south county brides guide

A Publication of South County Newspapers

South County Newspapers - Bride’s Guide - March 14, 2012 – 2

ON THE COVER: Model Savannah Lynn photographed at the outdoor reception area at Scheid Vineyards near Greenfield. The mild climate of South Monterey County makes outdoor weddings and receptions a possibility all wedding season. Photograph by Sean Roney.

A tiered wedding cake is often a fitting conclusion to a wedding reception. Today’s brides and grooms are experimenting with cake flavors and designs so their cake is a unique representation of their persona as a couple. Working with the right baker can ensure couples can use their cake as a centerpiece that wows the senses of taste as well as vision, and stay within budget.

“Each baker is unique and they offer different services and many different styles of cakes,” said Raul Rodriguez, manager of the La Plaza Bakery Greenfield location. “You’d be surprised to know the difference in pricing and quality. A beautiful wedding cake does not have to be too expensive.”

Rodriguez went on to say, “Do your homework. Look around and do some taste testing.” He noted a good bakery will invite couples in to try different slices of cake and look at photos of past cakes. “When you do that, it works a lot better because you know what you’re going to get.”

Bakeries and pastry companies may be able to develop a cake that encompasses a couple’s favorite flavors or symbolizes a special moment in their lives. A Boston Cream Pie-inspired cake may liven up the wedding of a couple who became engaged in Boston. Maybe a cannoli cream filled cake will usher in memories of a trip to Italy. Kids at heart can enjoy candy confection cakes filled with gooey chocolate, nuts and marshmallows.

“When you visit the bakery, they should give you plenty of options,” said Rodriguez. “The wedding cakes are always very special and a bakery should offer plenty of variety for the customer. For example, there’s a trend for cupcakes now. Some people want that cupcake because it’s very simple and each cupcake can be uniquely designed. And, in terms of serving, it’s very simple.”

While Rodriguez noted the local tradition has stayed with the buttercream white cake, it’s no longer necessary to stick with a white cake with buttercream frosting for your wedding day. Think about exploring other flavor and filling combinations that will tempt the guests’ taste buds. For those who can’t settle on just one flavor, how about having a different flavor for each layer?

“The typical wedding cake is three

Choosing the right wedding cake for you

Buying a home? Avoid these mistakes

The dream of home ownership for newlyweds is one that lives on in spite of the global economic struggles. The process of buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster ride, with feelings of excitement mixed in with exhaustion, fear and uncertainty.

Over the last several years, the real estate market has been turned upside down, and many prospective buyers have begun to question some of the conventional wisdom associated with buying a home.

While such skepticism might be a healthy attitude in the current market, prospective buyers -- particularly newlyweds who have never purchased a home before -- should avoid simply diving into a purchase.

“You need to do your homework, and not be in a hurry to purchase,” said Alicia Bernier, a realtor with Coldwell Banker, noting how important it is to do one’s research before buying. “Home ownership is not like renting. Once there, you can’t give a 30 day notice and move out.”

All home buyers, including newlyweds, should take note to avoid the following mistakes that buyers make regardless of whether the market is up or down.

* Failure to get qualified beforehand.

“Prequalification is important because you don’t want to go out looking for a house you can’t afford,” said Bernier. “You might be able to afford more and want more, or you might have credit issues.”

Mortgage qualification is essential

when buying a home, as it gives buyers preapproval for a loan before they make any offers. Making an offer on a home before you know what the bank is willing to lend you is a waste of time for everyone involved, including you, the seller and the real estate agents involved. Some agents will not show a home if you don’t have a preapproval. Once preapproved for a loan, don’t take any steps that might put that approval in jeopardy. This includes anything that might drastically alter your credit score.

Bernier added another important note regarding finding a mortgage broker, saying, “I recommend getting a mortgage broker or banker that is local. Usually getting a lender and broker that work together well is key. When it’s a lender that’s out of town, it can be a real nightmare. A state or out of area lender is hard to communicate with. At least if it’s somebody the realtor is used to working with, they can drive over to talk to them if needed.”

(HOME, page 6)

tier, three cakes stacked, and most people will choose different flavors for each cake,” said Rodriguez of the trend in cakes. “That’s a pretty good idea because you get to taste the different flavors and choose three different fillings. That’s a huge advantage because the guests get a choice of flavors.”

