Your Surrey Wedding- February / March 2021 (Issue 87)

MEET JO HARPER FROM THE JO HARPER CAKE COMPANY 07714 755 113 | www.thejoharpercakecompany.co.uk Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? When I left school, I did a catering course which included cake making and decorating. It sparked my interest, so I attended a few lessons at the local shop and got hooked. I took a job there and worked my way up until I was making wedding cakes daily. After a career break to have my three boys, I started making and decorating cakes for their birthdays, and the rest is history. What should couples expect when booking your services? I provide a professional and helpful service, giving you the confidence that your cake is in good hands. I’m extremely passionate and enthusiastic about my job, and I love bringing a couple’s vision to life. I pride myself with attention to detail, ensuring I can add to the wow factor to your big day. What’s your favourite wedding that you’ve worked on and why? I can’t possibly choose one as it would be like picking a favourite child. I love them all. I adore the connections I’ve made with the lovely couples I work alongside. I fall in love with the design and when I have delivered the bake and set it up at the venue, stepping back to see it in its full glory in amongst all the carefully chosen decorations is so rewarding. Everyone is special to me for its own reasons. How long before the wedding should couples book? As early as possible. Once you have your venue, your registrar (if you need one) and your florist, start looking. If you know the cake designer you want to work with, get your date secured as soon as possible. Most dates can be held with a small fee even if you’re unsure of the size or creation that you want. What’s your favourite part of the job? Making sugar flowers is most definitely my favourite part. Ever since I first discovered cake decorating, it always has been. I can sit for hours creating beautiful blooms to adorn my designs with, I find it so relaxing. Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? You must research designers to find one who will create a style you like. Follow them on social media and have a look at their websites. When you’ve found a supplier who fits your style, ask to have a consultation to make sure they’re a good fit. Do you have good communication with them? You need to trust the person you choose to make your cake and give you the peace of mind that they’ll create and deliver the very best on your special day. MEET SHENAZ LAKE-THOMAS FROM LAKE THOMAS CAKES 02089 428 782 | www.ltcakes.co.uk Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? Back in the 2000s, I decided to take part in a few cake courses and started baking for friends and family while I continued learning. In 2007 I opened my business, Lake Thomas Cakes. In addition to making cakes, I also hold another job working for the civil service. What should couples expect when booking your services? I offer a professional but friendly service with a detailed consultation and communication throughout the planning process. I only use high-quality ingredients which is reflected in the cakes I produce. What’s your favourite wedding that you’ve worked on and why? All of the creations I’ve made have been my favourites, but there are three, in particular, that stand out. In 2012, I received a phone call asking me to make a two-tiered Art Deco-themed cake at Cliveden House in Berkshire. Art Deco is one of my favourite styles, and the venue had always been a place I’d wanted to visit. The second was in 2015 when I was asked to make a Monopoly- themed bake. It was a fun and quirky design and met the couple’s requirements perfectly. Lastly, I made a bake in December 2020. The couple chose a winter-themed fruit cake. This gave me the opportunity to create a magical yet subtle design. This was my second wedding during the pandemic, and there were moments when the wedding might have not taken placed as the second lockdown had just ended and restrictions eased. How long before the wedding should couples book? Don’t leave it too long. Once you have your date and venue, begin researching your wedding cake and enquiring as good suppliers get booked up quickly. What’s your favourite part of the job? For me, it’s getting the wedding cake to the venue, making any last- minute touches and taking a final photo. Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? Check the cake maker’s previous work and whether they’re able to make what you’re looking for and not what they want to create. Make sure get on with the supplier as you will be working closely with them throughout the planning process. Have a list of questions to ask them and set a realistic budget for your bake. 65 CAKES