I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and personable vendors in the wedding industry. I love to refer my clients to professionals I have worked with who I truly believe will do a great job for them. I have a page in my bridal package dedicated to my favorite vendors, but I wanted to also occasionally spotlight each of them more in depth. So, I was trying to think of an idea to say thank you to the vendors that talk me up and give me so much business and I came up with a couple of ideas. The first is to do a vendor spotlight and introduce them in an interview type way. I emailed a lot of them and they were all so thrilled to be featured on my blog so you will be seeing lots of different vendors in the future! I thought it would be helpful to see different wedding related things and really get to know the people behind the businesses.
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending my afternoon with Amy Cullifer of Amy Cakes. She is just as lovely as her cakes! I have a REAL passion for cake, let me just get that out there… I eat A LOT of wedding cake my friends! Every wedding, sometimes two or three weddings in one weekend, about 40 weeks a year. I KNOW cake. Amy is my favorite cake vendor because her cake LOOKS and TASTES incredible. There are few people who can design a cake so lovely that you dont want to touch it, but you cant NOT touch it because you know how good her cakes taste! Seriously, when my brides say they are using Amy Cakes I know they will be pleased :)
How long have you been in business?
I have been in the cake business for 18 years. I started making cakes for Albertsons when I was 19 years old. It started my love for
baking and decorating. It was great experience because Albertsons baked their own cakes during that time. I learned very quickly and
began teaching classes.
I started my own business years later when I moved to Norman and met Mikel and Tara Crowley who encouraged me to make my
own cakes. I started trying different recipes until I came up with cakes that I thought were moist and delicious. I think it is very important
to have a beautiful cake that tastes amazing too.
Do you do have any employees?
I currently have 2 people that make Amy Cakes happen. I have a baker who rocks! ( My brother Ted). I also have a assistant that
helps with taking cake orders, phone and e-mails. Her name is Olive and she keeps me sane.
What are the best things to look for when deciding upon a wedding cake?
The best thing to look for when deciding on a wedding cake would be to choose someone that you feel confident can create the cake of your dreams.
You want someone who can see your vision and taste is highly important.
Where do you find your inspiration/creativity?
I find my inspiration for decorating in my love of creating works of art. I have always enjoyed the arts. I worked as a florist for years also. I have always loved painting and drawing. Everywhere I look I find inspiration
for my cakes from a piece of fabric to nature. Just visiting with a bride about their day inspires me to make something special. As a cake designer I truly want my clients to love their cakes. I want them to help design their cakes and be apart of the creative process. I want their guests to ask for a second piece!
What do you feel sets you apart from other cake designers in the industry?
I think what sets me apart from other cake decorators is the time that goes into each creation. I also think that I have an amazing tasting cake. It is difficult for me to toot my own horn because I have respect for so many of my fellow designers. My goal is to make a cake that people are proud to have.
What kind of wedding cake did you have at your own wedding? Would you still make the same choice now if you were getting married today?
I have been married for 11 years and actually made my own cake. Everyone thought I was crazy, but my friends know me well and were
not surprised. I had a very simple cake. It was all vanilla which is unusual now. Most brides choose different flavors for each tier. It was
covered in a lace pattern with wild flowers. I still think it is beautiful, but if I had to make it again I would have a very hard time choosing a
design. I love traditional, funky and fun. It would be very difficult for me to decide on one.
When meeting with brides who don’t know exactly what they want, what is the biggest tip you find yourself giving them?
When I meet with a bride who is unsure of the cake she would like. We start by talking about the venue and the flowers they are using.
That helps with what style of cake would be best. Most brides have a color palate they are using and we can start there. I have
designed cakes that were inspired from the dress to the crown moldings on the ceiling of the reception location. The sky is the limit!!
What current trend in wedding industry do you most like personally?
The current trend that I like most would be that the brides are doing a more traditional cake. Not all but, for me it seems that is what people want. It is forever changing and that is what is so great about my job!
What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?
My favorite thing about working in the wedding industry is being a part of a very special time in peoples lives. A once in a life time event. A lot of planning and thought goes into a wedding day and when I get to be apart of that, I think that is truly an honor.
Thanks so much Amy! It was SO fun to hang out with you.
