{Jubilant Joining}
alternating crumb and cream, tiers begin to tower. heavy dark chocolate flavors the cake as airy vanilla buttercream encases the masterpiece. frosting smoothed to create imperfect ruffles, this wedding confection is celebratory yet understated. a sugary cake for an even sweeter couple.
Wedding cake. Perhaps the most significant dessert in a couple’s relationship. A confection that has the power to inspire aesthetically and enchant delectably. You see, this cake also holds the weight of portraying the bride and groom’s unique tastes to everyone nearest their lives. Those who opt for the humble naked cake in rustic flair are rarely hosting the same fête as those who opt for the seven-tiered monument in gilded opulence.
Elaborate design and artful combinations of ingredients have taken this tradition to new heights (wedding cakes have their own industry these days!). Choosing flavors can sometimes consist of marathon tastings and outings to multiple craft bakeries- the pressure to concoct genius all too real. For some couples, the cake is a utilitarian necessity. Merely a sweet to follow the meal or to polish off the evening. For others, it’s an expression of a relationship. An embodiment of emotions on this occasion that begins their future.
At one point or another amongst the jubilance, the cake becomes a focal point. With all eyes fixed for the cutting, the cake has to hold up to scrutiny. Everything from the topper to the stand is meticulously chosen to exemplify the festivity of the day.
Catering a wedding, even just baking a wedding cake, has always been an aspiration of mine. The thought of it alluring and alarming at the same time. I’ve always been curious about attempting a towering masterpiece of tiers- imagining what it would be like to consult with a couple and craft their dream in sugary finesse. From where I stand, food is all about people. To bring individuals together, to nourish bodies and souls, and to set the stage for relationship building or meaningful conversation. A wedding is downright the most concentrated example of all those things working in harmony. Shared joy made complete in ceremony and celebration.
Over the years I had accumulated an extensive knowledge about the processes and techniques required to be successful in this endeavor. I knew about weighing the pans and batter to ensure even layers; I knew about soaking the cakes in simple syrup to preserve moisture and bounce; I knew about wrapping the layers to chill before trimming; and beyond that, I knew all kinds of best practices for construction of the cake. Bursting at the seams, this theoretical skillset was practically begging to be put to the test.
Convincing a couple to entrust me with this task would be the true challenge. With little more than birthday cake and general cooking experience, I had no portfolio or formal training to show. I didn’t feel comfortable advertising myself as an expert baker, because I’m not exactly that. I wasn’t trying to enter the industry of wedding catering (and am still deciding if I ever want to), but the principle of the act is what drew me in. I wanted to know that I could do it. I wanted to put all of the information I had gathered into practice. I wanted to have the confidence of knowing that I am talented where my passions lie. But even more than all of those ambitions, I wanted to use a skillset I possessed to bring others joy and to celebrate them.
Little did I know that this unspoken dream of mine would materialize splendidly. At another event with desserts by none other than yours truly, some engaged friends approached me to compliment the sweets. As the conversation escalated there was mention of their own wedding and a lighthearted offer. I was certain I had heard them incorrectly, so naturally my response was to laugh with a smiling “Of course, I’d love to!” Surely they weren’t serious. Surely they would fail to remember this conversation. Nevertheless, I marked their date on my calendar and began to refresh the techniques.
If you’ve gotten this far (thank you!), I’m sure you can imagine where this is all heading. Turns out, all of the fantasizing about wedding cakes was not wasted mental energy. The wedding was on, and all of the confections were in my hands. Confronting the enormity of this task could be something that caused me to falter, but instead I leaned into the intensity, drawing from it energy and focus.
A three-day plan and a calculated spreadsheet later, I was ready to test. I laid the framework for a humble and sophisticated two-tier focal point ensconced in buttercream. I quantified ingredients for hundreds of miniature delicacies in shades of vanilla and chai spice. With the wedding just a few days after Christmas, the pressure was on for my plan to be executed according to the painstakingly precise timeline. There was hardly margin for error, and I had high hopes.