When asked about local trends in cakes, Rodriguez said, “Red velvet is becoming very popular. We offer a swirl cake, which is chocolate and vanilla, that is also popular. Some bakeries offer unusual flavors such, as guava or pineapple.”

Couples getting married in the fall may want to think about a spice cake that evokes the feelings of sipping a mug of spiced cider. Cream cheese frosting is often a pairing with spice cake, or think about a layer of caramel that will make it taste like you’re enjoying a candied Halloween apple.

A hummingbird cake may fit the bill for a spring wedding. This is made with mashed bananas, pineapples and chopped pecans. This cake is perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting.

Yellow or white cake are universal favorites for weddings. Some pizzazz can be added through the use of creative fillings. Consider something citrusy and summery for a summer wedding. Raspberry preserves or lemon curd are tart and sweet. For a tropical flair, mangoes or passion fruit can be mixed with touches of coconut.

(CAKE, page 7)


Planning a wedding? There are certain terms that every bride and groom should learn so they can be more informed in the process.

Ascot: A wide, formal tie generally reserved for formal daytime weddings.

Blusher: A short veil that covers the brides’ face before the ceremony.

Bodice: Close, upper-fitting part of the dress.

Boutonniere: Flower or flowers that are worn by the men in the wedding party. The boutonniere always should be affixed to the left side of the jacket.

Buttercream: Most common icing used on wedding cakes.

Cathedral train: Train, or long piece of fabric that extends 61/2 to 71/2 feet from the waist.

Cornelli: Decorative form of icing that resembles lacework on wedding cakes.

Cutaway Jacket: Jacket which tapers from the front waist button to a long, wide back tail; accessories include a wing-collar shirt with an ascot and a coordinating vest.

Ganache: Rich chocolate filling or topping made from chocolate and heavy cream.

Garland: Flowers and/or green leaves that are draped over railings.

Girdle: The outer edge or the widest part of the diamond forming a band

Leading up to their big day, couples have lots to worry about before they finally get to walk down the aisle as man and wife. The trials and tribulations of planning a wedding is no small task, as all the details must be accounted for. Such is the case with the floral arrangements.

When preparing a floral plan, Petunia Mora, owner of Petunia’s Flowers & Gifts, recommends looking at photos of wedding floral arrangements, and even bringing those photos in to show your florist. “I can look at the pictures and see exactly what flowers they are, and figure everything out from there,” she said.

Preparing a wedding day floral arrangement does have its own set of details, making it important to have a plan in mind when searching for a florist. For instance, the following components must be considered when devising a floral plan.

* The bridal bouquet. “There’s not all that many

traditional weddings anymore,” said Mora, regarding floral arrangements at weddings. “Everybody’s different, and nowadays all the rules have changed.”

It’s tradition for bridal bouquets to contain white or cream-colored flowers such as stephanotis, roses, orchids, or lilies. Many bridal bouquets also include fillers like baby’s breath as well as some green or ivy, as well as ribbons or additional accessories.

Whether traditional, unique or trendy, Mora said styles change all the time, saying, “For a long time hydrangeas were the rage. Then it was Gerber daisies. Now, I see a mix of everything.”

Styles are not limited to just the flowers, but can also include shape and size. “I see a lot of bride bouquets getting really big again. Round and teardrop are coming back, too.”

* Bouquets for attendants. “The bride should be the focal point,

and for the bridesmaids I feel that their bouquets should all be smaller,” said Mora. She also noted, “If the bridesmaids’ bouquets are too big, you can’t see their dresses, and you want their dresses to be seen, as well.”

Attendants’ bouquets should also be

Preparing a wedding day floral plan

identical, and it’s best to coordinate these bouquets with the attendants’ gowns. Only the maid of honor traditionally receives a slighlty different bouquet, as it’s customary to give her one apart from the rest, though not significantly so.

Traditions have changed with flower girls, as Mora noted many churches and venues may now have rules against flower petals on the floor. For that reason, couples are having their flower girl carry a ball arrangement of flowers. “They carry them and can keep them later to take them home,” said Mora. “And, they’re cute. We do a lot more of those now. We also do little bouquets for them, but usually it’s the little round ball.”

* Boutonnieres for groomsmen and ushers.

The guy’s side of the wedding also needs to take part in the floral plan. Worn in a buttonhole or lapel, a boutonniere should be worn on the left lapel and match a flower from the bride’s bouquet.

