Ashley Gain Weddings and Events: Guest Blogger ~ Miss. Kelly of Julia Baker

Stunning, amazing, and grand, like nothing I had EVER seen. It was over 9 feet tall, detailed with crystals and literally was designed to light up. Of course it's lights up, she is Julia Baker. You have probably seen her chocolates at all the finest grocers in town and around the country for that matter, each with it's own little details to make it different from the next.

She takes a brides inspiration and creates a cake that becomes the center of the reception and she doesn't it all with a little help. Meet Kelly, sweet, smart, hard working Kelly. She is the icing on the cake. Just when you think it's amazing Kelly makes it one of a kind, and lucky for the bride & groom she is there to help you!

Kelly let me ask her some questions to help better prepare bride and groom to start deciding on their cake. Enjoy!

Miss. Kelly, what is your title and what does your job entail?

My title is “Bridal & Marketing Liaison” - sounds fancy, huh?! I assist all of our Brides and Grooms with every detail of selecting their perfect wedding cake, from the tasting to the delivery. I also lead our marketing, advertising, merchandising, and event planning efforts. It’s so much fun and no two days are ever the same which is what I love! *smile*

What makes Julia Baker's cakes different?

Our cakes are different because they are all amazing pieces of art! Julia was classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris giving her the most amazing attention to taste and detail. Our cakes are made with the finest and freshest ingredients, most of which are imported from Europe. They are always fresh, never frozen. The sugar flowers that we create are so close to the real thing you truly cannot tell the difference. But the best thing is that each cake is just as unique as the Bride and Groom that selected it. We really make it our goal to get to know our clients and create the cake of their dreams.

When a Bride & Groom comes in for their cake tasting what are some of the things they can do prior to get an idea of what they want?

The best thing couples can do prior to their tasting is look at cake pictures. There are so many magazines, websites, and blogs (ashleygainblog.com just to name one!) that post great pictures of cakes. If couples can go through that search process on their own and come in with 2-3 cake pictures they both agree on they will be in for a pleasant and relaxing tasting experience. If they come in with no style in mind it can definitely become overwhelming. I recommend bringing 2-3 different pictures because many times we can incorporate elements from different cakes into one that is unique and beautiful to the two of them!

What is the difference between fondant & a butter cream frosting? Does one work better with an outdoor wedding verses an indoor?

Fondant is a sugar paste that can be rolled out to lay over cakes for a smooth, porcelain-like appearance. It is always placed on top of a frosting like buttercream and works really well for various types of decor. Julia makes a few different styles of buttercream but the one most of us are familiar with is made up of butter, confectioner’s sugar, and milk. We call it our “American buttercream”. It is delicious but much more limited in design and décor options than fondant. Many Brides and Grooms come in to their tasting saying they dislike fondant but after trying ours they change their minds! We recommend a fondant-covered cake for any outdoor wedding since it provides a tighter seal for the cake and is sturdy enough to withstand the elements better than just a frosting itself.

What trends are you seeing in cakes right now?

The latest trend I have noticed which I really like is incorporating the Wedding Dress Design into the cake. We have had a few Brides bring in pictures of their dresses (which we keep secret from the Groom of course!) and Julia studies every detail until she comes up with a beautiful way to incorporate the lace, beading, bling, feathers, ruching, etc into the cake. She is definitely the creative mastermind behind every cake. Elements from the dress design make the cake even more meaningful and special.

What is the most fun/different cake & frosting pairing a bride and groom has ordered?

The most unique flavor combination lately was a yellow and chocolate sponge cake with passion fruit curd and Swiss meringue filling, frosted in chocolate ganache. I know it sounds funky but it was delicious - chocolaty, fruity, creamy, and refreshing! We all approved!

Does Julia Baker do any other dessert specialties besides cakes?

Well, I’m so glad you asked, Miss Ashley…specialty desserts are actually what put Julia on the map in the first place! She began creating her amazing, French-inspired desserts in her home in 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Our desserts are now regularly on the menu at Prado Restaurant at the Montelucia. Our most popular being the individual creamy, chocolate mousse cakes, white chocolate passion fruit cakes, and lava cakes. A fun little tidbit is that when Bono (of U2) ate one of Julia’s chocolate mousse cakes he turned to her and said , “This is definitely European chocolate. No Hershey’s here!”

Does Julia Baker have an actual store or do you do everything out of your factory?

We are so excited to say that our first-ever retail store is opening next month at the Montelucia! It is the cutest little chocolate boutique that makes you feel like you’re in a Paris Café. You will be able to get our chocolates, desserts, wine, coffee and of course chocolate martinis! What more does a girl need? It will be the perfect place for a girls night out, happy hour, date night or just a sweet fix!

{The beautiful colored fondant and sugar flower cake, a modern twist on a classically styled cake!}