Melinda's & Tristan's Wedding Cake

About a year ago, my brother Tristan and his fiancee Melinda were very kind to accept my offer to make them their wedding cake.  Truthfully, I panicked inside when they accepted it, for I've never made a wedding cake before. However, in my mind I knew it could be done.  When they provided me early this year with their very own original design and sketch, I faced my biggest cake challenge ever! Alright, nine months to deliver this cake to perfection, and the challenge was on!

Six months down the track, I asked for my mom's help to make the sugar flowers to save me from transporting the fragile flowers on my flight to Perth.  I was so delighted that she agreed, knowing that she was very busy with millions of things. There was no doubt she couldn't make them since she had studied sugar flowers before and have agile surgeon's hands.   So, for weeks we chatted long-distance all about flowers!

The cake project started nearly as soon as we landed in Perth.  Got the equipment and supplies out of the suitcase, and the pans were lined.  I also had to rush to the supermarkets before they closed on the weekend to get all the fresh ingredients, like eggs and butter.  Here they are ready on the kitchen bench:

Hours and hours of baking chocolate cakes permeated chocolate aroma in every room of the house, and it made me imagine I was living in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.  The three tiers were all beginning to take shape once they were covered in white icing.

The moment my husband Mark and I placed the last tier on top, I felt a big relief on completing the cake project.  It was exciting to see and touch the completed cake that all started with a sketch.

One thing I loved about my cake assignment was that I made it for my family, and it was completed too by my family.  Thanks to all who have helped me accomplish this: to my mom for the beautiful roses and oriental lilies; to my mom-in-law for lending me her cake pans; and to Mark for extra helping hand on finishing touches. Finally, my biggest thanks to Melinda and Tristan for believing in me.

Congratulations to Melinda and Tristan, and may you have a blessed and wonderful journey together forever! Love, Jen