-ish.  Really cute, and perfect for the mod-inspired bride.

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I love how subtly “Alice In Wonderland” this one is.

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Love the flower detail on the cake’s little corset.

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JO’S CUSTOM CAKES

We were blown away by how stunning Jo’s Custom Cakes are.  They really do look like works of art.

jos_custom_cakes_nashville.jpg

I would never have thought of using peacock feathers.  Quick tip - we’re actually going to look at a slowly growing trend in peacock feathers next month so be sure to check back.  As if that cake wasn’t fabulous enough, the one below is actually shaped and sculpted with white chocolate.

nashville_wedding_cake_custom_jos.jpg

It looks almost too beautiful to eat.  But I’ll bet it tastes fantastic.

Posted by Tabitha | Filed under: Cakes & Catering 0 comments »

New Nashville Wedding Find: Naticakes (Cupcakes) - Making Life Sweeter

Monday, January 18, 2010

I love cupcakes.  I’m not going to lie, I don’t think I want to see the cupcake trend go away anytime soon.

Naticakes is in a quaint, cozy coffee shop on Main Street in Downtown Franklin.  It is locally owned and operated by Nicole Sloan who founded naticakes to honor her niece Natalie who, at just 23 months, passed away.  According to their website, “Nati’s gift of laughter and love for sweets was the perfect recipe to inspire her aunt Nicole to create a cupcake concept that is almost as sweet as this little girl.”

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(Photo source: McLellan Style)

cupcakes-naticakes-weddings-nashville.jpg

(Photo source: naticakes)

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(Photo source: McLellan Style)

With cupcake names like Pretty Princess, Tuxedo, Opera Cake and Hi Hat, this is not your ordinary cupcake shop with run-of-the-mill flavors.  The frosting is light and tasty, and the cake is dense enough to be substantial, but not so heavy that you can’t have more than one.  The flavors are all distinct, and you’re not left with an overwhelming sugar rush that brings you crashing down.  You can tell that good ingredients were used, and the cakes taste like no other.  Especially if you’re a fan of Italian buttercream icing - this is the cupcake place for you.

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(Photo source: naticakes)

Naticakes caters events and can accommodate large orders.  Not only are their cupcakes delicious, they’re visually stunning as well.  These pretty liners are such a great touch - it’s a cupcake cake table fit for a deluxe bride.

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(Photo source: naticakes)

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(Photo source: McLellan Style)

I like to support local entrepreneurs and support fellow local businesses.  With 10% of Naticakes’ profits going to the Natalie Wynn Carter Foundation to improve the lives of children, not only will you be supporting a local entrepreneur, you’ll also contribute to a worthy cause.  What a tasty way to help others - the ultimate win/win.

Posted by Tabitha | Filed under: Cakes & Catering 0 comments »

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