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The New Classic: Reinventing The Traditional White Wedding Cake

January 13, 2020

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The white cake stands the test of time with its simple, elegant appeal and the sense of tradition it brings to the cake-cutting ceremony. These five talented cake designers present a modern take on this timeless wedding detail.

(above) The nontraditional shape and design of this cake by Colin O’Dea Cakes was inspired by the beauty of the ocean. To create texture and depth, O’Dea meticulously sculpted the fondant layer to produce the look of a coral reef. A mid-century wave pattern climbs the right side of the cake, introducing a contemporary design element while evoking a sense of movement and flow. Colin O’Dea Cakes, Santa Barbara; cakesbycolin.com.

Stevi Auble of Hey There, Cupcake! employs various shades of white to bring a modern yet romantic sensibility to this floral beauty. Using her innovative wafer-paper technique, Auble layers geometric forms that capture and bounce light; soft, delicate leaves and gently curled palm fronds serve as contrast and visual interest. Hey There, Cupcake!, San Diego; heythere-cupcake.com.\

Perfect for a garden wedding, this three-and-a-half tier cake by Susanne Michel of Sweet-Art Fine Swiss Confectioner is both playful and sophisticated. Each layer features subtle handmade pastillage elements, including pearlescent accents, modern lines, delicate blooms and a simple pure white top layer bedecked with hand-molded lovebirds. Sweet Art Fine Swiss Confectioner, Costa Mesa; sweet-art.com.

Winner of best cake in Santa Barbara/Ventura, Sara Miller of Frost It Cakery designed this ornate four-tiered cake with an emphasis on texture. The hand-cut leaves, ribbons of fondant and sugar crystals create a whimsical balance of soft and sharp. Frost It Cakery, Thousand Oaks; frostitcakery.com.

Designing for couples who want their cake to be as much of an art installation as a decadent confection, Kimberly Bailey of The Butter End, Los Angeles’ best of winner, designed custom stands to create the illusion of floating cakes. Delicate handmade sugar flowers are artfully composed over bas-relief, giving the entire piece levels of visual interest and artistry. The exterior is a delicious covering of white chocolate. The Butter End Cakery, Los Angeles; thebutterend.com.