Weddings

WEDDINGS

FOR COUPLES ATSUGAR BEACH EVENTS

2015 • THE MAUI NEWS

Life issweet

+ KEEP YOUR DRESS PRESERVED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

++ MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CAKE OF YOUR DREAMS

ONTREND W

ITH WOW

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, March 6, 2015 – Page T1


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WEDDINGS • 2015

MARCH 15, 2015 6:35 p.m.APRIL 1, 2015 6:40 p.m.APRIL 15, 2015 6:44 p.m.MAY 1, 2015 6:50 p.m.MAY 15, 2015 6:56 p.m.JUNE 1, 2015 7:03 p.m.JUNE 15, 2015 7:08 p.m.JULY 1, 2015 7:11 p.m.JULY 15, 2015 7:10 p.m.AUGUST 1, 2015 7:05 p.m.AUGUST 15, 2015 6:56 p.m.SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 6:43 p.m.SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 6:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 1, 2015 6:15 p.m.OCTOBER 15, 2015 6:03 p.m.NOVEMBER 1, 2015 5:51 p.m.NOVEMBER 15, 2015 5:45 p.m.DECEMBER 1, 2015 5:44 p.m.DECEMBER 15, 2015 5:47 p.m.JANUARY 1, 2016 5:55 p.m.JANUARY 15, 2016 6:05 p.m.FEBRUARY 1, 2016 6:16 p.m.FEBRUARY 15, 2016 6:24 p.m.MARCH 1, 2016 6:30 p.m.MARCH 15, 2016 6:35 p.m.Source: www.sunrisesunset.com

Sunsets on Maui often lead local resi-dents and visitors alike to stop what they’redoing and gaze toward the horizon in appre-ciation. It’s no wonder that couples gettingmarried onMaui would want to take advan-tage of the dramatic backdrop. But the win-dow of opportunity is shorter than somemight think, and it takes careful planningand timing to capture the vivid colors andlight.Maui photographer Ceasar Lizada of

Lizada Photography suggests that couplesplan to hold their ceremony at least an hourand half prior to sunset. With ceremoniestypically lasting 15 to 20 minutes, thatleaves time to take family and group shots,then head to the beach or other locationwith

a view.Lizada, who has been photographing

weddings on Maui for more than 15 years,prefers to start shooting at least 15 minutesprior to sunset for the best light. He photo-graphs quickly as the sun sets below thehorizon, and then sometimes lingers withthe couple for up to 10 minutes after, if thecolors are particularly striking.“Sometimes, the sun will light up the

whole sky,” he says.In his experience, weddings held in the

winter and spring tend to offer the best sun-set photos, with the more unstable weathercreating more dramatic clouds and colors.“Of course, in Hawaii, all year round you

have a nice sunset,” he says.

Timing key to sunset photos

Maui Sunset Times: March 15 to March 15, 2016

Lizada Photography photo

California coupleBlanca and TimDuncan headed down to Kapalua Bay followingtheir ceremony Aug. 22. This photo was taken at 6:34 p.m., says Maui photogra-pher Ceasar Lizada. In his experience, sunsets make for particularly dramatic pho-tographs during the winter and spring months.


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Chef Lee Anderson describes opening her dream busi-ness, a wedding venue and catering service, and then

finding theman of her dreams not long after, as “kismet.” “Itwas meant to be,” says the owner of Sugar Beach Events innorth Kihei.Anderson and her team have been helping happy couples

say “I do” since launching the business in 2013, and in June,the chef was able to experience the magic from a new per-spective— as the bride.Instead of whipping up pineapple rum ceviche appetizers

or one of her other creative concoctions in the on-sitekitchen at this wedding, Anderson was pampered in the

Chef LeemarriedCarl Anderson inJune at her venue

and catering business,Sugar Beach Eventsin Kihei. The venueoffers a variety of

catering options, suchas an antipasta cart, as

well as cakes.Anna Kim Photography photos

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On the cover: Mira Kim and Ray Tomas were married at SugarBeach in July; photo by Anna Kim Photography.

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See SUGAR BEACH on Page 7


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Maui Wedding Associationexpo gathers industry experts

WEDDINGS • 2015

Maui Wedding Association will once again host the island’s one-of-a-kind event that brings together a wide variety of wedding professionalinto one convenient location.This year’s 20th annual Maui Weddings Expo will take place Aug.

