Someone to help plan your big day and make sure it runs smoothly can be a big help (and stress relief)! In my quest to help brides, I asked Tara, of Weddings with Tara, a few questions about her business.

1) Tell me a little about yourself and your business
I have been in the wedding planning business for 10 years, but started my own company 2 1/2 years ago. I am married to an amazing man who supports me in everything that I do, and we have one daughter-a 2 year old boxer/boston terrier mix named Toni. I have a home office, and I love it. Also, Toni would hate it if I was gone all the time! The most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ, and He is the reason I am able to do what I do. He has blessed my life and my business so much, and He deserves all the credit!

2) What is your favorite part of planning a wedding?
I have many favorite parts, but I LOVE getting to know the bride, groom and their families. It is such a joy to me to hear their stories of where they met, how the got engaged, and to hear their visions for their wedding. I really enjoy bringing their ideas together and making them happen. I simply love what I do!

3) What is the first thing a couple should book for a wedding?
The first thing they should book is a location for their ceremony and reception. If they already have this in place, I would suggest booking those vendors that can only do one wedding per day/weekend…photographer, videographer, band, etc.

4) How often do you meet with the couples you work with?
Goodness…this varies so much that I can’t even give you a good answer!

5) Do you work alone, or do you work with a team?
Technically, I would say I work alone, as I try to keep my business very personal. I am very blessed to have a wonderful associate that I use for the rehearsal and day-of, only if a bride wants to use my services, and I am already booked. But, I work with them up until the event on all the plans. I also bring people with me to assist on the day of the wedding if this is necessary.

6) Is there anything you would like to add?
If you want to see some of my work and meet some of my wonderful couples, please visit my blog

Here are a few “sneak peaks” from Friday’s wedding! More to come in a later post! Stay tuned….

This weekend I attempted to be “Miss Suzy Homemaker”. ATTEMPTED is the big word! I got a new Kitchen Aid Mixer last week so I felt that I should put it to use! Besides making smoothies all weekend with my grinder attachment for the mixer, I decided to make some bread! Remember, this is my first attempt at bread. Who knew you had to let it rise for so long! Below is my bread (I think I should have let it rise a little bit more, but at least it tasted good)

This is our basement greenhouse!

Do you see all the green? Yes, that is our cabbage growing…..it has only been planted for 6 days! I am amazed!

It was their 33rd anniversary! The same day that their daughter was getting married (more to come in a future post). Mike and Patsy live in South Dakota, but have a house here in North Carolina as well. On their property, there is this old house that Patsy loves! She joke around by saying that her and Mike will live there once they retire!! Such a great couple! Happy Anniversary!

Yes folks, I am an Izze Girl! I seriously think I am addicted! 70% Pure fruit juice with sparkling water and fortified with Vitamins. The drink has no refined sugars, no preservatives, and no caffeine! It is so refreshing and just plain fun! I also adore the logo.

I was sitting in my kitchen this morning looking at our pottery mugs. These mugs have been with us for a long while. You see, a few years ago there was this girl (me) that hated to do dishes (still do, but at least I have a dishwasher now). The one thing she disliked the most to clean were the cups/mugs. Her boyfriend (Chris) thought it would be a good idea to buy 1 mug that each of us always used (and had to wash less often because of that). I never thought it would work, but I have got to say I have become fond of my mug! My mug is on the left!

Yes, once again it is time to start a garden! This year Chris and I plan to have a bigger garden than we have ever had! We have also decided that with having a bigger garden that we are going to *gulp* can! I have never ever canned in my whole life and am very excited/scared to do so. Chris said he will help (this year at least..haha). For the past month or so we have been trying to figure out what it is that we want in our garden. This weekend we have set aside to start planting. About half of our seeds require inside growth for 8-10 weeks before our last frost (I read it to be April 24th). I even made a little booklet for our planting schedule (yes, I know, I am a dork!). Here are a few pictures…have a great Thursday!

I have all the seed packets organized by veggie/fruit

All the seeds…..

The lighting in my living room this afternoon!

I have been meaning to post this for the past month! The new love of my life (besides Chris and Little Bobby of course). This is the newest camera out by Canon that I got about a month ago and am loving it. I love the 21 megapixel feature along with the many other features it has including video!! Yeah for new toys!!

Two weekends ago Chris and I went to South Mountain State Park where we went on a hike to Shoals Falls! The weather was perfect that Sunday afternoon and it was nice to get out with my man (and not be working). This past weekend, I went to Charlotte to be with Chris at the Boat show at the Convention Center. Chris had to work a booth, and long hours were put in! However, we still found time to roam around Charlotte in the morning! Even though it was work, it was a nice get away!!

And in Charlotte…….

Me in desperate need of coffee

Chris being silly….as normal!!

Are you looking for a great wedding cake? I recently did an interview with Tiffany of Tiffany’s Baking Co. Her cakes are beautiful and I hear that they taste even better!!

(image source)

Tell us a little about yourself and your business
We have been designing desserts and cakes for over 10 years. I personally, was a Pastry Chef for several years, and developed all my delicious recipes early on. Alot of pride goes into all that we do. Everything is from scratch and we purchase as much dairy and produce as possible from local vendors and businesses. Classes with national renowned cake designers have taught us current trends and classic styles for Wedding Cake and custom cake designing.

What made you get into the cake decorating business?
Always had a love for Art and the Culinary field. I Naturally fell into the world of pastries and cakes as a Pastry Chef at the age of 19. As I progressed in my career as a Pastry Chef I began to do Cakes more frequently. After several years it dawned on my that my love was in designing and creating things, as well as getting to personally meet with my clients to make sure they are getting their ‘Dream Cake’.

Is there a cake that you have done that sticks out in your mind?
Our topsy turvy Apple Bushel Cake took alot of time to design, and the bride LOVED IT!

How far in advance do you usually book the cake?
Brides come to us as soon as 1.5 years before their Wedding Dates. Some design their Wedding ‘themes’ around the cakes design. Very cool! We also have had brides come to us as soon as 1 month prior.

Anything else you want to tell the blog readers?
We pride ourselves on taste as well as the cakes appearance. This is why we do not charge more for any of our flavors or icings. We even make our Marshmallow Fondant by hand the night before we drape our cakes! Our icings are made and flavored to order for each individual client. And no two cakes are ever alike. Every client only deserves the best from us and we love that challenge!

Our Wedding Cake Consultations are complimentary. We hope to hear from you soon!

You can contact Tiffany Baking Co. by clicking here