Some folks call the cake the centerpiece of their reception. In this photo shoot from Southern Bride and Groom’s 2016 magazine, we share plenty of inspiration of exceptional cakes, hand-fashioned from our talented and artistic bakers. These baked beauties were photographed at The Grand Marquise, a spectacular venue that was built especially for weddings and receptions. In this ballroom, the cake frequently gets placed in a lofty VIP setting located at the center of the grand staircase, and in full view of the guests until the anticipated cutting ceremony.
For those who love the beauty of marble columns, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, majestic tall ceilings and an impressive staircase for the couple’s ceremony or unforgettable entrance, The Grand Marquise Ballroom is magical. Owner Anfesa Matthews and her daughter, Meredith Eiseman, head the team that works closely with weddings. Their gift and jewelry showroom is a couple’s ideal first stop before taking a tour of the elegant venue.
The cake above is by One Belle Bakery, set in the entry foyer of The Grand Marquise and Anfesa’s Jewelers.
Once in a Blue Moon Bakery presents a delightful pastel yellow cake, below, adorned with luscious sugared lemon slices. This bakery and cafe also specializes in pastry and pie buffets. Below, they feature a cake with some of their signature scroll designs with a golden quilted center layer. They pretty icing is yummy buttercream, of course!
The duo of edible silver leaf cakes below were designed by Kaylyn McGuryt of Sweet Traditions. They glitter beneath the Grand Marquise’s crystal chandeliers. The four-layer cake at left combines a symbolic quatrefoil layer with a romantic floral icing base and an expressive silver glaze decorates its companion.
Edible Art mixes textures of splendorous sliver leaf to create a stunning five-layer-work-of-art in keeping with the ambiance of our elegant ballroom setting. What’s inside? Various layers of red velvet cake with amaretto nut filling to almond cake with chocolate mousse filling…or whatever your heart desires!
Catering Works creates a spectacular Gatsby-inspired centerpiece cake in the barest blush fondant, royal icing with delicate lace and beads of icing-art. This hotsy-totsy showstopper is set in front of the ballroom’s grand staircase as a wedding reception statement. The crystal brooch is fashioned from gold tulle topped with a glamorous ostrich feather.
Elegance reigns in this beautiful cake with distinguished gold scrolling topped with a bouquet of sugar flowers from a bounteous garden, designed by One Belle Bakery.
Romance rules in this cake from Sugar Euphoria with inverses ruffles and a cameo confection. The gold topper is the real thing – actual edible 24K gold leaf! Inside, discover a layer of almond cake with Bavarian cream, vanilla bean buttercream and strawberry puree and another layer of lime cake infused with a bourbon and mint syrup with cream cheese frosting.
This delectable dessert table in a palette of pink, white and gold from The Cupcake Shoppe features a trio of cakes and an array of goodies including macarons, marshmallow squares, cupcakes and cake pops sprinkled in gold sugar dust. The center cake monogram and floral design details showcase The Cupcake Shoppe’s talent for artistic hand-painted confections.
This Snow White inspired cake designed by Liz Williams of Gigi’s Cupcakes has an edible icing branch and leaves topped with sparkling candied apples. Gigi’s is known for their cupcakes, but wants you all to know that they bake cakes, too. Then, why not have it all? You may want cupcakes in your favorite flavors for dessert (they have dozens of choices), as well as a petite topper or large cake that you can slice together at the reception.
VENUE The Grand Marquise Ballroom | PHOTOGRAPHY f8 Photo Studios | LINEN & STANDS Party Reflections