29 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club inWaikapu.“It continues to be the onlymajor wedding expo forMaui, and for 20

years, it’s been produced by theMauiWeddingAssociation,” said Tam-bara Garrick, the association’s president and sales manager for BubbaGump Shrimp Co. in Lahaina. “It’s a huge accomplishment.”She said the golf club has been amem-

ber of MWA since the association’s be-ginnings and is the perfect location forthe event, with its central location andample parking.Two of the venue’s private function

sites will be decked out with weddingdecor to help guests envision their dreamceremony, and the bar in the “MarilynMonroe” room will feature champagneand pupus.“It will be really fun because people

can come and hang out for a good part of the afternoon and have a goodtime,” Garrick said.And of course, guests can peruse the booths set up by the island’s top

vendors, from transportation providers and wedding coordinators, tophotographers, cake creators, caterers, and hair and makeup artists.Garrick said usually at least 50 vendors, all members of the associa-

tion, participate in the event.“You can go and plan your entire wedding there,” she said.Admission is free, and guests will have the chance to win door prizes,

enjoy live entertainment and watch fashion shows. To register to attendor for more information, visit www.weddingexpomaui.com.

Photos courtesy Maui Wedding Association

The 19th annualMaui Wedding Expoheld at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spain June featured a variety of vendors,including Cake Pops by Liz (clockwisefrom top left), and performers such asManutea Nui E dancers and Darren Leeof Burn’n Love. The event also featuredbridal wear fashion shows, as well asdozens of other vendors who set upbooths to show off their services.

20th annual MauiWedding Expo

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Honoapiilani Highwayin Waikapu


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For many brides, their special day re-volves around one item in particular—

the dress. Of course, there are also the flow-ers, the location, the food, the favors, themusic and more, but aside from the vows,notmany details last beyond the actual wed-ding date.The dress, however, is something that can

last for years to come, something that mayeven be worn by brides of future genera-tions.“For a bride, her wedding gown is the

most important dress she will wear in herlifetime,” says Jamie Newkirk, office man-ager at Maui’s Quality Dry Cleaning &Laundry Inc.That's where the preservation process, or

“heirlooming,” comes in. Themethods used

Preservation process can ensure yourtreasured gown endures for generations

A DRESSYKEEPSAKE

See PRESERVE on the next page

Lizada Photography photo

Make memories last by having your wedding dress preserved


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atMaui’sQualityDryClean-ing ensure that the gownsthat brides spend so muchtime choosing — and likelya large chunk of their budget—can remain a keepsake in-to the future. Gowns are pro-tected from yellowing, dam-age and other stains whenpreserved in a “KeepsakeWedding Gown Box,” aprocess that Newkirk says isdone on site to ensure qualitycontrol.The process starts with

WEDDINGS • 2015

careful pre-spotting, clean-ing and steam-pressing, andthe dress is then inspectedand hand-folded with layersof protective tissue to beplaced into an archival-qual-ity storage chest.“Whether a bride wants to

preserve her gown for thelasting memories or as afamily heirloom for futuregenerations, this is the bestprotection we have,” saysNewkirk.The business, which also

offers pre-ceremony steam-ing and pressing, commonlyhas destination brides shiptheir gowns in advance. Af-ter the wedding, the dresscan then be preserved andshipped back.Experts agree that brides

should take steps to preservetheir gowns as soon as possi-ble following the wedding.Conditions at weddings onMaui provide unique threatsto wedding gowns, from thered dirt found throughout theisland, to sand and salt wa-ter. Red dirt, in particular,can be almost impossible toremove, Newkirk says, butafter more than 20 years, thebusiness has found successwith the stubborn stains.“Salt water can be damag-

ing to fabrics and will needto be rinsed out promptly,”Newkirk adds. “Always airout a wet gown before put-ting it in a bag to bring to thecleaners — mildew growsquickly here.”

Newkirk says the businesshas just about seen it allwhen it comes to the after-math of particularly rowdyreceptions. A few years ago,a bride brought in a dress thatlooked like an entire cakehad been thrown at it, like a“raspberry filling food fight,”she says. Another time, a fullbottle of red wine had beendumped down the front of asilk dress.Maui brides are al-so known to frolic in the surf.“We’ve had a dress come

in with a balloon hemlinethat had collected so muchsand, we had to open up thehem to release it,” Newkirksays. “We could've built asand castle with the amountof sand in that dress.”Newkirk recommends that

brides pay close attention tothe care label on their gowns.In particular, “dry cleanonly”dresses should not get wet, asthe onlyway to removewaterstains or water-based stains isby using awater-based clean-ingmethod.“If your gown says ‘dry

clean only,’ this limits whatwe can do to try and removestains,” says Newkirk. “Thatsaid, we have been very suc-cessful at restoring dry cleanonly dresses that have gottenwet. It may sound like agreat idea to let the waveswash over the bottom ofyour dress to the photogra-pher, but if you want to passyour dress on to your daugh-ter someday, you may wantto rethink it.”

