{Mini Pie Bar}

I know I say this every week, but each week I am beyond thrilled to share a brand new bar idea on our Raising the Bar series!  I’m not going to lie; it’s getting just a little bit tougher to stare at all of the dreamy desserts on my computer screen while trying to get in shape for summer, but who's counting calories, right?

Image courtesy of Cakewalk Desserts

Today’s sweet guest is the amazing Andrea Smetona, founder of Cakewalk Desserts.  Andrea founded Cakewalk Desserts last summer as a bit of a side project.  It was soon after that she realized the demand for these little sweet treats was the perfect match for her love of baking, turning this side project into her full-time love affair! 

Cakewalk Desserts specializes in couture Cake Pops, Pie Pops and Mini Pies.  These bite-sized sweet treats come in a variety of flavors and designs and make a perfect addition to a dessert table, a practical and elegant wedding favor and for some, are now even taking the place of the traditional wedding cake itself (hold on to that thought because you may change your mind later in the series).

Image courtesy of Lauren Hillary Photography

  

Images courtesy of Smetona Photo

Andrea’s educational background in Interior Design has given her an advantage in the mini dessert industry because they like to consider the "whole picture," meaning they take into account how these pops are best packaged for each occasion, the display and the overall presentation of the pops.

Images courtesy of Bethany Belle Photography (L) and Zoom Theory Photography (R)

Proper displays really showcase mini desserts and ensure that they aren’t missed or forgotten! There is something so special when a bride asks you to be a part of their big day, and Cakewalk knows that each order should be unique and reflect the style of the bride and groom they’re made for!

Images courtesy of  Smetona Photo

Thanks Cakewalk Desserts for stopping by today and stay tuned because you may see more of Cakewalk Desserts back here soon! 

{Sweet Wedding Inspirations: Sky Lanterns}

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and had some time to reflect and pray for our service men and women and their families. 

With Memorial Day behind us, I can’t help, but to think about the onset of summer.  My husband (Eddie) and I were married almost 2 summers ago and I'm really looking forward to celebrating our wedding anniversary (preferably somewhere on a beach). 

Over the long weekend, we were able to pop into the movie theater to see The Hangover Part 2.  Although, I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie (I loved part 1), I did take away some sweet wedding inspiration.  I thought this sky lantern tradition found in some Asian cultures, would be a unique idea to incorporate into a summer time, beach or destination wedding (just be sure to check with your city for permission first).

source

I was amazed by how pretty it looked so I did a little research.  Here’s what I found… Sky lanterns are constructed from oiled rice paper in a bamboo frame.  They contain a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern and lowers its density, causing the lantern to rise into the air, similar to a hot air balloon. The sky lantern is only airborne for as long as the flame stays alight, after which the lantern floats back to the ground.

It is believed that, as the lanterns rise into the air, they take away troubles and bring good luck. Guests are able to write their wishes for the couple, to be sent to the sky or to be carried into the Heavens.

Did you or are you thinking of incorporating wedding traditions into your wedding day?