“If you can dream it, we can make it,” is The Cake Zone’s motto and after spending time at their Parrish bakery it is no wonder to us why they have been named one of the top 3 bakeries in all of Florida. Owner, Alla Levin, began her career as a baker when she was just a small child, assisting her father in his European bakery. In fact, her famous “tipsy cakes” are a nod to her father, who would infuse his pastries with syrups and a touch of alcohol for preservation. Now, she and her husband, and their team of 4 bakers, create some of the most magnificent wedding and celebration cakes we’ve ever seen. Not only are they aesthetically breathtaking, but they taste unbelievable (she uses all natural ingredients and bakes everything fresh from scratch!), proving that you can have the wedding cake of your dreams and eat it too – and it will be delicious!! We sat down with Alla to discuss her creative process, her tips for a bride and groom and her new wedding venue, Baker’s Ranch, which is quickly becoming the area’s go-to venue for bride’s in search of a rustic yet elegant feel.
How did you get started in cake baking?
It has been part of my life since I was a child. My dad was very successful pastry chef in Europe. When I was a young adult, it was mandatory for me to work for my dad and learn from the best.
You have been rated as one of the top 3 bakers in Florida – congratulations!! What sets you apart from other bakers?
Thank you! Quality, consistency and creativity! We never choose quantity over quality. We never replicate or repeat our designs – it is all highly customized. Our slogan is “If you can dream it – We can make it.”
Tell us about your process with a bride and groom…how do you go about designing their cake?
We offer a complimentary tasting design session to all of our Brides and Grooms. I always ask them to send over ahead of time their Pinterest boards, so I can be better prepared for the meeting. I highly recommend to bring to the meeting their invitations, pictures of the dress, color swatches. I ask questions as we go through all the wedding inspiration pictures. I like to find out who they are first so I can incorporate their aesthetic into the cake design. While the Bride and Groom are tasting the cakes, I make 2-3 different cake sketches. By the time they finish choosing the flavors – their dream wedding cake’s design is complete. Sketching in front of a couple is very helpful because many people think visually.
Is there a wedding cake that stands out in your mind as a favorite or most fun to create?
We love to create unique and unusual wedding cakes. One of the wedding cakes was based on Disney stories – the Bride and Groom were big Disney fans. The front of their 5 tier cake was made as a castle and, in the back, we had a 4 foot long Dragon sculpted out of Gumpaste climbing the cake. It took 7 days to make the Dragon sculpture!
Groom’s cake – a do or a don’t and why?
It is very fun and personal touch and usually it is a surprise for a Groom. I would say “Yes”, but only if budget allows. And, I always think a Grooms cake should be a heavier, richer flavor as an alternative to a wedding cake.
What is your advice to a couple that has no idea where to start with their cake design?
Look for inspiration pictures online. Schedule a consultation with a professional cake designer. Bring your invitations or floral inspiration to our consultation, along with something that represents your personal style. Every small detail that represents you and your style matters for a savvy cake designer.
You recently opened a new wedding venue in Parrish called Baker’s Ranch…what inspired you to open an event space?
The Cake Zone has been in business for 12 years and we have delivered wedding cakes to hundreds of different venues in the Tampa Bay Area. We saw the need for a rustic but elegant venue that can offer a great fusion of nature inspired ceremony sites (we have 3 of them) and the comfort and convenience of an indoor reception hall under AC. We built Bakers Ranch specifically for weddings and events, we have incorporated the best and most needed features into the building design including a Bridal suite, Grooms Cave, high vaulted ceiling, permanently installed top of the lineup lighting, specious event hall to sit 200 with a dance floor, etc.
What is your favorite part of owning the Cake Zone?
When you do what you love – it never feels like working and I have no limitations for creativity.
Are you seeing any trends emerging with your cakes this year?
The color-gurus over at Pantone declare rose quartz and serenity the colors of 2016. This year will continue to remain in touch with softer shades of pink and blue in wedding cakes. A blend of those colors, a watercolor look, whether painted onto fondant or swirled with shades of buttercream, will be a great way to pull that trend onto an event’s cake.
Also, cake and flowers always go together. As trends in the flower world change, so do the florals on cakes. We will start to see florals on wedding cakes that are looser – a more gathered style (like you just went out and picked a bouquet of wild flowers). With bridal trends like hanging garlands, laurel wreath encircled monograms, and boho-chic floral crowns, it’s only natural that cakes follow suit.
How soon after getting engaged should a bride and groom contact you for cake design?
It is never too early, some popular dates are getting booked 12 – 14 months in advance.. My advice, as soon as you get your venue reserved and choose our wedding gown, call us to schedule a consultation.
How can a bride and groom contact you?
The best way to contact us is through our website’s “Contact Us” page http://thecakezone.com/blog/
Thank you, Alla, for these great tips! Your cakes are truly inspiring and (almost) too pretty to eat!
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