“If the bride is going real big, then I say your groom has to go big, too,” said Mora.

When wearing boutonnieres, men should not wear additional accessories

(FLOWERS, page 7)

Wedding Glossary

around the stone.Illusion: Fine netting used for veils,

headpieces, and on the sleeves and necklines of dresses.

Inclusion: An internal imperfection on a diamond.

Nosegay: Small bouquet featuring posies.

Tea Length: Length of dress or skirt that falls several inches above the ankles.

Topiary: Flowers or foliage trained and trimmed into geometric shapes, often resembling miniature trees or animals.

Tussy Mussy: Silver cone-shaped holder for a bouquet.

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Engaged couples must make assorted important decisions with regards to their wedding day. For some, the process of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, while others revel in each and every decision.

Among the many decisions couples must make is which venue to use for their reception. The wedding reception venue is where most of the day will be spent, and where the majority of the people will do their mingling. When looking for a wedding venue, there are a number factors to take into consideration.

The AccommodationsThe facility itself should be able

to accommodate the wedding size. Some weddings are grandiose events with large guests lists, while others are more understated and intimate, with only a small number of family and friends in attendance. Couples should know which type of wedding they will be having, and should have at least an estimate figure in mind of the number of guests before visiting any facilities. Once that estimate has been made, look for a facility that can comfortably accommodate that number of people, and ideally find one that has a done so in the past. Couples won’t want a facility where everyone is crammed together, nor will they want one where a relatively small number of guests are in a large ballroom with lots of empty space.

More minor details regarding the facility must also be considered. Ask if the facility is handicapped accessible. If the wedding is in the warmer months, make sure the venue is air conditioned. Since most weddings have a break in between the ceremony and the reception, ask if the facility has a room in which the bride and groom can freshen up before the reception begins.

The DateCouples may choose the date of

their wedding based on the availability of a church they attend or a specific wedding officiant they want to perform their ceremony. Once that date has been chosen, it’s time to look for a reception venue. Couples who have a specific venue in mind might want to ask about the venue’s availability before settling on a wedding date. When seeking out a reception venue, ask if the venue has any other events scheduled for that day.

Some couples prefer to have the facility all to themselves and their guests.

The LocationThe facility’s location should be

a priority. Couples won’t want their guests to have to drive too far from the wedding ceremony to the reception venue or from the reception venue back to the hotel. Since many wedding guests come from out of town, they likely won’t know the area well and could get lost if the facility is too far away from their hotel. Keep things simple by finding a reception venue that’s close to the hotel or hotels where guests will be staying.

The HoursCouples who want their receptions

to last into the wee hours should inquire about the facility’s hourly rate. A typical reception lasts five or six hours. If couples want to go beyond that, they might have to pay an hourly rate. Ask if the facility charges an hourly rate or if the venue can simply be rented for as long as the party keeps going.

The PriceMany facilities offer a flat rate to rent

the venue. When discussing the rate, be sure to ask what’s included. Will food, flowers, venue decor, and even staff tips be included in the rental fee? If not, is there room for negotiation? When facilities expand the services they include in their rental fee, that can save couples substantial amounts of money.

When choosing a reception venue, couples must consider a host of factors that stretch beyond a venue’s aesthetic appeal.

What to look for in a reception venue

According to TheKnot.com, the unofficial experts on all things weddings, there are some things that may surprise the average person about weddings across the country. Here are some facts to consider.

* Weddings in Iowa and Nebraska are the biggest, averaging 200 guests.

* The average engagement ring costs more than $5,800.

* Most brides have one do-it-yourself

element, such as favors or escort cards.* “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”

and “Lady in Red” are the two most popular first dance songs (even though 87 percent of brides wear white).

* Only 19 percent of couples rely on a wedding planner.

* Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride’s head to symbolize fertility. Today, brides must be fortunate to have only a little cake smashed in their faces!

Wacky Wedding Facts

Couples are faced with many decisions when planning a wedding. One often overlooked decision concerns the guest list. Ideally, couples would love to invite all their friends and family to share in their special day. Realistically, however, budget often dictates just how many guests a couple can invite.

That reality has led to a disagreement or two over the years, as both the bride-to-be and her future husband make their case for who makes the cut. To help avoid such disagreements, couples should consider the following tips when paring down their guest list.