Picture a wedding dress.What do you see? A gor-geous ivory beaded gown,right? While most wed-ding dresses are someshade of white, other col-ors are making their wayinto the picture. Brides in-terested in a little color intheir wedding no longerhave to settle for it in theirchair covers, tableclothsand centerpieces. Just asbridal bouquets are gettingmore colorful, so are bridalgowns.

While the majority ofwedding dresses remaintraditionally white, othercolors are available. Onelook online will uncoverdozens of possibilities inan array of colors fromdeep red to emerald greento classy black. For brideswho prefer the traditionalbut still yearn for somecolor, designers are mak-ing dresses with coloredbodices and/or coloredblocks in the skirt. A bridewho looks lovely in bluecan still have her cake andeat it too, with a bridalgown featuring a navyblue bodice and a whitetulle skirt.

For brides interested ina bit less color, white wed-

ding gowns are availablewith a hint of color hereand there. Many designerstoday are relying on em-bellishments like ap-pliques, beads, ribbonsand sashes to add color towedding dresses. A bridewho adores red can stillhave her dreamy princessdress, made of yards andyards of satin and tulle, butwith red floral appliquessewn onto the tulle skirtoverlay and a red satin rib-bon tied around the waistto go with her ruby tiara.

The options are endlesswhen it comes to weddingdresses with color.Browse through somebridal magazines to seewhat color trends are hot,shop around online andcheck out some local bou-tiques.

You’re sure to comeacross something that in-terests you, whether awhite gown wrapped inblack lace or a pale pinkchiffon gown. And if youdon’t, you can alwayshave a wedding dressmade and throw in all ofthe color you want, frompurple beading across thebodice to lilac satin ribbonaround the skirt bottom.

PRESERVEContinued from Page 5

JulietmarriedVincentRosebyat GrandWaileain Septem-ber.

LizadaPhotographyphoto

Pops of color, or more,finding way into dresses


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808.276.2110www.mauicakes.com

P.O. Box 2912Wailuku, HI 96793

WEDDINGS • 2015

Anderson, who has beencooking professionally forsome 25 years, loves enter-taining and working in thekitchen, traits she attributesto her Southern background.“This is like my home,”

she says of the venue, “and Iget to invite everyone in andshare what I love most.”The beachfront venue’s

design is inspired by the en-vironment, Hawaiian cultur-al heritage and function. Thetraditional-style roof line, la-va rockwalls, stone columnsand an interior space thatopens to a lawn steps fromthe beach all combine tomake a spectacular impres-sion. Not to mention, theview and those sunsets.Couples who choose

Sugar Beach Events as theirwedding location have ac-cess to full-service event

planning and design, manyfood and beverage options,rentals, wedding cake cre-ations and service staff. Alist of preferred vendors al-so provides brides with achoice of off-site weddingprofessionals.Anderson recently hired

Denise Black, longtimewedding planner at FourSeasons Resort Maui, toserve as in-house coordina-tor. And new pastry chefCourtney Walter will bebringing fresh techniquesand ideas to the company’sdesserts and cake offerings.On the catering side, An-

derson focuses on PacificRim cuisine but also likes toexperiment.“I also recognize that I

am trying to appeal to lotsof different people from dif-ferent parts of the world,”she says. “I want them tofeel good, but I also wantthem to stretch and trysomething maybe theyhaven’t had before.”A sample menu could in-

clude cantaloupe capreseappetizers with fresh moz-zarella, prosciutto, pestoand pomegranate; Kona-spiced and espresso-rubbedgrilled prime filet mignon

or sun-dried tomato, kaleand tofu strudel for entrees;and coconut creme bruleefor dessert.Her food evolves fre-

quently, and the chef enjoyskeeping up with trends.For savory items, she’s

noticed that pickling is pop-ular right now, with vegeta-bles like cabbage, peppersand onions providing bothzesty flavors and nutrition.For sweets, couples are go-ing gaga over doughnutbuffets, and Sugar Beachoffers flavors from saltedcaramel to raspberry pista-chio with custom colorfrosting and sprinkles.“Also, great combos of

sweet and savory foods,”she says of food trends. “Ido a wok-fried smokedmozzarella with truffle hon-ey and figs that always

makes people happy.”The business also pro-

vides off-site catering andwedding cakes around theisland.On site, Anderson wants

