Owner and cake designer Mary Bracey meets personally with each client to discuss their upcoming event. Two design processes take place at a consultation, as both the flavor of the cake and the exterior “look” are developed.

Clients are encouraged to brainstorm about favorite flavors and memorable desserts. These ideas often lead to custom designed cake flavors, incorporating elements of spices, liqueurs, fruits and nuts into moist cakes for truly unique desserts.

Clients are strongly encouraged to bring pictures, sketches, fabric samples and any other memorabilia to the consultation for inspiration. Mary’s extensive portfolio, as well as an array of design books, are also available to clients throughout this process.

When it comes to designing wedding cakes, Mary works closely with each bride and groom to design both the exterior of the cake and the taste. Favorite cake combinations often include white and/or dark chocolate mousse flavored with fruit purees or liqueurs. A hint of citrus, nuts or spice can be added to deepen the flavor or to make the taste more interesting. Every cake is unique, allowing the bride and groom to share a special part of themselves with their guests.

A cake layer is between four and five inches tall and can be either stacked or on pillars and can be displayed on one of Mary’s unique cake stands. Cake shapes can be circular, square, rectangular, heart or triangle, or any combination specified.

A proposal and preliminary drawing of the cake are developed at this meeting. With approval of the proposal, a 50% deposit is required to secure the date. If changes to the drawing need to be made, the design process will continue until the client is satisfied.

A cake tasting will be scheduled in order for you to sample flavor combinations. Ideas garnered from the initial meeting are transformed into cake layers, fillings and icings, then combined into pre-made samples. Additional cake components are brought to the tasting, so that further taste combinations may be made. This has proven to be one of the most enjoyable events of the cake design process!

Beaches Pastry limits the number of wedding cakes accepted per weekend. This guarantees your cake will be freshly made and receives the highest level of care and attention that each client deserves.

Many special dietary needs, such as specific food allergies and sugar-free desserts, can be accommodated. Please discuss your requirements during the design meeting.