Seattle baker Kaysie Lackey discusses The People’s Cake

JL: How did you get started with cakes?

I used to watch all the cake shows and Food Network Challenge and always thought that I could do that. My art background came in really handy in getting started, and here I am today.

JL: How did you end up in Seattle?

My husband and I had been working in Nashville after having left New York City, and we both wanted a change of scenery. We came here to visit, and I fell in love. Where else can you have sunshine and rain at the same time!

JL: Describe your style?

I lean very heavy towards a clean modern style in cakes. Elegant with a bold accent piece or color. On the flip side I love doing whimsical balance style cakes (cakes that look like they are falling over). I also really love making sugar paste flowers.

JL: What should couples look for when hiring a baker?

You want to find someone with a style of cake that you like. The cake really should taste amazing (there is nothing sadder to me than bad wedding cake). On top of that, I think personality matters as well. You want to surround yourself with vendors that understand you and the vision you have for your wedding. You need to be able to trust that your baker will deliver the cake you want and that it will look and taste delicious.

JL: Are there misconceptions people have about wedding cakes?

People always wonder why they are so expensive. I mean really, it is just flour, sugar, butter and eggs, why does that cost hundreds of dollars? I tell people to stop thinking about it as cake and look at it as a piece of art, which is how I see them. They are time consuming to make, and fully customized for you event. I even try to match flavors so that they will compliment your meal. I also try very hard to never do the same cake twice because every couple is different and should have something unique to them on their special day. That could range from very simple to over the top, and we have a cake that will fit most budgets.

JL: What is the best part of your job?

Seeing a clients face when I deliver their cake. Hands down nothing beats that! Just seeing the joy and happiness on their faces make long hours and all nighters worth it for me.

JL: What can couples do to make your job easier?

Have a plan for what you would like for your cake to be, but still be flexible and open to ideas. My top priority is making sure you get the best cake I can give you.

To contact People’s Cake, call 206-369-9422 or visit their website www.thepeoplescake.com

Seattle florist Miki Maxey discusses Miki’s Flowers

I recently met Miki Maxey, a florist based in Greenwood. We chatted while she designed centerpieces and bouquets for an upcoming wedding.

JL: How did you get started in the floral arranging business?

I was working as a Human Resources manager for a large company when I hit a wall of boredom and lack of motivation to go to work every day.  My mother was a florist for most of my life and she inspired me with her designs.  Whenever I came home unhappy from my HR job, I would go to the store and buy flowers.  It was my roommate who suggested I try a hand at being a florist.  I’m still paying for my Masters Degree in HR to this day, but do not regret my change one bit.  I have been happy in my business now for 16 years.

JL: What should couples look for in hiring a florist for their wedding?

Find a florist who sees your vision (not their idea of what your wedding should be), who has great experience and who is very detail oriented.  One of the biggest mistakes I see is when a couple is trying to cut costs and have a family member do the flowers when they have not done flowers for a wedding before.  Or a couple may go to the Pike Place Market and pick up their flowers to cut costs, but the product may not last because of poor quality or not be the perfect fit for each arrangement.  Hiring a professional who has the experience having worked many weddings and handling the side-steps that can occur is the only way you know your wedding will run smoothly.  With every wedding there are some unpredictable occurrences that will require professionalism and expertise from knowledgeable vendors.  A professional florist knows where to get the absolute best flowers by having one-on-one relationships with preferred growers.  They know how to work as a team with the photographers, the coordinators, the caterers, etc. to make sure that each wedding sees the end result of perfection.

JL: What is your favorite part of the job?

The variety.  I love the different clients I meet, the different tastes that they have, the diversity of each religion and history of their families, the variety of flowers that represent their individual tastes.

JL: What are some of your favorite items to work with?

I love flowers and branches that bend into different shapes so that I can create a look that is not seen often.

JL: How would you describe your style?

Very Asian-esque.  I was born in Tokyo.  My mother is Japanese, and I got married in a kimono.  I also love clean and modern designs.

JL: Give one piece of advice to brides looking for a florist.

Pick a florist who really sees YOU and knows how to channel all ideas into what YOU are all about.  So many brides feel that they need to adhere to what is popular now, but not what they always dreamed about as a little girl.  A florist who asks you a lot of questions about what you like, what you don’t like, etc. will see your unique qualities and bring that out in the floral recommendations he or she suggests for your wedding.

JL: What can couples do to make your job easier?

Be flexible.  Flowers are perishable items that can sometimes be damaged by shipment.  Also, certain flowers may not be available due to the varying seasons.  If a couple can trust that the florist will do their best in picking a back-up flower that is similar to the original choice, that helps the florist tremendously.

To contact Miki, call 206-669-8820, visit her website http://www.mikisflowers.com/weddings.html or email admin@mikisflowers.com

Seattle Wedding and Event Planner Rachel Waldron discusses Klink!

I recently met a new wedding and event planner based in West Seattle. Rachel Waldron, of Klink!, met me at an awesome South Lake Union venue, the Little Red Studio, to discuss her business. Little Red Studio is a great venue which is undergoing a massive, yet beautiful, renovation.

JL: Why should wedding couples hire a planner?

The average wedding takes over 250 hours to plan. With most couples today working 40 hours/week each, many people find it invaluable to be able to depend on someone to make phone calls, do the necessary research, and coordinate the venue and vendors. A wedding planner will save the couple time, stress, and the couple gets to give out our number instead of their own- which means we get the nagging follow-ups instead of you!

JL: What do you love most about your job?

I love helping people realize one of the happiest days of their lives! I love lending my talents, creativity, and time to help make someone’s dream come true.

JL: Describe your ideal wedding client.

This is a hard statement to respond to since all my current clients bring something different and exciting. That being said, I love the client who isn’t afraid to try something new and who approaches this day with a light heart and sense of adventure.

JL: What other kind of events do you coordinate?

I would be open to other opportunities such as birthdays and office parties, but I truly love helping couples plan their weddings.

JL: What are some of your favorite venues?

I am a bit partial to the Washington Park Arboretum (because I was married there!), but I also really like Urban Light Studios, Acalia’s, and The Loft at Russel’s. I could go on for hours about amazing venues, but what excites me most is the ones that I still haven’t seen!

JL: Give one piece of advice to brides out there.

Don’t forget about the ceremony. The reception is fun, yes. But, that is more for the guests. The ceremony is for YOU, both of you, so make sure it is exactly what the both of you want.

To contact Klink! please call: 206-414-7495 or email info@letsklink.com To view their website: http://letsklink.com/