Sugar Beach Events to in-spire couples to experimentwith fresh ideas and styles,from vintage or modern, tohigh-end or casual.For her own wedding,

featured on the popularwedding blog Style MePretty, Anderson and herteam went wild with newconcepts. In particular, acustom outdoor diningcanopy made of drapedtwinkle lights turned up thedrama and romance.“I wanted to show people

that with this venue, theworld is your oyster,” shesays. “You can do any-thing.”

bridal salon before walkingdown the aisle to meet Carl.Her team members went

above and beyond to makethe day special for her, shesays, just as they have beendoing for the other brideswho have walked throughthe doors of the “Hale OAloha.”“Now I can speak really

well to any bride about whatshe’s getting and what’shappening in the process,because I went through itall,” Anderson says.The chef says the business

has nearly double the book-ings this year than in 2014.Most of her clients are com-ing toMaui for their destina-tionweddings, butAndersonis hoping to attract more lo-cal couples as word of thevenue spreads.Throughout the process of

bringing the business to life,she sought an environmentwhere brides would feelcomfortable and welcomed.

SUGAR BEACHContinued from Page 3 “I wanted to show people

that with this venue, the world is youroyster. You can do anything.”

— Chef Lee Anderson


Guidelines and etiquette forthe perfect beach wedding

WEDDINGS • 2015

All beaches in Hawaii arepublic and are available toeveryone to use and enjoyequally on a first-come, first-served basis. Beach wed-dings require a permit thatcan be arranged by yourwedding planner for a smallfee, and more informationcan be found at www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/ld. This alsoapplies to state and countybeach parks, plus all otherstate and county publiclands. You may discoverbeachgoers, or another wed-ding party, already using alocation that you have yourheart set on, so please showyour utmost respect for theirright to be there.Our ultimate wish is that

you, the bride and groom,have the most positive andwonderful experience possi-ble on your very special day.With the foregoing in mind,the following information isprovided to ensure that you,as well as all residents andguests of Hawaii, have a tru-ly marvelous and memo-rable beach experience.

� Select a wedding sitethat is realistically suitableand an appropriate size foryour wedding party, includ-ing sufficient parking. Donot overcrowd the area withyour event.

� For the protection andstewardship of Hawaii’streasured natural and cultur-al resources, please do notmake use of any archaeolog-ical or historic sites.

� If there are other wed-dings at the same beach,please keep your group con-tained. Position your partyso that it is not placed in theother weddings’ back-

grounds or close enoughthat the ceremonies can beoverheard easily.

� Respect the rights ofthe general public. Do notreserve, restrict or rope offbeach or park areas. Pleasedo not ask beach users tomove or relocate or try toimpede free passage of thepublic by asking them to notwalk behind the weddingparty or ceremony setting.

�The use of chairs, wed-ding arches and amplifiedmusic are not allowed atbeaches and most public ar-eas.

� The consumption ofany alcoholic beverage isnot allowed on beaches, in

parks or on state and countylands. We suggest that youuse either sparkling cider orother non-alcoholic bever-ages for all toasts. Be mind-ful of the corks, which canget lost in the sand or water;please retrieve them andtake away with your otherrefuse.

� To minimize a nega-tive impact on our fragileenvironment, please leavethe site cleaner than youfound it. It is your responsi-bility, or that of your wed-ding coordinator, to removeall flowers and any otherceremony-related debris.

—Maui WeddingAssociation

Beaches can make for dream wedding locations, butthere are steps couples must take to ensure they arerespecting other couples and the public.

1940svintage:Furs,

feathers,sequins, crystalsand pearls all fit intothis style of soft andnostalgic elegance.Some couples areeven bringing in vin-tage cars to use asprops. Chandeliersand strings of vin-tage “Edison bulbs” help set the mood.

Foodtrucks:Many cou-

ples are turn-ing to these kitchenson wheels to providetheir guests with late-night snacks to nosh,from “hurricane fries”to mini hotdogs, as thepartying winds downand guests prepare toleave the reception.

Keep it classical: Higashino says more weddings havebeen featuring classical instruments, likes strings, as well as big-band sounds, like horns and trumpets.


