vendors we ♥ | liz’s cakes {creative wedding cakes}

This week we are featuring one of our favorite local baker’s, Liz Zimmer. Her company, Liz’s Cakes, is responsible for some of our favorite cakes over the past few seasons. This includes the two we have highlighted in this feature: Ashley and Kurt’s Wheat Topped Cake and Chanda and Pat’s Aspen Themed Initial Cake. Although Liz is extremely talented, she is also great to work with because she is such a sweetheart. She has a heart for the Lord and care’s SO much about making thee absolute perfect cake for her clients. Here is what Liz had to say about her company and her passion:

How long have you been a cake artist?

I started decorating cakes in 4-H and just for fun when I was about 10 years old. Now at 29 I still love it.

Who or what got you started in the wedding industry?

Since my mother owned flower shops when I was growing up, I was always somewhat around the wedding industry.  However, I completed my very first wedding cake for pay in 2009. The love of cakes and orders grew rapidly from there.

How would you describe your approach to cake artistry?

I enjoy trying new things from 3D cakes to new designs.  I enjoy working most with those customers that allow me to try new things and let my creativity flow.  Those cakes always turn out the best.  I also enjoy a challenge but do not like to be micromanaged.  Some of my favorite cakes have been the 3D designs that are of significant meeting to someone.

How did you decide on your company name?

My name is Liz so we just stuck with Liz’s cakes and have not changed it this far.

What do you remember most about the very first wedding cake you ever created?

I want the customer to be happy but more so do not want to disappoint myself.  For my first wedding cake I spent hours into the evening and morning to make sure that every corner was smooth and perfect.  The one thing that sealed my fate as a cake decorator was the brides reaction, she was so excited.

What is your favorite part of being a cake artist?

The satisfaction of making something that makes people happy and celebrates a major life occasion is the cake.  The joy of seeing each person’s look on their faces when they see their cake for the first time is the “icing on the cake.”

What do you find to be the most challenging part of your job?

First, the desire to make a cake that I am both satisfied and the customer is satisfied is critical.  Not only could a bad cake affect your reputation, it can be embarrassing.  I have learned that you can’t make everyone happy but I sure try. I stress a lot over making everything exactly how they asked.  Second, it can be challenging juggling work, family, and cakes.   I frequently find myself putting those final touches on during the twilight hours.

Where would be your dream destination wedding?

I don’t think I would have a dream destination. I am a home girl I was married in Laramie and I love the locals. I used all local vendors and friends. I truly believe in keeping money local. I love my little town!

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in everything I do and everywhere I go.  I get ideas from the internet, travels, flowers, paint, feathers, animals and I find that my options of creation are endless. I love creating and making new things that are “out of the box.”

How important in your opinion is hiring good wedding photographer when planning a wedding?

As with any moment, this is a one-time event.  There are no second chances to go back and recapture the moment.  A good photographer is going to capture the wedding and all elements of it. I always love when my cakes are photographed by an amazing photographer. You can defiantly tell a difference between one who cares about their job and one that does not.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

My goal is to become a full-time baker.  Currently I have to supplement income with a second job.  However, I feel with hard work I can eventually support myself making cakes and other bakery goodies full-time.  Our little town is in need of a great bakery.

What wedding industry blogs or websites do you read often?

I am really plugged into Facebook and websites.  I have a group of other baker friends that I bounce ideas off of, post pictures to, and just discuss the joy of baking.  I don’t particularly have any blogs that I regularly read but I definitely have read a few articles and seen some cakes I like on other peoples blogs.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

I absolutely love “A Walk to Remember” with Mandy Moore.  It is a movie that reminds you to live to the fullest each day and it also promises a good cry if needed.

What is one food that you absolutely cannot live without?

Butter, I LOVE butter and the way it can transform any dish or cake.

Why should a newly engaged couple invest in a creative and professionally designed cake for their big day?

The wedding cake is one of the highlights of a wedding and is a guest favorite.  The cake should be original and meaningful to the bride and groom.  Sometimes people will have family members make cakes and when they tip over or melt off the table, the bride is devastated.  A professional cake decorator knows how to support a cake and what will work during different types of the years and environment.  If you want your cake to be perfect, then you need to hire a professional cake decorator.

What do you feel is the main thing that differentiates you from other cake artists?

I truly care about each wedding I do. Cakes are not a number to me and I remember every wedding cake I have done. All the hard work, ideas, cakes that went in the trash because they were not perfect, and the special touches that went into it. Yes sometimes they stress me out but ultimately it is because I want everything to be perfect. I also have an artistic style and lots of experience. Being self-taught has made me grow in so many ways. I have so many ideas and so much advice.

Here are a few cakes that we have had the pleasure of working with Liz on…