Sunday Sweets: Wedding Wonders

Shaped and themed cakes are awesome, of course, but I still drool and dream over more traditional wedding cakes, too. After all, they've come a long way from just simple tiers with flowers - even the simple tiers with flowers!

(By Sweet Life Patisserie)

Love this SO MUCH.

And take a look at this amazing "fabric" pleating:

(By Delectable by Su)

Hard to believe those tufted pinwheels and embroidered borders are all sugar. It's so perfect!

And check out the string work on this engagement beauty:

(By Hana of A Piece of Cake)

I love the curls on the top tier, and the piping on the bottom lace collar and upper level strings is simply awe-inspiring. Skill like this always renews my faith in cake artistry. :)

Here's a sweet dress-inspired design:

(By Jackie Nelson)

Look at the design at the bottom of the skirt ruffles!

And how's this for a modern twist on a classic?

(By Elizabeth's Cakes)

If you've never stacked or tried to support cakes in the shape of a ball before, let me assure you: it's hard. And all that detail! Totally swoon-worthy.

Another rounded design:

(By See-Through-Silence)

See that lace border on top? Someone piped that. Yeah. Respect!

And speaking of mad piping skills:

(By The Cake Gallery)

Whoah. This reminds me of the Victorian-themed Grand Floridian resort here in Orlando. Frills and bows and hand-piped lace, oh my!

Or, for a more modern touch:

(By Fleur de Lisa Cakes)

This has been one of my favorite designs since before I even started CW. I love the swirls and the bold flowers.

Or, how about John's favorite?

(By Sugarbelle Cakes)

WOW. Just...wow.

And finally, the cake that had me scooping my jaw off the desk:

(By Susan Trianos aka Peecheekeeno)

That's all *cake*, guys. Look at that tufted tier in the middle. LOOK AT IT. Now, tell me: how the heck do they DO that? Not to mention the perfect corset lacing, the bows, the ruffles, the porcelain-perfect gumpaste roses...seriously, I think I could stare at this all day. Just. Gorgeous.

Happy Sunday!

*****

P.S. Any fellow insomniacs here? Because I feel the call once more to sing the praises of my amazing sleep headphones:

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

I listen to boring audio books on these every night to keep my brain from spinning out of control, which works wonders. Lately I've been wearing them like a sleep mask -  like the model here - and WOW, that's helped even more than when I wore them like a headband! These things have been a life saver: comfy enough for side sleeping, not too loud like some of my old speakers, and they only cost $16 Prime.

Note that they do run on the big side, but that works out great if you have a big head like me. :D

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Half-Off Wreckage!

Sometimes the stories you guys send in with your wrecks are so perfect they don't need anything more from me. So, Steph S., take it away!

It was my son's "half birthday" and he wanted a cake. Because I'm a modern mother, obviously I said yes, but "just half a cake." So, I went to the bakery and explained the sitch.

"Think you could make me a half a cake?"

"Well, nooo, 'cause then we'd like, have to throw away the other half."

"Well, it'll be special order so you can just make one cake layer, right? And then cut it in half and stack it. Like a layer cake!"

"I don't know what you mean."

{{ repeats previous statements with hand motions }}

"Ok, like, I have no idea what you're wanting here."

"Look, just bake one round cake, cut it in half and stick the two sides together for a layer cake. Makes half a cake."

"I think that'll be really messy."

"Sure. Ok, just... Whatever. Do what you've gotta do."

And here is the result:

Thanks to Steph for literally making me screech with laughter. Oh, and for next time: there ARE bakeries who sell half cakes all the time. In fact, some will even write "Happy Birthday" on it first before chopping the thing in half:

See? Now that's service!