Tiers of Joy on Your Wedding Day

The cake has become a true extension of a couple's wedding day decor. Square or rounded tiers of red velvet, cream cheese, chocolate ganache and white chocolate fondant are but a few of the many flavor options.

For many couples though the cake's appearance is just as important as its flavor so it must be impeccably decorated as well.

Emily Arnone, a Garden City resident and self-proclaimed "custom cake designer," creates wedding cakes that blend fabulous designs with unbeatable taste. Some of her creations include round tiers with stunning flowers and square layers adorned with a gorgeous cascade of colorful ribbon.

After working in pharmaceutical advertising as an account executive, Arnone pursued a culinary degree at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. After completing her studies, and an externship at Charlie Palmer's Aureole, she found her niche in custom cake design. 

Intrigued, I sat down with Emily to find out exactly how she crafts the perfect wedding cake.

GC Patch: What do you love most about making wedding cakes?

Arnone: I love working with a couple and brainstorming about the "perfect" custom cake for them. Typically we wind up using the bride's dress for inspiration, and that reinforces whatever theme is being used for the reception as well. A wedding is such an important day for the bride and groom and I enjoy being able to be part of it. I think typically people expect wedding cakes to look pretty but not to taste good; I make sure that the cakes are delicious and moist as well as beautiful!

GC Patch: Do you think that cakes are a chance for couples to express their individuality?

Arnone: Yes, I think that the couple can express their individuality with the cake; it is definitely an expression of their personality and aesthetic just like the invitations, flowers, dress and venue. Whether they are "glitzy," "modern" or more "traditional" the cake can reflect that both in its design and its flavor. A classic white-tiered cake speaks differently than a chocolate confection or one that is bedazzled with edible jewels!

GC Patch: Have you ever created any particularly unique wedding cakes?

Arnone: My wedding customers tend to look for a piece that is "classy traditional." When it comes down to it, the brides typically have wanted something that is beautiful, high-end looking and delicious; I have done a lot red velvet with cream cheese cakes!

GC Patch: What's the most unique cake that you have ever made?

Arnone: My most unique cake that I have done recently was a "Pucci Shoe Cake." I replicated a Pucci shoe box with tissue paper coming out of it, and a cute little Pucci-inspired sandal that even had a Pucci signature on it. It was for a client's 40th birthday and it came out looking very realistic and beautiful.

GC Patch:  How much input can your clients have in regards to the taste of the cake?

Arnone: I offer all the traditional cake combinations and will also work with whatever flavor combination the client is looking for and will do several "test-runs" to ensure that the flavor and consistency of the cake and frosting is going to meet both my and the client's taste.

One cake connoisseur who is eagerly awaiting her own wedding planning, Laura Gabrielle, says, "I have browsed her cakes for various occasions and they are all beautiful! I will certainly recommend them to anyone I know getting married--I can't wait to get engaged myself so I can get one!"

See Arnone's designs at http://www.emilyarnonecakes.com/Home.html.