Your North West Wedding- Page number 47 - August/September 2021 (Issue 69)

MEET WHITNEY AND IAN SCHOFIELD FROM THE BLACKROD CAKE COMPANY 07943 448 453 | www.facebook.com/theblackrodcakecompany Q – Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? It all began 12 years ago when our youngest was turning one. She was born at 31 weeks and had many severe allergies, which found us in the hospital often. When we were planning a cake for her first birthday, we needed a 100 per cent dairy, gluten, egg, soya and nut-free bake, and nobody would come anywhere near us. We thought, how hard could it be? Twelve years later, here we are with an award-winning bakery! Q – What should couples expect when booking your services? We are very thorough! We like to make sure we understand what you have in mind and that you know exactly what you’re getting. We will ask you to show us the kind of styles you like, and then we start creating a design bespoke for you. Once we have that sorted, we will provide your quote, which includes absolutely everything! There is nothing worse than booking something for your wedding and then finding out there are lots of additional charges! Q – What’s your favourite wedding cake that you’ve made and why? It feels like there are too many to choose from, but this 4ft beauty (pictured) with the bears on top stands out. There were so many challenges in the construction and so many techniques needed to bring the bride’s vision to life. It was exciting and one we will never forget! Q – How long before the wedding should couples book? Lots of people come to us saying ‘we’ve sorted everything else, but we forgot about the cake’ or ‘our wedding is next year I’m sure it’s too early to book’. It’s never too early, and make sure it’s up there on your to-do list! We have dates booked in 2023, 2024 and 2025. If you have your heart set on a certain supplier or a certain style that only some designers can create, don’t wait to get in touch! Q – What’s your favourite part of the job? One of our favourites is the cake tasting. We have an impeccable reputation for taste and over 12 years have developed a lengthy flavour list with over 60 to choose from. When the time comes for couples to choose which flavours they would like to try, they’re always amazed and are even happier when it tastes as amazing as everyone says! Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? Trust your instincts. There are many incredible cake makers in our county, and we all offer something slightly different. There will always be someone who just feels right for you! MEET ANDREA WINDLE FROM THOROUGHLY-GOOD CAKES LTD 01704 895 400 | www.thoroughly-goodcakes.co.uk Q – Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? Like most cake makers, my business started from a hobby! I have always loved anything artistic, and with over 20 years of catering experience, anything to do with food. I started by making birthday bakes for my two daughters, which were seen by lots of mums, either at parties or on social media. Then at every party, I offered to provide a cake as a gift. Within a year, I had built up an ‘impressive gallery’ of birthday designs and one day, I was contacted to create a christening cake, and because money changed hands, Thoroughly-Good Cakes was born. Q – What should couples expect when booking your services? It’s all in the name Thoroughly-Good Cakes! It’s not just the quality, it’s everything from the initial greeting, whether that be face-to-face, at a wedding fair or a speedy response on the internet, you have my undivided attention. My daughter has been training with me and has shown a natural talent of her own, so we often work side-by-side on larger jobs. Q – What’s your favourite wedding cake that you’ve made and why? I have so many designs that I have loved for different reasons. Fondant iced cakes will always be my favourite as I have loved using the skills that I have developed over the past nine years of being in business. Q – How long before the wedding should couples book? Any reputable supplier will get booked up in advance, so my advice would be to book as soon as you can. Q – What’s your favourite part of the job? Every new booking is exciting as each customer has put their trust and faith in me. The planning and making of the cake are enjoyable, but the best bit for me is taking the finished photos and getting to see the customer’s reaction as they see their design for the first time. Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? Do your research! Google reviews, social media business pages, shop windows and asking around are always a great place to start! Do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for samples. See if they have any similar work completed before you book and only pay the deposit when you are certain you have the right person for your wedding. CAKES 47