Your Herts and Beds Wedding - June/July 2020 (Issue 80)

MEL’S CAKES AND BAKES I started my career as a primary school teacher, which I did for 20 years and a few years ago I decided I wanted to make a change from the world of teaching and now focus on making cakes for my fabulous customers. My lovely granny baked all the time and I enjoyed helping her. When I had my eldest child 13 years ago, she asked me to help make him a first birthday cake as she had become unwell so couldn’t manage it on her own. Unfortunately, she had passed away by the time his second birthday came around but before this, she had made me promise I’d continue to make his cakes every year which I did. Friends and family then started to ask me to make cakes for them and I attended courses to develop my skills. It’s from here that Mel’s Cakes and Bakes has grown into the flourishing business it is today. A lot of the work I do with my couples happens before the big day itself – designing the cake, carrying out tasting sessions and planning the logistics. On the actual day, I transport the cake directly to the venue and personally set it up. There are so many things I love about this job but one of the things I love the most is being a part of making each couple’s vision. I adore getting to know my couples and information about them to incorporate into their chosen ideas to help their day reflect them and their story. My wedding cake style is very much about the detail – the right flowers, ribbons, cake lace or toppers can make all the difference. I enjoy using colour on the cakes I design, whether that be through-coloured icing or the decorations and finishing touches. I’m finding that cakes which involve a marble effect are proving popular. Flavour-wise, lemon and chocolate are my most popular with lemon and elderflower closely behind. Most of my lovebirds opt for a different flavour for each tier of their cake (because my cakes taste so yummy that they can’t decide between them!). If you’re looking for a traditional wedding cake, I can happily design that for you but if you’re looking for something a little bit different or on the alternative side then I’m the cake maker for you. I would suggest you arrange to meet your cake maker in person and taste their bakes. This will give you a chance to get to know more about the way that cake maker works, whether you think their personality and the work they offer is right for you and most importantly means you know exactly what your cake will taste like. In the current circumstances, face to face meetings is not possible which is why I’m offering virtual consultations via Zoom. Melissa Teager | Mel’s Cakes and Bakes | www.melscakesandbakes.co.uk https://nikk ismoments.com https://nikk ismoments.com PRETTY GORGEOUS CAKE COMPANY Cynthia Stroud from Pretty Gorgeous Cake Company has been baking since she was eight years old and bonded with her mum over their shared interest. Fast forward the years, after developing her skills, hard work and passion, Cynthia finally opened a gorgeous cake shop in Hertfordshire. She says: “My two most popular flavours are black forest cake and champagne cake and one of my most popular designs is the romantic buttercream cake, it just oozes relaxed chic. “It’s so important to attend cake tasting consultations and make a decision based on the connection with the cake maker and the taste. I understand that budget is a factor in wedding planning, however, you won’t want to choose your bake solely based on the cheapest quote. If the finished product tastes awful and doesn’t get eaten, it will prove to be a very expensive ornament.” Cynthia is currently a judge on the Great Chocolate Showdown in Canada where home bakers compete and show off their skills through chocolate- based challenges. Cynthia Stroud | Pretty Gorgeous Cake Company | www.prettygorgeouscakecompany.co.uk CAKES 61