vintage valentine

February 13th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Flower | Parties - (Comments Off)

Flowers, sweets, and cards are the trademarks of Valentine’s Day! In this romantic holiday shoot we wanted to create a cozy garden nostalgic feel complete with a cuddly kitty! We gathered inspiration from precious vintage paper Valentine’s with imagery of kitty cats and hearts. We used a super soft color palette of pinks, peaches, corals, salmon and creams with playful pops of fuschia! Loose and lush florals add a casual, unfussy, garden vibe to this affair. The quirky ceramic cat bride cake topper adds a playful element, along with the milkglass hands and vintage ceramic cat vase! Swirled and heart shaped french macarons are creative and yummy. A decadent marble frosted cake with a floral cascade completes this vintage valentine wedding.

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GLAMPING!

February 10th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Flower | Parties - (Comments Off)

Bringing a bit of the outdoors indoors in this glamourous camping inspired shoot featured in the current issue of Brides of North Texas Magazine!

 

Concept + Design + Flowers: Bows and Arrows

Photography: Perez Photography

Paper: Southern Fried Paper

Cake + Sweets: Sugar Bee Sweets

Venue: 129 Leslie, Dallas

Rentals: Posh posh Couture Rentals

 

 

the baker’s wish list

January 4th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Parties - (Comments Off)

The most beautiful cakes and pastries are often inspired by art and design, seeking, in their way, to become a temporary, edible work of art. So it is only fitting that the world of sweets would in turn inspire designers and artists. These baking-inspired art objects and prints would make for a unique addition to any home. Great gifts for that sweet baker in your life!

-Emily Allen with Cake Walk Bake Shop 

Photo Credits:

Part of artist Paul Ferney's Cake Series paintings, check out the beautiful collection here. "Sprinkles" by Paul Ferney.

Hand turned and hand shaped Cloud Cookie Cutter by Herriot Grace

Beater Whisk by Normann Copenhagen for Gretel

Rolling Pin Hook by Thelermont Hupton for Gretel

Linen Sweets Tea Towel by Poketo.

Recipe Card Box and Recipe Cards by Rifle Paper Co.

 

get to know layered bake shop

September 21st, 2012 | Posted by Hello Love in Uncategorized - (Comments Off)

Shannon Star is the owner of Layered Bake Shop, an all natural custom bake shop and cake design studio specializing in custom-designed cakes for weddings and special occasions!  In March of 2012 Layered Bake Shop moved to downtown historic Mckinney in one of the most charming spaces we’ve seen in a while. Read Shannon’s interview below:

 

Q: What inspired you to start Layered Bake Shop?

A: I grew up with a love for baking and art and 2008 I made a cake for a friends baby shower that involved both those things, it was love at first sight! A few years later an opportunity appeared to turn my dreams into reality. Having this bakery allows me to combine both my love for art and baking.

Q: Layered Bake Shop has a sweet tagline:  eat. cake. love. What does that tagline mean to you?

A: Our tagline is the very simple essence of Layered Bake Shop. I would have people try my cake and they loved it so the words just fell into place.

Q: What is the process for designing wedding cakes? Do most brides come with ideas in mind or is it a collaborative effort?

A: I honestly think I have the best brides! Most of them come to me for my style and designs. They fully trust me to take their ideas and styles and created a one of a kind design for them. I have to say this is my most favorite part of what I do.

Q: So what is the difference between a custom-style bakery like Layered Bake Shop and a bakery that mass produces their cakes?

A: I personally design and decorate each cake myself. I limit myself to three weddings a weekend. I think each one deserves the time and effort it takes to make these one of a kind creations

Q: What are some unique items you use for decorating cakes? Do you offer cake flags or banners?

A: I do offer cake flags and banners and the remaining decor on my cakes are completely edible. I feel it’s very important to give a couple a beautiful cake where they can eat everything on it. I have used items such as cameo brooches, strings of pearls, and even a wedding dress to replicate on a cake.

Q: What are your favorite cake fillings?

A: White chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries, that’s tied with our Mocha Buttercream.

Q: Do you do anything special for the traditional top tier?

A: I always offer a free top tier replica on the bride and groom’s first anniversary.

Q: Are there any trends you’ve seen lately in custom wedding cakes (style, flavor, new concepts)?

