Project Wedding Blog

Heather and David’s Naval Academy wedding is sure to put some prep in your step! Done in classic shades of coral and navy, the early February nuptials stay true to the nautical nature of Annapolis with Lilly Pulitzer bridesmaid dresses, cozy pink cardigans, and a handsome groom in uniform. Photos of the sweet celebration come courtesy of Abby Grace Photography—many thanks to this talented DC photographer for sharing the day!

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Tags: annapolis, blue, burlap, coral, cupcakes, keys, lace, mason jar, military wedding, naval academy, navy blue, pink, preppy, uniform, winter wedding.

What’s more romantic than marrying your high school sweetheart in the soft California sunlight? Together for fourteen years of life’s ups and downs, Jessica and Shawn said ‘I do” at the family-run Still Waters Vineyards in Paso Robles. Inspired by Shawn’s Italian proposal (he asked her to marry him in Rome’s Borghese Gardens), they planned a rustic, Tuscan villa-inspired celebration filled with dozens of beautiful vintage details. We can’t rave enough about the lovely images Michelle Warren sent over of the day—from the earthy bouquets to the decadent cupcake spread, everything glows with love.

Jessica and her bridesmaids spent the morning of getting ready in a private cabin on the Still Waters property while the groomsmen hung out in the nearby barrel room. They came together for the ceremony atop a hill overlooking a valley of olive trees. The bride used the breathtaking landscape as inspiration for her wedding favors—tiny bottles of olive oil from a specialty shop in downtown San Luis Obispo!

As the sun went down on the warm September night, sixty of the couple’s nearest and dearest dined family style on a meal of pesto arancini, plank grilled salmon, ricotta ravioli, and more Italian fare.  No detail of the reception spread went unaddressed by the sentimental couple. Rustic, romantic florals by April Flowers  topped off vintage crystal on each of the tables. Escort cards were hung from a raised ladder. Shawn’s mother collected antique trunks and other accents to surround the dessert spread (which featured cupcakes flavors from Enjoy Bakery: Chocolate Blackberry Syrah, Meyer Lemon Chardonnay, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Foster). Finally, the custom cake topper featured the couple swinging from an olive tree and a miniature model of the couple’s dog Luey—a perfect nod to their lives before and on their wedding day.   Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: california, cupcakes, dessert bar, fall, Italian, olive tree, outdoor wedding, Real Wedding, red flowers, vineyard, vintage.

By: Victoria Hudgins

Everything this season seems to be getting smaller and I love the idea of serving individual desserts at a reception. How about votive cup mini cakes?! These votive-cup-baked cakes take the term cupcake to a whole new level. They make splendid plate toppers or are cute for a dessert bar display. Interspersing them with actual candlelight votives can be a festive touch. If you’re wanting a unique dessert option, they’re a bit different… more modern and sophisticated, if you will… than the original cupcake!

Directions:

Step One. Make your favorite cake recipe just as your normally would.

Step Two. Collect small glass votive holders and wash them up.

Step Three. Spray each cup with a cooking spray (or dust with flour) and fill 2/3 of the way full with cake batter.

Step Four. Place 12 cups per baking pan; bake according to the recipe. Be sure to check on the cakes at about half the baking time (it will take a bit less time then a normal cake takes to cook).

Step Five. Let your mini cakes cool fully.  

You can frost your cakes and serve them inside the votive cups, or you can turn them upside down to remove from the glass.  Top your mini cakes with a tiny fork for a dainty treat!

Project Design and Photography by Victoria Hudgins

Tags: cupcakes, dessert, mini cakes, miniature, votives.