By appointment only By appointment only

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Lisa 2200 Main St., Suite 524 Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 633-6998

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WOW planners know latest styles

STAYINGON TREND

edding styles are constantly evolv-ing, with fresh ideas becoming the

hottest “I Do” trends and longtime favoritesfading into the passe “I Don’ts.”Carolee Higashino, owner and president

of White Orchid Wedding, considers Maui“very progressive” when it comes to wed-ding style. “I think we have a unique niche,” she

says. “We’re not wine country weddingsand we’re not New York City, but we’recreating definitely a high-scale event feelingthat’s unique to the whole world and uniqueto the destination wedding market.”WOW, one of the top planning compa-

nies in the state, creates elaborate weddings

throughout the islands and also runs a divi-sion called Purple Orchid Wedding, whichcaters to same-sex couples. Higashino and her team, including

daughter-event coordinator Kendall Hi-gashino, say the “boho-chic” style, whichtakes from bohemian or hippie influences,has endured into 2015. On the other hand,some of the vintage styling Carolee Hi-gashino calls the “garage sale of goods” —think flea-market items like old typewriters— is evolving into a higher-end look, moreof an elegant 1940s vibe.From boho to glamour, and everything in

between, Higashino lists some of the trendsshe’s seeing this year.

Chrissy Lambert Photography photo

Men’s attire: Grooms are getting more into the spirit and paying closerattention to the details of their formal wear. Funky socks with wild colors or patternsand bow-ties are particularly popular. Fedoras and vests are also catching on.

Photo courtesy White Orchid Wedding

Craft cocktails: In accordance with popular

farm-to-table dining, specialtycocktails featuring handmade and

locally grown ingredients and garnishes are “kind of the new

rage,” says Higashino. Bar servicecompanies are also featuring cus-

tom bar setups to match the decor. Garnish Events photo See TRENDS on Page 11

1

52

4

3

W


Weddings & Special Events

For more details and menus, visit our website:

www.MauiBanquets.com

Located in the Heart of Maui

2500 Honoapiilani Hwy, Waikapu HI 96793

(808) 243-1025

Kahili Golf Course The King Kamehameha

Golf Club

While some brides and grooms forgo alarge wedding cake in favor of a

dessert bar or a cake on every table at the re-ception, others clamor for the tradition.They can’t picture not having a magnificentcake to “ooh” and “ahh” over and feed eachother later. Bakers these days can create the most

elaborate dream cakes, but first, couplesneed to know what they want. With somany sources of inspiration, from fashion tomovies, there are nearly endless possibili-ties. “For me, one of the first questions I have

is, ‘What inspires you?’ ” says Tori Taka-yesu of Maui Cakes. Here are some tips to ensure you get the

cake you want:

DETERMINE YOUR STYLE

Do some research well in advance of anycake tastings. “One of the issues is the amount of vari-

ety there is, going beyond the basic roundor square, fondant or buttercream,” saysTakayesu. Browse bridal magazines and websites.

Check out bakery windows and books. At-tend some bridal shows. Cut, print or takephotos of any and everything you like. Takayesu suggests considering what

blends with your theme and colorscheme. Do you like gilded ornateconfections, or modern and cleanlines? Other options range fromfashion looks that include pleatsand ruffles to match the weddingdress to artistic cakes that lookhand-painted, or cakes inspired byfavorite movie characters. Create a scrapbook of the features

you like. The more you have to showbakers, the better chance you will re-ceive the design you want.

SET A BUDGET

Generally, the larger the cake and themore intricate the design, the more it willcost to make. Determine both what youwould like to spend and what you are will-ing to spend.“Wedding cakes are expected to look per-

fect,” says Takayesu, “and stacking them in-to tiered towers is no small engineering feat.So expect to pay at least several hundred formost bakeries for a tiered cake.” Have a top dollar in mind, an amount you

absolutely will not go over, and stick to it.Understand that you may have to makesome compromises and be willing to takesome cost-cutting measures. Opt for a fewfaux tiers in favor of several expensive tiers,

There are steps to ensure the weddingcake you envision becomes a reality

DREAMYDESSERT

Knowing ahead of timewhat type ofcake you want and collectingphotos of thestyle are tipsthat will help ensure that theend result issuccessful, according to ex-perts.

PhotocourtesyMauiWeddingCakes

Photo courtesy

Maui Cakes

See CAKES on the Page 12

Bouquet comeback: Where-

as smaller, nosegaybouquets have been

dominating the aisles, Higashino says brides are

turning to a couple of old-school styles, espe-cially the boho-chic girls.

“We’re seeing a resur-gence of the cascade for

a first time in a longtime,” she says. The

“cascade” features flow-ers spilling from a bride’s hand and flowing down-

ward. Another style that’s making a return is the “pre-sentation” bouquet that is cradled in the bride’s arm.


