So, I have decided to start a new regular feature on the blog – ‘Meet the Supplier’. I will be introducing you to some wedding industry friends whose work I am familiar with and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend as they are all outstanding at what they do. You may just find I introduce the right supplier for you….
Kicking us off this week is Natasha Shomali of Tasha’s Tasty Treats. Natasha is an award winning sugar craft artist based in Eastry, Kent who bakes exquisite and delicious wedding and celebration cakes. Her attention to detail is second to none and her ability to take on any wedding style and decorative technique is incredible. Her cake designs are truly stunning and you can see the love and care that has gone into creating each and every one.
Natasha has been kind enough to tell us a little about what she does, why she does it and has shared a few professional tips with you all….
1. When did you become a cake maker and what attracted you to wedding cakes?
I have been trading for just over 3 years now. I love all aspects of cake decorating but wedding cakes are a very special and personal thing to be able to create for your customer. The design options are limitless and anything goes these days which makes it an interesting job.
2. How would you describe your cake baking/decorating style?
Clean and classic with a modern twist, however I like to remain versatile and try new techniques and methods constantly!
3. Do you have a favourite type of wedding cake that you like to make?
A cake with sugar flowers and/or piping with royal icing, these are my favourite techniques
4. What do you think the wedding cake trends will be for 2015?
Looking similar to 2014. Edible lace on wedding cakes is becoming very popular and a cost effective option. Metallics, colour and texture are also more popular as are double height and taller cake tiers. Sugar flowers continue to be a popular option to.
5. What is your favourite wedding cake that you have made and why?
This wedding cake has lots of sugar flower and is timeless, elegant and just beautiful
6. Do you have a tip or two for couples who are looking for the right cake maker for their wedding?
Have a look around and see who your local cake suppliers are. This can be done online, local bridal magazines, via other wedding suppliers recommendation or wedding fayres. Look at the pictures of their work or even better you can look in person at a wedding fayre.
The main things to consider are; do you like their work and is it of a good enough quality for you? At a very basic level their cakes should have straight sides, flat tops and the icing should be smooth and free from imperfections like bulging, lumps and cracking. The decorations should be well made and look like what they are meant to be. They should also be a registered business (e.g. will have been visited by environmental health and will have a food hygiene rating), which means they will have been inspected and have insurance. If you want to look at high quality cakes for reference Zoe Clark Cakes, Peggy Porschen or Cotton and Crumbs are all very popular for inspiration.
A cake consultation with or without cake tasting is also another option to help you make a final decision, especially if you need help with what flavours to choose or design aspects. If you are on a fixed budget for your cake, your cake maker should be able to work within it to make a suitable design. As with any other bespoke service, prices will vary from business to business and this saying often plays true; ‘good cake isn’t cheap and cheap cake isn’t good!’ so, please be wary.
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Thank you Natasha, for sharing with us your beautiful cakes!
Pop over to www.tashastastytreats.co.uk to see more. Natasha shares her baking secrets on her blog and YouTube tutorials also found through the site.
For regular updates from Tasha’s Tasty Treats visit their Facebook page TashasTastyTreats or Twitter page