A: Trends are changing all the time and I love the creativity that this allows me to practice. I have found that brides are wanting to combine more that one flavor in a cake tier. People are also looking for a visual effect inside there cakes too.

* Photography and Interview by BEN Q. PHOTOGRAPHY.

SUMMER POPS!

August 31st, 2012 | Posted by Hello Love in Uncategorized - (1 Comments)

DIY PERFECT SUMMER POPS…presented by Cake Walk Bake Shop and photographed by Apryl Ann Photography.

Ingredients:
- lemonade (2-3cups)
- green tea, room temperature (2-3cups)
- simple syrup (1 cup)
- fresh mint (handful)
- fresh edible flowers (as many as you like)

Equipment:
- Pop Molds (I purchased this mold on Amazon for under $20)
- Popsicle Sticks
- it’s that easy!

1. Mix equal amounts Green Tea + Lemonade into a spouted vessel (for easy pouring). Add a splash (to taste) of simple syrup to cut the tartness of the lemonade.

2.  Mix it up.

3. Pour the tea-lemonade mix into the pop molds, only filling to about 1/3. You must freeze the pops in phases, otherwise the fun stuff (flowers + mint) would all float to the top of the mold, leaving you with a mostly solid-looking pop.

4. Carefully place a few flowers and mint leaves into the pop mold, dunking them into the tea-lemonade liquid. You may choose to use a fork or butter knife for this, but I just went all in with my fingers.

5. Freeze each layer for at least 2 hours so that the layer is completely set before you add the next, otherwise meltage will occur and your carefully preserved flowers will float on up to join their friends in the next layer. Only partially freeze the second (middle) layer for 30 minutes to 1 hour so that you can place the popsicle stick. You are looking for an almost slushy like texture with enough thickness to hold the stick in place. Insert the stick and pop it back into the freezer to continue to freeze solid before adding the final layer. If adding a sliced lime, this would be the layer to do so. For each layer, repeat steps 3 and 4. Let the entire pop freeze for at least 6 hours before sharing with friends.

Enjoy!

 

Note: To make simple sugar, mix one part sugar with one part water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and let cool.

Fun Ideas: Make adult-only pops by adding sweet tea vodka! Add almonds for crunch! Use pink lemonade to add some extra color!

 

 

on cloud nine

August 10th, 2012 | Posted by Hello Love in Parties - (1 Comments)

Behind the scenes of a heavenly sweet shoot!

xo!

Shoot Location: Dallas, TX / Shoot Venue: The Nuvo Room / Wedding Photographer: nbarrett photography / Event Stylist: Couture Events by Lottie / Wedding Flowers: Bows and Arrows / Caterer: Culinary Arts / Desserts: Shannon ofLayered Bake Shop / Hair and Makeup: La Bichette / Rentals: Period Charm / Stationery: Southern Fried Paper / Videographer: I Do Cinematics

top it off!

July 20th, 2012 | Posted by Hello Love in Uncategorized - (1 Comments)

I remember as a girl thinking about how fun it would be to pick out a cake topper one day that looked just like me and my future husband (either I was destined to work in the cake biz or spent way too much time in romantic daydreams…maybe both!) And while the couple in formal attire is still a classic by some standards, brides these days have so many fun, whimsical, and creative new options for that top tier. Contemporary toppers in all their creative glory can accentuate a wedding’s theme or be the DIY handy work of a crafty bride. Either way, these charming little details are sweet mementos to cherish as your lives grow. A fun tradition: reuse your topper for anniversary cakes! -Emily Allen, Cake Walk Bake Shop
See a few of Emily’s favorites below. Visit her site. Follow her on pinterest.

DIY: fashion wooden picks with tiny ribbon and washi tape flags. So cute as a collection!

Be it cotton candy, lollipop figures, or British liquorice, candy toppers are instant fun (and edible) charm.

DIY: spray paint rubber figures! Works great for drink stirs too.

 

 

images via:

cakewalkhome.com, aprylann.comhttp://www.bhldn.cometsy.comruffledblog.comhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/PotterandButler?ref=seller_info,  http://hello-naomi.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentinesday.htmlgreenweddingshoes.comhttp://becominglola.blogspot.com/2010/07/cotton-candy-cupcakes.html,  shopbando.com,  http://www.fortysixthatgrace.blogspot.com/thegoodmachinery.comhttp://www.ashleymeaders.com/bells