* Make a master list as early as possible. It’s impossible to pare down a guest list if there’s no list to begin with. Once the planning process begins, couples should separately write down all the guests they would like to invite. Once each is finished with their list, the hard work of paring that list down can begin.

* Consider who’s footing the bill. If Mom and Dad are paying for the wedding, then their suggestions for the guest list should carry most of the weight. Weddings are very expensive, and if Mom and Dad are paying they should have a significant say who will in attendance. The same principle can be applied if the couple is paying for their own wedding. If the costs are being split down the middle, then both the groom- and bride-to-be should be allowed to invite the same number of guests.

* Ask that kids stay home. Many couples request that their guests leave the kids at home. While nieces and nephews might make the cut, it’s perfectly acceptable for couples to state their preference that children not attend. This can be noted on the invitation, addressing friends as “Mr. John Doe and guest” or “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe.” Guests should take the hint, but if any RSVPs with their kids, be sure to call them immediately and explain the

Invite only: Pare down your wedding guest list

situation. Friends and family should understand the preference, particularly in the current economic climate.

* It’s not a reunion. Couples are often tempted to invite long-lost friends to their wedding. But cost-conscious couples must recognize their wedding is not a reunion. If the goal is to keep the guest list under control, only invite close friends and family members who have kept in touch with over the years.

* Stick to your guns. Couples vary greatly with what they want out of their wedding. Some want a grandiose affair they can share with their whole family and all of their friends. Other couples want a more laid-back affair with only those closest to them in attendance. Whatever their preference, couples should remain firm and not feel guilty no matter how many guests they choose to invite or not invite.

* Cut back in other areas. If it’s proving simply impossible to agree on a reduced guest list, consider inviting everyone and cutting back in other areas. Before signing any contracts, closely examine each one for items that can be removed without drastically changing the ceremony and celebration. Chances are there are savings to be had, and those savings might make the difference between inviting and not inviting another friend or family member.


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The average couple will spend between $20,000 and $30,000 on their wedding, a figure that does not include additional expenses such as an engagement ring or honeymoon. For many, that is 50 percent more than they have actually budgeted for the occasion. Underestimating wedding expenses can lead to financial distress even before the marriage has begun.

In the not-so-distant past, weddings were largely financed by the bride and her parents. Things are much different now. Most weddings now are paid for by the bride and groom with little contribution from family. Young couples just starting out in life may find that weddings are more of a financial commitment than originally anticipated. Planning for the expected -- and unexpected -- can help couples survive wedding expenses.

Savings PlanWith most couples paying for the

majority of the wedding themselves, it will be up to them to come up with the bulk of the wedding finances. Starting to save early is essential. Once you have set the date, begin saving immediately. Even if the wedding won’t be a lavish affair, every wedding has some expenses.

- To save, consider curbing recreational spending. Cut dinners out, trips to the movies or non-essential purchases. Place the money you would’ve spent into a wedding account.

- Consider having automatic transfers or deposits into an account for forced savings. Many employers can deposit a portion of your paycheck into a separate account. Instead of a Christmas Club savings plan, you can have a Wedding Club.

- Eliminate debt right away. It may seem counterproductive, but sometimes you have to spend money to save money. Instead of racking up high interest rate charges on credit card balances, pay down credit cards or other bills you have. Once you are in the clear, you can focus more on saving for the wedding.

- If need be, have a long engagement so that you have ample time to save.

Setting a BudgetMany couples want a dream wedding

but do not have the finances to afford a platinum event. But that doesn’t mean they still can’t have a lavish, beautiful wedding. Setting a budget means you can prioritize what you want and what you will pass up. It also provides a savings goal and a firm deadline.

- Shop around for the average rates

of vendors in your area. Work on the big-ticket items first before focusing on the smaller details. Once you have average prices, you can base your budget as such.

- Add up the average costs of all of the items on your wish list. If it seems out of range, start removing things you can do without. For example, can you have a brunch reception instead of an evening sit-down dinner to scale back costs?

- Always set aside a little extra for those incidental expenses, such as tips for the waitstaff and donation to the church -- items you may not think to factor in.

- Don’t expect wedding gifts to cover the cost of your wedding. While some guests are quite generous, others may not even cover the cost of their meal.

PrioritizeA dream wedding is a marriage

between desires and reality. Today it is possible to recreate the look of designer gowns and other details with less-expensive options. Figure out your priorities and work from there. Consider these cost-saving options.

