{Love Is Sweet}

{Images (c) David Torralva Photography & lizkphoto}

Two years ago today, I married the love of my life.  It also marks the day that I designed my first "official" candy bar for our wedding and the "unofficial" sweet beginnings of Glam Candies. I thought that once I got through all of the wedding planning that I would have a lot of time to spare.  Well, I was wrong.  The planning never ended.  In fact, the past two years have been even busier!  Channeling Amy Atlas, I decided to establish a small business shortly after our wedding. Followed by building a website and blog, working on inspiration boards and photo shoots, meeting with clients, attending networking events, coordinating weddings, planning children's parties, training my GC crew, baking, crafting and styling dessert tables… It has grown into my full time passion...and I dedicate to it every second I can spare. 

What most people don't know about me is that I also work full time as a business analyst (I come from a fashion background) and in addition to planning, blogging and tracking the weather forecast, I love being able to make a difference in people's lives.  Calming down a bride just before she walks down the aisle and bustling her gown before she makes her grand entrance.  Helping the groomsmen pin on their boutonnieres.  Finding mom and dad for a dance or the best man and maid of honor for a speech, usually with a microphone in one hand and a glass of champagne and pack of tissues in the other.  Showing the bride and groom how to cut their wedding cake and restocking the candy bar after guests stop by to satisfy their sweet tooth.  These are a few details that aren't given a lot of thought in the grand scheme of things and may even go unnoticed, but it's what I'm good at and the truth is that I do this because I absolutely love it.  And once the chandeliers have been taken down and the mason jars have been put away, I know that I have done my part in contributing to their sweetest day. 

So, I have to admit that I'm pretty happy with this sweet little journey so far (still chipping away at it) and I'm even happier to be celebrating my 2^nd anniversary with my incredible and supportive husband in Mexico.  Cheers!

P.S.  In case you would like to see more of my wedding, you can view a full feature on Lovely Little Details.  

{How to Create a Candy Bar}

I came across this fun video tutorial on creating your own candy bar (sorry, but the word buffet makes me cringe)... I have to say that it will give you a little insight on some of the candy bar making basics.  After all, how hard could it be? 

My favorite part was the squeaky gummy... It's worth the click :)

{Cake Smashing}

I’m super excited about this recent submission from my friend Liz of Liz K Photo (who also photographed my wedding).  I just couldn’t resist sharing these adorable photos of Emery’s 1st cake smashing!

I love this new trend popping up in children’s birthday celebrations, especially when planning something very special for the first one.  Why not make the first birthday cake memorable by letting your little one smash it? 

Emery looks so sweet dressed up in her bright pink tutu and matching flower headband and I bet she had a blast smashing up that confetti birthday cake! 

I hope you had a sweet One, Emery!

Photos © of Liz K Photo

{Patriotic Sweets}

Whether you are celebrating an Americana themed wedding or a simple backyard get together with family and friends, it's always fun to get into the spirit of 4th of July by creating red, white, and blue sweets for your party. These are some of my summer favorites below...I especially love how many of them incorporate berries into the recipe..so fresh and sweet..perfect for a warm summer evening. Just add a fruity and sweet blush wine and you are ready for some fireworks!

I absolutely love these Patriotic Parfaits made with red currant and panna cotta topped with currants and blueberries. They are fun way for your guests to cool off during the summer and make any dessert bar look amazing. Try this recipe from Martha Stewart...you'll be tempted to make them every day.

Nothing says summer has arrived more than big, sweet strawberries in your local markets...surprise your party guests with an amazing plate of chocolate dipped strawberries in colorful 4th of July designs by Jackie's Baskets. Best of all they can be delivered right to your front door.

Between planning a party and entertaining your guests, there isn't always lot of time to spend in the kitchen baking...here is a fun and easy way to create something fast and delicious that will please everyone...doesn't everyone love cupcakes...especially when they have cream cheese frosting and fruit toppings...all I have left to say is yum! Bake your own with this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.

Maybe you are having your wedding 4th of July weekend, but you are pretty sure you don't want your reception theme to be red, white, and blue stars and stripes. Here is a perfect way to incorporate your love for the holiday in a very classic and beautiful way...the wedding cake above is just the right amount of festive with cute red dots and flowers that are simple yet elegant. Picture courtesy of Jonathan Canlas Photography.

What's more All-American than pie? This Berry Truffle pie features a mixture of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries as well as creamy chocolate. What an explosion of flavor! Find the recipe at Better Homes and Gardens.

I love and support the idea behind these Cake Pops by Bakerella. They are dedicated to all the soldiers, marines, and troops out there who serve our country every day and don't always get to spend Independence Day with their loved ones. GC says thank you to you too.....happy 4th of July everyone :)