Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Couples are getting creative when it comes to the details of their big day.  The cake is no exception.  From groom’s cakes inspired by a hobby, to ‘lace’ recreated to match the bride’s dress.  We found these fun cake toppers, and they are created right here on Nantucket!

For couples seeking a whimsical, locally made, and Nantucket-inspired cake topper, Jeanne Van Etten of Nantucket Mermaid may have what you’re looking for. Each creation is hand-made and can be specially customized to resemble the couple.  Be sure to peruse all the offerings from Nantucket Mermaid and see if you find something that suits your style.

photo courtesy of Nantucket Mermaid

We have a sweet tooth on this rainy day so we thought we’d share a vintage inspired cake by Jodi’s Cakes.

photo by Zofia Photography, cake by Jodi's Cakes

We have a sweet tooth today.  This Nantucket basket cake by Jodi’s Cakes has been quite popular with couples this year.  We can’t get over how realistic the baskets look!  We’re wondering what yummy flavors are hiding inside?  Happy weekend everyone!

cake by Jodi's Cakes, photo by Cary Hazlegrove

There are so many amazing vendors here on Nantucket who help to make your wedding dreams come true.  With the latest issue of Wellwed magazine out on news stands, we thought it would be fun to show you the hard work that goes in to getting some of those beautiful images on the pages you couples use as you gather inspiration for your big day.

Back in early May, vendors got together for the Fall photo shoot of the magazine.  Armed with a color palette and vintage ribbons, this is what they pulled together.

photography by Zofia Photography

photo by Zofia Photography, bouquet by Soiree Floral

Vendors involved in the shoot included Placesetters, Jodi’s Cakes, Zofia Photography, Marty Kelly Papers and Soiree Floral.

Zofia hard at work capturing every last detail

Marty Kelly of Marty Kelly Papers (in the stripes) and Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral(no, they aren’t related and yes they have been asked if they are sisters) put the finishing touches to the table as they get ready for the stationary close-ups.  Be sure to check out the magazine to see the amazing cake created by Jodi’s cakes.

Marty Kelly and Dawn Kelly attending to details, photo by Zofia Photography

What details will you choose to focus on for your big day?  Have fun and get inspired as you start planning for your big day.

We see so many wonderful photos of gorgeous weddings cakes…. but what about the grooms cake? If you plan to take part in this wedding tradition you may want to take a creative approach. Jodi’s Cakes has been creating some fun grooms cakes for her couples this summer and they all have one thing in common, the groom! Is he a Sox fan? Or love to play poker? Don’t be afraid to add your personality into every aspect of your big day, including the cakes. Take a look at these fun grooms cakes from Jodi’s Cakes and keep up to date with her weekly creations on her facebook page.

Do you have a passion or hobby that you are crazy about?  Do you collect a ’something special’ that gets you giddy every time you are treasure hunting and come across something to add to your collection?  Here is a great example of how to add that on your wedding day.  A recent Nantucket bride, Elizabeth, collects vintage stamps.  She is obsessed with them, and when you hear her talk about them, you can tell she flips every time she find a new one.  She took that love of stamps and had it play out on her cake.  She asked Jodi of Jodi’s Cakes to create a border at the bottom of each cake tier in her color scheme.  Not only is it very unique and different from anything we’ve seen, but it makes for great conversation during the reception.  How will you incorporate personal details on your big day?

photo by Zofia Photography, cake by Jodi's Cakes

There are many places both on the web and in print for couples to get ideas, color combinations, the latest look in dresses, etc.  One of our favorite resources for island weddings is Wellwed Magazine.  The pages of the magazine are filled to the brim with amazing details that give your day that extra special touch.  The website for the magazine showcases local vendor resources, and posts tips from the most sought after vendors.  Be sure to include this magazine on your must reads as you start to pull the inspiring details together for your ‘I Do’s’.  You will be glad you did.

photo by Zofia Photography, bouquet by Soiree Floral

Jodi from Jodi’s Cakes tipped us off to this fabulous Etsy shop and wanted us to share with all our readers. Sarah’s Stands was started when owner Sarah couldn’t find the perfect cake stand for her wedding… out of necessity comes creation! Brilliant and so simple.

Jodi says “They are very nicely done pedestal stands and come in 70 colors. What is unique is the ability to customize the color and they come in sizes up to 22 inches in diameter.  Most pedestal stands are 12 inches max which isn’t large enough for a wedding cake. It’s a great resource for brides!”

Wow! 70 colors!! With selection like that we are certain you will find the perfect color to compliment your beautiful wedding cake.

Thanks Jodi!

Nantucket wedding cake expert Jodi Levesque from Jodi’s Cakes is known for her stunningly beautiful cakes. But it’s also what’s on the inside that makes her cakes so special. She joins us today to share some ideas on flavor combinations that will wow your guests. Thanks Jodi!

I would love to see couples go out on a limb a bit with flavors.  Those are the cakes people not only remember but would never pass by for the dance floor! Nervous about your more particular guests? Offer something small like truffles or chocolate dipped strawberries for the few guests who perhaps are not wild about your chosen flavor.  A small plate of macaroons at each table would also satisfy those more finicky eaters.  French macaroons are very hot this season!  They are the new cupcake.

Spring and summer weddings often tend towards light, fresh flavors.  Raspberry lemon is always popular, but why not try something different?? Blackberry lemon or blueberry  lemon is a wonderfully unexpected flavor twist. The tang of  citrus and berries balances the sweetness of the cake and butter cream perfectly. Or go for a coconut cake layered with key lime curd and fresh raspberries.  If you aren’t a fan of coconut –use a white butter cake instead.
Summer should be all about light and fresh.  It is hot and guests have had a big meal..lots of sitting.  This doesn’t mean you have to avoid chocolate..just balance the chocolate with something lighter such as fresh berries and a simple vanilla butter cream.  Chocolate cake with coffee butter cream is a classic and one of my favorites…add some crunchy chocolate espresso beans for a twist!! Want something more decadent? How about white butter cake with mocha praline buttercream. You get it all…light white cake..chocolate..coffee and the crunch of praline!
Prefer to keep it simple? Yellow cake with dulce de luche buttercream is a great summer cake.  Serve with a side of fresh berries and some whipped cream..perfection!

Fall is particularly a fun time for stepping out.  I will never lose my affection for the classic carrot cake but how about soft moist layers of pumpkin cake with a cream cheese filling? Late summer/ early fall people are just beginning to tire of lemon and berries..they are ready for those hearty fall flavors but the weather may still be warm. Try a light white spice cake with fresh raspberries and a spiced butter cream icing. Late fall is definitely the time to go all chocolate!  Let your hair down and forget about swimsuits for awhile!

photo by Amy Poor

When faced with a couple who is unsure of which flavor to choose I will often ask them what their favorite dessert is..not their favorite cake.  How can we translate this into a cake?
Say a couple loves salted pralines…then lets talk about a Chocolate cake with a salted caramel cashew buttercream!
The key is to have fun with the flavor! Weddings are meant to be special and they are all about celebrating the couple. If someone says ” I am not a cake lover”.. I say you haven’t thought about it enough!

Photo Courtesy Brea McDonald Photography

Today we give you a look at some of the vendors who go behind the scenes to pull a photo shoot together.  This crew designed the beautiful sorbet shoot in Wellwed Spring/Summer 2010 we have been featuring this week.

photo by Zofia Photography

Vendors (clockwise from top) – Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, Jen Shepherd of Placesetters, Zofia of Zofia Photography, Lisa Frey of Nantucket Event Media, Kim Reed of A Taste of Nantucket, and Jodi Levesque of Jodi’s Cakes.