Your Surrey Wedding - February/March 2025 (Issue 111)

BARNSEY BAKES Ge t now Jes … When did you start baking? I first started baking with my mum growing up, which I loved. I have memories of baking fairy cakes and flapjacks together in the kitchen and that’s what sparked my interest in baking. However, I didn’t set up Barnesy Bakes until 2020; it started as a lockdown hobby but over the years has turned into a business that has grown and stuck. I’ve been a fully self-taught baker throughout and have always loved developing my own recipes, techniques and creating unique designs, which has been a brilliant and rewarding challenge – especially for my family who take the role of taste testing very seriously! When did you know wedding cakes were your passion? I created my first ever wedding cake when I was 16 for my auntie and uncle’s wedding in Spain. It was my first time baking for someone’s special day and I absolutely loved the whole process. Since setting up Barnesy Bakes, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in many amazing weddings. The creative opportunities and the chance to get to personally know the couples I work with, has made baking wedding cakes extremely special and it has become a real passion of mine. How can you best describe your designs/services? I love creating elegant and bespoke wedding cakes, cupcakes and dessert tables. My wedding cake designs range from simple and stylish to more extravagant floral statements and colourful centrepieces. I love taking the time getting to know the couples I work with to ensure their cake suits their style perfectly and ties in effortlessly to the theme of their big day. Top tip for couples choosing their wedding cake: I’d always recommend keeping an open mind initially around your design – I personally love having a little creative freedom to suggest options that you might not have considered. There are lots of amazing bakers out there who could surprise you with a design you’d never have thought of! What is your go to dessert? Tiramisu every time! You can’t beat it, the combination of boozy cream, coffee and chocolate is always a winner. Do you watch The Great British Bake Off? Yes, I have always enjoyed watching the showstopper challenge and I used a lot of Mary Berry cookbooks growing up! Ge i touc www.barnesybakes.com @barnesy.bakes @ItsBarnesyBakes DEBBIE’S BAKEHUT Ge t now Debbi … When did you start baking? Baking is a deeply personal and creative pursuit for me, and I can trace its beginnings to my childhood. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with my mum, it was filled with the warmth of home-cooked food, and I was enthralled by the various kitchen gadgets and equipment. My first real attempt at baking was a vanilla sponge cake for my family. It wasn’t perfect, but it was all gone in a few minutes with everyone being excited at the joy of having a homemade cake. I then went on to make some cupcakes which were much better; there on I made every birthday cake for my family. When did you know wedding cakes were your passion? It wasn’t until I attended a close friend’s wedding, I realised wedding cakes were my calling. Seeing their faces light up when they saw the cake – a centrepiece of their celebration – was the moment I knew this was more than just baking. It was about creating memories. How can you best describe your designs/services? I’d say they’re all about personalisation and creativity. Every cake I make is unique and designed to reflect the couple’s story, style, and personality. Whether it’s an elegant, tiered masterpiece adorned with sugar flowers, a modern, minimalist design, or rustic design, my focus is always on crafting something that feels special and tastes as good as it looks. My services are tailored to ensure a stress-free experience. Top tip for couples choosing their wedding cake: Make it personal. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends if they don’t resonate with you. Choose flavours and designs that you love and that reflect your story as a couple. The flavour of your cake is just as important as how beautiful it looks, and most importantly, work with someone whose style and expertise align with your vision. What is your go to dessert? Hands-down a classic lemon sponge. There’s something about the balance of tart citrus and buttery sponge that never fails to comfort and delight. Do you watch The Great British Bake Off? Yes, I’m a huge fan! It’s such an inspiring show that celebrates the joy of baking and creativity in such a heartwarming way. Also, it’s amusing to see the contestants anticipating receiving a Paul Hollywood handshake. Ge i touc www.debbiesbakehut.co.uk @debbiesbakehut @DebbiesBakehut CAKES 63

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