Silver Palate Cakery inspires brides with edible art, counts celebrities among their clientele

Fourteen years ago, at just 21-years-old, Shane Morgan opened the doors of Silver Palate Cakery in Bossier City, a business venture that would continue opening many doors in his future.

Though some were wary of Morgan starting a business at such a young age, he has proven he’s got what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and beloved baker. Silver Palate Cakery, located at 1700 Old Minden Road in Bossier City, is only open by appointment.

The charismatic owner and his partner Michael Walraven pay as much attention to his clients as they does in the intricately detailed work of each cake.

Taking on about 160-170 wedding cake orders a year, Morgan sits down with each client in a consultation to dream up the ideal cake that best represents their big day. “The cake is a focal point, and you want it to make a statement like you,” Morgan said. “If you’re bubbly, have a whimsical cake. If you’re detail-oriented, have a detailed design. Each bride is different. I always have a new canvas to work on.”

Morgan said February through July is non-stop wedding season.

Cake making is serious business.

Morgan studied traditional visual arts for several years before adjusting his artistic vision to the culinary arts. He trained at Bossier Parish Community College Culinary School under his mentor Chef Elizabeth Dixon whom he said was a huge inspiration to in his career. After studying to be a chef, he once again shifted his focus to specialize in cake making and designing, a decision that was sparked by a photograph in a wedding magazine.

“I saw in a wedding cake magazine a picture of a chocolate basket cake. I said, ‘I want to make that and make people smile the way it made me smile,’” Morgan said. “I still have that article.”

Morgan said he uses his background in art to make creations.

Though wedding cakes are the main requests, Silver Palate Cakery offers cakes and cupcakes for every occasion, including birthday, baby shower and groom cakes. While traditional white wedding cakes are still popular, nontraditional is also a highly requested style. “Some cakes don’t even look like wedding cakes anymore,” Morgan said. “They could be black or pink.”

Some brides choose to lean more on Morgan’s expertise.

“On occasion a bride comes in and says, ‘Just surprise me! You’re the artist!’” Morgan said the top two trending wedding cake styles requested are crystal rhinestones and a rustic look. Rustic incorporates burlap, lace and textured frosting and are popular for outdoor, vintage-style weddings.

“Every four to five years the trends change, but these have stuck around more than any other I’ve seen,” Morgan said.

The buzz about the Bossier City cake shop keeps spreading. Morgan said he has had clients throughout Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. However, in recent years the quaint cake shop has been discovered by many celebrities in the film industry and even a politician or two. Silver Palate Cakery has served special occasion cakes for clients such as Gerald Butler, Angela Bassett, Catherine Zeta- Jones, Morgan Freeman, Mitt Romney and Morgan’s personal idol, Celine Dion.

“Everyone’s been so nice and down-toearth. It’s amazing,” he said.

With a fresh perspective, Morgan is ready to take on anything that comes his way, including your special day.

For more information, visit www.silverpalatecakery.com.

– Tiana Kennell