EK Cakery, Exclusive Boutique Cake and Dessert Shop

Birds of a feather flock together.  Yes, they do.  We have been blessed to find vendors who are easy to work with and appreciate teamwork. We call these people our Friendors. These hardworking business friends are more than just vendors to us. We know how much it takes to run these businesses, and we are so appreciative to be in their flock. Our recent photo shoot highlights three of our favs, so join me as I take you through this delightful day that we spent together.

Erica Simmons, pastry chef and owner of EK Cakery in Belvidere, told me that she made lots of pies when she was young, which eventually led her to pastry school. Her passion started long ago. Her experience with French pastries and her particular attention to hospitality gives EK Cakery that extra special something. As Erica says, “Food translates in any culture.” This is why she goes above and beyond for her clients.  We had the opportunity to collaborate for a wedding sweet display photo session at Providence Vineyard, Hebron, IL. We featured her pastries and cake on our sweet display serve ware rentals. What do you think?

EK Cakery is an exclusive “wedding only” (or large events) boutique cake and dessert shop. She also does monthly pop-up items.  All of Erica’s items are baked from scratch including all of the fillings and frostings. Cakes are frosted with a meringue-based buttercream (Swiss meringue buttercream), so goodies are not too sweet.  She is able to decorate in a clean design style with this frosting. Check out what she made for our photo shoot.  And BTW we did enjoy these afterwards. YUM! Everything was too delicious for us to choose our favorites. Not only are these delights a treat for the taste buds, but also a treat for the eyes. So pretty!

When we contacted Erica for this sweet display photo shoot, we had to decide on a location. Of course, we immediately thought of Providence Vineyard in Hebron, IL. They are a Friendor that we have worked with often.  The building is absolutely gorgeous and would be the perfect back drop for these sweets! Working with Shaylee, the venue manager and lead wedding planner, is always a pleasure. This vineyard and barn located in Hebron, IL is a magical place. Be sure to go to their website if you are in search of a stunning wedding venue. Click on the photo above of the barn and read the blog where we featured Providence Vineyard.
Thank you, Shaylee for sharing this beautiful venue with us. 

Where do I begin??? Our goal has been to highlight more local vendors and incorporate what we do with their businesses.  Of course with the plan to promote each other.  Janet has worked with Erica over the years, and Kristina had Erica make her birthday cake in blueberry maple. Delish! Small world, right? Sara and Kristina are rock stars and Janet’s right-hand women who organized this session. Sara is our Operations Manager while Kristina is our Inventory and Production Manager.  

Kristina met with Erica in advance of the photo session to lay out the sweet display, to coordinate colors and to discuss pastry options. It was decided that the wedding sweet display would highlight the Pantone Color of the Year Peach Fuzz, or as we call it Blush, while adding in some greens for contrast. This is an example of how we play when clients come into our Design Center. The photo above is the plan for the photo session.

On the day of the photos, Kristina and Sara packed, delivered, and set up the displays. They then broke down and loaded up our rentals and headed back to the warehouse.  These two made the day run so smoothly. The creative arrangements they put together with Sandra and Erica truly highlighted the bakery goodies and our rental pieces. In addition, they coordinated with Shaylee and Sandra to make this event happen.  Collaborating with these vendors made the day a success!

I’m Kelly, the blogger, wordsmith or social media person. I had the opportunity to interview Erica in the pre-planning meeting and then again at the photo session to learn about her skill set and passion for her business. I want to add just how kind and thoughtful Erica is.  Any couple would be fortunate to order from her to create exactly what they envision. 

Venue @providencevineyard Providence Vineyard 
Photography @sandraortizphotography Sandra Ortiz Photography 
Bakery @ekcakery EK Cakery
Table top/Serve ware @dishanddecorvintagerental Dish & Decor Vintage Rental