- Think about where you will be living after you are married. A residence takes priority over a lavish wedding.

- Have the wedding party carry fresh-flower bouquets, but use less-expensive silk flowers or even fruit as centerpieces.

- Ask your baker to create a small wedding display cake you can use for your photos and serve guests from a much cheaper sheet cake that is hidden in the kitchen.

- Get married on a weekday or at an earlier time of day.

- Limit the bar to wine, beer and soda to save on the expense of top-shelf liquors.

- Register for unconventional gifts, such as contributing to the honeymoon.

- Handle some items yourself, such as favors or catering, to keep costs down.

* Being blindsided by additional costs.

“When people do their lists of finances, they need to include their food, gas, entertainment, clothing and other costs, not just their basic bills,” said Bernier.

First-time homebuyers, once they have moved into their home, often experience some sticker shock when the additional expenses associated with home ownership arise. These additional expenses include day-to-day costs, as well as property tax and insurance costs, and can be substantial. Even those buying a condominium or co-op should expect monthly maintenance fees even if their new place is brand new and needs no maintenance.

Bernier went on to note that closing costs can raise the purchase price of a home. “Escrow, lenders fees, title and all sorts of fees add up,” she said. She recommended to anticipate closing costs that may boost the price by at least two and a half percent, and sometimes six percent depending on one’s loan.

* Shooting for the moon or pigeonholing yourself into an inadequate living situation.

“Be realistic,” said Bernier. “Start by evaluating your wants and needs. We always want more than what we can afford, but that’s what gets people in trouble.”

Bernier said she recommends couples figure out how much they can realistically afford after figuring out their income compared to their expenses, and see how much more they can afford to spend on regular payments. One way would be to use the time to save as a test. “Before you leap in, try putting away $400 to $500 away in the bank every month, and see how you feel at the end of the month every month without that money,” Bernier said.

The ongoing recession is in part the result of predatory lending that saw banks grant excessive loans to applicants who, in hindsight, could not actually afford all that they were approved to borrow. The result was many people buying homes they could not afford, and then suffering

(Continued from page 2)HOME

some steep consequences, including foreclosure, when the first mortgage payment came due or the interest rate rose. First-time and even veteran buyers must avoid shooting for the moon when it comes to buying a home, and instead only buy one they know they can afford. What the banks says you can afford isn’t always the same as what you know you can afford. Only buy a home you know you can afford, regardless of whether the bank has approved you for a larger loan.

Just like buyers shouldn’t go overboard, they also must avoid compromising on the things that are most important to them. For example, many of today’s buyers, fully aware of the rash of foreclosures and all the housing horror stories of the last several years, are reticent to commit to a home, and might compromise with a condo or co-op. But if a home is what you really want, and another living situation that mirrors apartment life is going to make you miserable, don’t settle for that situation for the sake of security. Doing so could cost you financially, especially when you realize the situation isn’t what you’d hoped for and look to sell earlier than is ideal.

* Skimping on the cost of an inspector.

“With this type of an investment buyers owe it to themselves to be informed,” said Bernier. “I recommend a home inspection even on new homes.”

An inspector is your last chance to find out if a home is your dream home or a money pit. Even if a house appears to be everything you want, don’t close on the sale until the house has been thoroughly inspected. The old adage that advises against judging a book by its cover certainly applies to buying a home, and prospective buyers should enlist the services of a qualified inspector before closing on the sale of a home.

*Not scouting out one’s neighborhood.

“It’s a good idea to drive around the neighborhood, in the day, evening and weekends,” said Bernier. “You want to see if this is somewhere you want to live long-term.”

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Brides and grooms have a few options when it comes to the music played at their ceremony and reception. Live musicians or deejays are often the entertainment of choice. When hiring the entertainment, there are some important things to keep in mind.

The music of the wedding will set the tone for the event and keep guests entertained during key moments of the day. Musicians will often work in conjunction with a maitre d’ to be sure the reception moves along smoothly and sticks to the schedule. Music will be played while guests are dining and when there are opportunities for dancing.

It’s essential to listen to musicians or deejays before hiring anyone to ensure what they’re offering will fit in with the wedding. Also, it’s helpful to confirm the person or people being auditioned will be the exact individuals at the wedding. Some entertainment companies hire out contract musicians, meaning the preview musicians may not be the same person who will perform at the ceremony. That can potentially prove disastrous. If a certain musician or deejay is requested, be sure it is put down in writing in the contract.

