Catie Cakes – Feature Friday – East TN Wedding Cake Baker

Feature Friday

Jan 25, 2019

You guys, we are so excited about today’s Feature Friday post! It is all about cakes and dessert!! We absolutely loved working with Catie from Catie Cakes at Samantha and Eric’s Pigeon Forge wedding last July!! Her cupcakes and cake were out of this world!! Finding the perfect wedding dessert can be a big task for some brides, so we were thrilled to interview Catie to help brides know what to look for and also to showcase one of our favorite wedding vendors!!

First things first…. look at how yummy and beautiful this cake looks!!! Oh goodness…mouth watering already! Enjoy this post and looking at the deliciousness 😉

Tell us a little bit about your business?

I have been creating custom cakes for others since 2010, and in the last two years have switched my focus solely to weddings. I love working with couples to create an equally beautiful and delicious centerpiece for their reception.

How many years have you been in business?

I have been in business for 8 years, but I was fortunate enough to be able to quit my day job 2 years ago to do wedding cakes full time.

How did you get started?

I was house sitting for a couple that were hobby cakers and got inspired. Having always had a love for art and baking, I decided to try to make a decorated cake. I went to hobby lobby, watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and did it. Later that year I switched my major from business to culinary and never looked back.

Tell us about your favorite moments while designing/baking cakes

My favorite moment is the finishing touches and really seeing the cake come together in the end. The most rewarding moments are when couples express their happiness and gratitude. It’s amazing to be able to create something memorable for the happiest day of peoples’ lives.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love getting to be creative.

Are there any current trends that you love?

I will always love buttercream cakes with fresh flowers, but I am currently drawn to textured icing and fondant. I love the dimension that it creates and the character it gives each cake. I’m also really loving mismatched tiers/heights of tiers.

What should people know before booking you?

I am the only person they deal with regarding their wedding cake. This is a pro because they know my work is consistent & who they will be working with from start to finish. It’s a con because I fill up much quicker than a bakery with a team of people as a result. Moral of the story: it’s never too early to book!

Tell me something unique about you that very few people know.

I love hair & makeup. I almost chose cosmetology school over culinary at one point. I definitely made the right decision, and baking every day doesn’t leave much room for playing with hair and makeup, but I view it as art just like cakes, and appreciate the creativity in it as well.

What tips or advice can you give to couples who are in the midst of planning their wedding day?

Don’t forget about the marriage at the end of the wedding day. There will always be something that doesn’t go perfectly, because it’s life, not a performance, but if at the end of the day you’ve married your best friend, you win. Also, do what makes you and your fiancé happy. It’s your wedding and details should reflect your style and personality. Don’t get so caught up in trends that you lose your own style.

What are your favorite hobbies or non-work related activities?

I love to be around animals, particularly my horse, Rocky. I’ve had him for 15 years, and while we no longer compete, just being outside with him puts me in a happy space. I also love to travel any chance I get.

What are some of your goals and dreams for 2019?

My goal is to find a better balance between work and personal life in 2019. When you work from home, it’s hard to “clock out” and really separate your space mentally and physically. Creatively, I want to appeal to brides that require extra talent on my end. I love to be challenged creatively and artistically and am really excited about some upcoming designs.