If my indications thus far have led you to believe that the baking commenced without any unforeseen challenges, you’d be sadly mistaken. The first day of the (unrealistically) planned schedule was comically disastrous. From supermarkets lacking necessary ingredients to a finicky oven simultaneously scorching and undercooking 200 cupcakes, things were not going to plan. The (almost) airtight strategy of mine was losing momentum fast as hours drained away and checkpoints loomed unattainable.
What I found in those small hours of laser focus and unflinching endurance was the power of doing things for the benefit of others. Sorry to be getting philosophical about cake, but it’s true. Pursuits with selfish aims are typically far less rewarding and the stakes aren’t nearly as poignant. When the expectations aren’t purely your own, when someone is trusting you with a special task- you want to not only perform, but to delight. The thought of throwing in the proverbial towel doesn’t even cross your mind, you adapt and find new paths to reach the intended goal.
If this cake had been, say, my own birthday cake or simply material for the blog, I think I would have balked in the face of every misstep. I would have been discouraged, postponing or even striking this venture. The image of the Bindel’s, the faithfulness of their relationship, the elation with which they’d been dreaming of this day- that’s what kept me going.
Fast forward through acute concentration and several pounds of sugar, and by some miracle it all came together. Fluffy layers of decadent chocolate cake stacked tall and interspersed with luscious vanilla frosting. Smoothing the buttercream to create a loose texture, the cake became resplendent in easy grace. Delicate, coin-sized vanilla layers boasted plumes of icing, dotted with candy pearls for sophistication. In a wholesome twist, the final flavoring emerged reminiscent of a cozy hug. Distinct spices came together in warm harmony, chai cupcakes of endearing proportion.
Walking into the reception hall, I could scarcely contain my beaming enthusiasm. Silken, blush linens cascaded from all sides as frilled lace and twinkling lights dotted the tablescapes. Fresh greenery adorned every surface, an understated albeit stunning touch. Everything from the lighting to the soft music was welcoming. As I purveyed the setting I felt reassured, each tasteful detail buoying my confidence.
Raw-edged wood slices became the stages for my creations. As I wove each miniature dessert into an artful display, arranging the cake just so, I couldn’t help but smile. What a dream this had been, and what better couple to commemorate. Guests trickled into the space, clearly charmed by each element. The reception progressed with sincerity, the love in the room palpable. And just like that, the cake had been sliced and the sweets devoured.
Looking back on this experience, several things jump out in my mind. Not only did I receive validation that I could achieve this feat, but my feelings about food elevating any occasion were confirmed. I’m phenomenally grateful to Natalie and Ryan who took a chance on me, I can only hope that in their eyes the cake mirrored everything they’d hoped it would. What a couple who bolsters each other’s dreams and shines the light of the Gospel in their relationship. These two brought hundreds of people together this day and served up love and gratitude like they were made of it. From sweet moment to sweet moment, I don’t think there was an eye that remained dry. In an example we can all strive for, the Bindel’s took a day that could have selfishly been about them, yet they chose to celebrate their God along with everyone who has poured into their lives and relationship. All stress aside, this is one for the books. I learned to give myself more margins (eep) and that pushing through momentary difficulties is uncontestedly worth it.
RECIPE:
Chocolate Cake
Adapted from this Chocolate Layer Cake recipe.
Vanilla Miniature Cakes
Adapted into small layer cakes from this Vanilla Sheet Cake recipe.
Chai Miniature Cupcakes
Adapted into miniature cupcakes from this Chai Cupcake recipe.
Vanilla Buttercream
Adapted from this Vanilla Buttercream recipe.
*I always change recipes up to fit desired textures, sizes, and tastes. Although my iterations are unique, I typically use recipes like these as a foundation. This is a good start if you don’t want to mess with recipe creation!