Provide the musical entertainment with some information to further help the wedding go off without a hitch. This may include but not be limited to the following:

- Names of all wedding party participants so they can be properly

introduced.- Name of the married couple,

including pronunciation of the last name, if necessary.

- The title of the couple’s song.- The titles of songs to be danced

with mother/son or father/daughter.- A listing of any preferred songs.- The title of a “spotlight dance”

song.- Any music that is off-limits at the

reception.- Special announcements that

should be made, such as mentioning a guest’s birthday or another special event involving guests.

- Whether a bouquet and garter toss will take place, and which songs should be played during these traditions.

In most cases, wedding musicians are professionals who have handled many weddings and are very accustomed to what should be done to make the night a memorable one. Trust in the expertise of the musicians, and provide guidance where necessary.

such as pocket squares.Mora noted, “The groom and the

bride should really stand out compared to the rest of the bridal party.” For that reason, she also recommended having smaller boutonnieres for the groomsmen.

* Flowers for special guests. Certain special guests, such as

grandmothers and mothers, should receive corsages. While the corsages do not need to be identical, they should match the bridesmaids’ bouquets. It’s best to consult with a florist for a corsage color that matches all dresses, as typically the corsages must be ordered before the bride and groom know what their mothers, grandmothers and other special guests will be wearing. A corsage that goes with anything, therefore, is ideal.

* Additional bouquets.Some brides opt for additional

bouquets, such as for the toss, or one for the Virgin Mary in Catholic ceremonies.

“Usually a bride will have her bouquet that she takes pictures with, then have a little one made that she throws,” said Mora.

Regarding Catholic ceremonies, Mora said, “Usually a tradition is to

(Continued from page 3)FLOWERS

have a bouquet for the Virgin at the church, that you leave at the altar. What used to be the tradition was all white for the Virgin Mary. But, now you see a lot of color.”

* Flowers as decorations.Flowers are also used to decorate

the ceremony and reception locations. Mora recommended getting all such uses cleared with your venues, first. She noted they may have rules regarding where you can put flowers, and how many you can have.

“Some churches are really strict,” she said. “They won’t let anything on the altar. Some don’t want fresh flowers on the pews. You have to check all of that out before you order anything and making those plans.”

At the reception, Mora said she recommends flowers for centerpieces on tables, especially front tables. “Where the bride and groom sit, and for the bridal party, you need to have those tabes different than everywhere else because that has to stand out and be special.”

Overall, Mora recommended couples figure out their wedding budget before looking at flowers. Also, checking on what flowers will be in season for the wedding date is essential. Going to a florist with a realistic budget and plan is what she said works best.

A winter wedding can be accented with rich flavors, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries -- in a black forest style. Those toasting to the good life may want an almond cake enhanced with some fine liqueur and simple chocolate buttercream.

Couples should sit down with their baker and sample a number of flavor combinations to determine a recipe that works for them.

“A good bakery that wants to make you the best cake possible will sit down with you at a scheduled appointment and have everything in front of you, and give you the set price and not later add to it,” said Rodriguez. He noted some bakeries might have a base cake price, which then becomes higher as more options are added, such as natural flowers.

Regarding the higher price of wedding cakes, Rodriguez noted the work that bakeries put in to creating a wedding cake. “When we meet with our customers, they’re telling us to make

CAKE(Continued from page 2) a unique cake that we’ve never made

before. You’re talking the special moulds and a lot of extra time,” he said. “That’s our focus--your cake. All that time, commitment, material and delivery, is put into one wedding cake.”

The end result of working with a baker dedicated to your vision is the creation of a unique piece of edible art. Consider displaying this culinary masterpiece on a table with the seating cards placed around it so that it can be enjoyed the entire night.

Other touches that can be added include other baked items that complement the dessert, or are given to guests as tasty favors.

“Wedding cookies are catching on,” said Rodriguez when asked if other baked items are becoming a trend locally. “They’re an almond cookie, and they’re really good.”

Whether going unique or traditional, Rodriguez pointed out that taking time to find the right baker and right cake is key. “When the couple is going to come in and select their cake, they have to give it enough time,” he said.

Wedding musician pointers

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