We talk about inspiration day after day because, well…  Half Baked is meant to inspire you!  Whether we get a peek at the hand drawn sketches or a few thoughts shared by the baker, I love exploring the inspiration behind a cake.  So what happens when you take a gorgeous wedding dress and translate it into a cake design?  With layers of delicate folds and a bright pop of color from the bridal bouquet, this wedding gown was screaming to become a cake!  Rachael Teufel and her team at Intricate Icings heard the cry and answered with an eye-catching creation.  Ultra feminine and incredibly elegant, we’re loving this delightful Ruched Wedding Cake.

Incredible, right?  This is the actual bride, in her ruched dress… and her amazing cake!  Let’s get a better look at the cake all by itself…

This entire design is simply stunning.  The soft folds of the pleating appear to gracefully flow across the cake.  I love how the gathered fondant comes together from opposite directions, creating a great focal point for the bright orange sugar flower.  Which by the way, is also incredible!

A huge thanks to Rachael at Intricate Icings for sharing this incredible Ruched Wedding Cake with us today.  We’re swooning!  You can see more of Rachael’s designs on her website and blog, and also in our Top Tier Directory!

Happy Friday everyone!

Vendors & Credits:
Cake: Intricate Icings
Photography:  Rachael Grace

I’m exited to be guest posting over on The TomKat Studio… sharing a bright and refreshing mini dessert that won’t weigh you down with pounds of guilt.   If you’ve resolved to eat healthier in 2012, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch the cake {gasp} !  Naturally low-fat Angel Food Cake gets a kick of creamy lemon yogurt and a light sprinkle of lemon sugar.  Layered up as a mini parfait, it’s like heaven in a tiny little glass!  Deceivingly decadent and oh-so-delicious….  be sure to check out my {Angelic} Lemon Mini Parfaits!

It’s sweet.  It’s tart.  It’s a small indulgence that won’t leave you feeling guilty.  Hop on over to The TomKat Studio for more pictures and my recipe!  Enjoy!

Whoo…  Whoo…  Look whooo’s turning one?!?  Oh my goodness, today’s party is soooo incredibly adorable!  It’s a snowy, winter dream filled with sweet owls and sweet treats!  Created by Rachel Skvaril of Fondant Flinger for her son’s 1st birthday, this celebration is just dreamy!  A soft blue, grey and white color scheme is accented with small touches of woodsy brown.  Perfect for a winter birthday and a birthday boy who chants “whoo, whoo”, this Snow Owl First Birthday is a hootin’ good time!

Rachel shared a few thoughts about her inspiration for this party:

“We currently live in Kodiak, Alaska so I wanted to embrace the wintry home that we have come to love during our time here. Our little guy, Levi, used to chant, “whoo, whoo” when he was just a few months old so I knew we were going to go incorporate an owl theme. I decided to combine both the snow and the owl into the snowy owl theme.”

Oh. My. Cuteness!  Levi’s birthday hat and onesie are simply precious!  I can only imagine how handsome he must have looked as he enjoyed his first birthday cake!

Now, let’s get a better look at this cake!  Rachel did an incredible job of tying this snowy owl theme together, especially on the cake.  How adorable are the snow covered branches, wrapping around the side of the cake?  They’re the perfect place for a snow owl to perch!  Especially this charming fondant snow owl, created by Brittany at Edible Details!

I love the entire display!  From the wooden cake stand to the white vases filled with tall, willowy branches…. a gorgeous cake surrounded by precious snow owls and sparkling, snow covered trees.   The fun, wintry vibe continues on with burlap goodie bags and snowflake cupcake toppers.

Did you see the crazy-cute owl pinata?!?  I almost missed him lurking in the background behind the milk bottles… but he is too adorable to miss!!  So many snowy owl details, all coordinating with the delightful invitation and party printables created by Gwynn Wasson Designs!

I love seeing a theme brought to life with such thoughtfulness and attention to detail.  Such a beautiful party to celebrate a special day for Rachel’s family and her little Levi!

A huge thank you to Rachel of Fondant Flinger for sharing this dreamy Snow Owl 1st Birthday with us!  Love the cake, love the theme, love all of the amazing details!  Happy Birthday to your little owl!

Vendors  & Credits:
Cake, Desserts & Party Styling:  Fondant Flinger
Fondant Snow Owls and Cupcake Toppers:  Edible Details
Invitation & Paper Goods:  Gwynn Wasson Designs
Phototography:  Simply B photography
Birthday Hat & Onsie:  J. Marie Designs
Burlap Bags and Milk Bottles:  Pink Lemonade Party Shop
Owl Pinata:  ¡Dalé! piñatas