‘The most dangerous food is wedding cake’ – James Thurber
Amen to this right? One of the absolute BEST perks of being a wedding photographer is getting to sample some of the best cake our country has to offer. All the flavors, toppings, fillings, custom creations… It’s is always fun to see what our couples pick out. What blows our mind even more than how delicious wedding cake can be, is the artistry that is involved. Sheet cakes begone, and fondant oh please… a ‘Sweets Cake’ will have it’s share of burlap or perhaps set atop gorgeous rustic wood. It might be covered in fresh fruit or adorned with vintage candy. Or it might not be a cake at all, one of our favorite ‘cakes’ from these ladies was actually constructed out of delicate macaroons. What every cake from Sweets in Laramie is SURE TO HAVE however is the love from a baker who really cares about her patrons. Jessica listens to what her clients want and really strives to design something different than she has ever made for someone else. This is exactly why we are featuring her here on ‘Vendors We ♥’. Here are Jessica’s answers to a few of our favorite questions as well as a few of our favorite images from our last season working together:
Who or what got you started in the cake industry?
Honestly I kind of stumbled into. I left Laramie in the middle of getting my Journalism degree from the university and headed for Southern California to go to culinary school. Once I was there the baking and pastry path was an obvious choice for me. I loved the scientific attributes of baking and the artistry required for pastry work.
What is your favorite part of being a baker?
Like I said I love the science. There is a lot that goes into balancing ingredients in pursuit of the perfect product. But above all I love getting to be a part of memories. From first birthday smash cakes, to wedding cakes, 50th anniversaries and everything in between. Every party you go to has a treat. I get to be a part of hundreds…thousands of parties – where people celebrate life and love with the people most important to them. That is so cool to me.
How did you decide on your company name?
Most people assume it’s just a simple name. I make sweet stuff therefore: Sweets. But the name actually comes from my dad. He has always been my friend, my supporter, my everything. Since I was a little girl he has called me “Sweets.”
What do you remember most about the very first cake you ever created?
Oh gosh. I don’t remember it specifically. I mean before school it was something simple – a family recipe – something that could be ugly as long as it tasted good. During school it was always terrifying. Making cakes with a classically trained, Master Pastry Chef breathing down you neck. Whew. Those guys are the real deal.
What do you find to be the most challenging part of your job?Physically it wears on me. Cake Boss doesn’t talk about the long days, aching body and heavy lifting. Ha!
Where would be your dream destination wedding?The mountains. Anywhere in the mountains.
Where do you find inspiration?Everywhere. Nature, art, music, fruits, flowers, textiles, a great story (especially a love story), you name it.
How important in your opinion is hiring good wedding photographer when planning a wedding?
I think it is the most important. No one ever tell you that you can float through your wedding day in a daze and you wont even know what all was happening around you. A good photographer captures that and not only allows you to keep your story with you forever but shows you the story you may have missed. Some of my favorite photos from my wedding are from places I never even saw. Photos from the groomsmen getting ready, my family mingling, expressions and moments that are absolutely precious to me.
What wedding industry blogs or websites do you read often?
Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, 100 Layer Cake, Green Wedding Shoes, Magnolia Rouge, Ruffled, Once Wed, Rock ‘N Roll Bride, the list goes on and on and on.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hands down.
What is one food that you absolutely cannot live without?Coffee. That counts right?
Why should a newly engaged couple invest in creative and professionally made cakes & desserts for their big day?
Our cakes are made custom from the ground up. From the moment we sit down with a couple we begin to design a dessert spread that fits their story. We pride ourselves on not taking “Couple A” and matching them with “Dessert 1.” Our products are scratch made, made with love and 100% individual. From a simple court house wedding to an elaborate ranch affair for 300 – we are committed to providing a quality service with a quality product.
What do you feel is the main thing that differentiates you from other cake artists?
Every cake artist has their own style – like any other artist or photographer for that matter. My style is what makes me different I suppose. I am inspired by organic things, wild and non-manipulated elements, natural colorings, beautiful things that are real like seasonal fruits and herbs. I love texture. And my love for this artistry extends far past cakes alone. I love the classics. Pies, tarts, tortes, petit fours, cookies, bars, plated desserts, all of it. I love the opportunity to be creative. I love a challenge. Challenge me to put something crazy in your dessert table. I will love every minute of it.
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