Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/642147
who's who WEDDINGS 17 Weddings CAKES & CONFECTIONARIES ! C hocolate Zen co-owner and pastry chef Douglas Krahn says you don't have to choose just one flavour — you can have your torte with lemon curd and raspberry mousse, chocolate cake with strawberry sauce and ganache, and classic Chocolate Zen, too. "If there are three different layers or tiers we do three different flavours, so it's like a little dessert buffet at the end of the night." That buffet doubles as eye candy, with custom designs to complement your colour scheme and theme. "We use a lot of fresh flowers on our cakes. It really is nice because it matches the bride's bouquet and whatever else is happening in the wedding," Krahn says. "Some people are using wedding cakes for desserts too. So we'll make them a small wedding cake in the front and a slab cake in the back." Buttercream by Alareen owner Alareen Doherty says sweets tables adorned with pretty platters, tiered stands, jars and decorations are also extremely popular with guests. "I've never seen a sweets table with leftovers." Leftovers are traditional, however, for brides and grooms who choose an anniversary cake. The newlyweds freeze the top layer of their cake to enjoy on their first anniversary, and they have endless decorative options, including edible gold airbrushed over buttercream. Carrie Arsenault, who owns Sugar Me Cookie Boutique in Gimli, says many local brides celebrate their Icelandic heritage with vinarterta cakes. Individual cupcakes are sweet treats, and extravagant, tiered mini cakes are gaining in popularity, but for many couples, delicate imperial cookies are a must- have tradition. Share the love — along with macaroons and other sweets, imperial cookies make beautiful gift-boxed favours to send home with your guests. ❦ "Share the love — along with macaroons and other sweets, imperial cookies make beautiful gift-boxed favours to send home with your guests." Opposite page: Wedding cake by Chocolate Zen Bakery. Right: Two-tier anniversary cake by Buttercream by Alareen. All wedding favours by Sugar Me Cookie Boutique. Photography by Pearl Angelini Photography