WEDDINGS • 2015

BEAUTY, CONVENIENCE AT MAUI BEACH

Signage:Couples aremaking sure

their guests arein the know with fun orformal signage, using everything from surfboardsand mirrors to drift wood and chalkboards. Profes-sional calligraphers are often hired for the intricatework, which can be used for seating cards, foodand bar menus, directional signs and more.

Cosmin Danila Photography photo

Elaborate tablescapes:Out with the

standard whitetablecloths with basicround or square whiteplates and in with tons of details. Couples aretrending toward plateddinners, as opposed tobuffets or family-style, andare ensuring their tablesare set to the nines. Com-panies have sprung upthat rent more formal andelaborate china and cut-lery, and couples are mixing up textures withmetallics, specialty linensand flower containers.Kaua Wedding Photography photo

TRENDSContinued from Page 9

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6

“Nude”cakes: For anelegant and fresh

look, more andmore couples are seekingout these cakes that forgothe outer layer of fondantand icing, leaving the inner layers visible.

Succulents:These cactus-

looking plants areenduring as a trend, although Higashinosays couples are mixingthem in more often withother flowers.

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10Kaua Wedding Photography photo

Photo courtesy Maui Beach Hotel

Local residents know that Maui Beach Hotel offers an ideal venue for weddingsthat are conveniently located and reasonably priced. With a picturesque gaze-bo, a banquet room that can host up to 300 people and on-site catering, theKahului hotel gives couples the freedom to create their fantasy wedding. “Thehotel has been here for many, many years. Everybody knows this place. It’s likea landmark now,” says Tanya Norton, catering sales manager.

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WEDDINGS • 2015

or restrict the more expen-sive designs and flavors tothe smaller tiers. Ordering asmaller, more elaboratewedding cake for the caketable and inexpensive sheet-cakes for guests is one wayto save money.Cheryl Logsdon of Maui

Wedding Cakes remindsbrides that cake designs fea-tured in magazines usuallyfall into a higher price range.“If the design is not with-

in your budget, a good de-signer can offer alternativesthat can achieve a similarfeel to the cake you like,”Logsdon says.

CHOOSE A GOOD BAKER

Look for reputable bak-ers that specialize in wed-

ding cakes and set up ap-pointments with them ifpossible. Show them yourscrapbook and sketches anddiscuss how feasible yourideal wedding cake wouldbe. Ask the baker for anhonest assessment of yoursketches and listen to whatthey have to say. Discusscolors and flavors, andarrange for a cake tasting ifpossible. Discuss timelinesand costs. Present yourbudget and ask for an esti-mate.Logsdon suggests check-

ing on Yelp and other re-view sites to see whichcompanies have the bestratings. “Experience counts in

wedding cakes,” she says.Logsdon also suggests

perusing the websites of po-tential vendors to see which

types of cakes they excel at.Another factor to consideris whether the venue you'veselected has a preferredvendor list. If you choose anon-approved cake vendor,you may incur additionalfees.

ORDER EARLY AND CHECK IN

Don’t walk into a bakerya few days before yourwedding and expect a mas-terpiece. Good bakers arebusy. Start the process earlyand don’t sign a contractuntil you are satisfied withthe terms and have re-viewed them in detail. Call the baker a couple of

weeks prior to your wed-ding and make sure the cakewill be ready on time andthat the details are ironedout.

“Try to finalize your cakeat least three weeks beforeyour wedding date to allevi-ate anxiety,” says Logsdon.Know exactly what you

are getting and when it will

be delivered, as well aswhat any last-minutechanges or add-ons willcost you.“We always love to hear

from our brides during theprocess,” says Takayesu.

“There may be last-minuteconcerns, change in flavorchoice, larger or more cakefor unexpected guests. Mostchanges won't cost any ex-tra and can be accommo-dated. We'd much ratherhear from a bride then not,and avoid any disappoint-ments.”

TOP IT OFF

Don't forget about thecake topper. Like the cakesthemselves, there can be awide variety to choosefrom, everything frommonograms in crystals,flower arrangements andartistic hand-blown glasspieces.“With fresh flowers, I

suggest you let your floristknow what you would likeso they can arrange a smallbouquet,” says Takayesu.

CAKESContinued from Page 10

Photo courtesy Maui Cakes

Photo courtesy Maui Wedding Cakes

Bakers can helpcouples come up with the best design to match their dreamwedding cake conceptwhile also keeping within budget.

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