Kathy Cubley, owner of cake” as the most popular flavor, even for birthday cakes. “I also KCDesign, is more fondly known by her customers as “the cake lady.”

“I’ve been baking cakes for forever, but only 38 years for money,” Kathy joked. “I’m now baking wedding cakes for the daughters of the women whose own wedding I did 25-plus years before. I love this ministry!” For Kathy, it’s about a lot more than the love of baking or the money earned. “My favorite part of this business is making someone's special day extra special,” Kathy said. “I’ve been able to put lots of smiles on lots of faces. It’s creative, and it’s a way to show God’s sufficiency in my life, as a blessing to people that I would never have met otherwise.”

Despite the ebb and flow of current do lemon, red velvet, strawberry, etc., but very few by comparison to wedding cake,” she said. And that’s pretty convenient, as it remains her personal favorite flavor. “It’s a little rich and buttery, with a slight almond accent,” Kathy said. “It’s just flat-out good!” Having worked many weddings over the years, Kathy has plenty of tips and advice to help keep brides from turning into the dreaded Bridezilla. “Bring only one or two people with you whose opinion you trust,” Kathy advised. “Don't keep looking once you have found what you like – it’s just confusing. Also, have a budget in mind. I’ll help you stay within that amount.”

Kathy also suggests bringing trends, Kathy still sees “wedding pictures of favored designs. “That helps me help you,” she said.

One thing Kathy is seeing more of is the traditional groom’s cake falling to the wayside in favor of spending money elsewhere. “It just depends on the budget,” Kathy explained. “In the South, the groom’s cake is still relatively popular, especially in German chocolate. I get a lot of requests for sports, fishing and hunting themes, and they almost always want chocolate-dipped strawberries on top!” “If the couple does choose to do a groom’s cake, I always suggest that it be at least half the size of the bride’s,” Kathy warned. “You definitely don’t want it looking like his was an afterthought.”

Contact Kathy Cubley of KCDesign via Facebook at www.facebook.com/kathy. cubley.

Morgan Garrison with KaCee's Sugar and Spice in Ruston, La., is another local baker who loves her job – one that’s turned into a family business. “I’ve been working beside my mother, Kacee, for 14 years,” Morgan said. “She’s been baking cakes for over 40!” Morgan loves the relationships formed with her customers through her business. “It’s so much fun getting to know them and seeing them throughout the years,” Morgan said. “So many wedding cake customers turn into baby shower and first birthday customers. It's like starting a tradition. You look forward to seeing them return as their family grows!” When it comes to current designs for wedding cakes, Morgan personally loves the uprising in the use of color and metallic. “They can add such a pop and bring your cake to life,” Morgan said. “But remember, it's best done in a subtle manner, so that it's still classy and timeless.”

However, Morgan strongly believes otherwise regarding taste. “When it comes to flavor, go wild!” She advised. “Mix it up and add in the unexpected. People like variety.” Her personal favorite flavor is strawberry cake with fresh-cut strawberries and cream cheese filling.

Morgan’s advice for brides is to make sure the cake represents themselves as a person. “This is your big day, so get your dream cake,” Morgan stressed. “Also, make sure the cake coordinates with the style and feel of the wedding. You don't want it to stand out like a sore thumb.”

She also had a few corresponding words of “don’ts” to share. “Don't choose a flavor just because it's what everyone else will like,” Morgan said. “Also, don't get too many opinions on the style. Follow your heart!” She means the same advice for the groom. “We’re starting to see a lot of grooms choose a favorite dessert instead of a traditional cake,” Morgan said. “We love this, because it can be so much fun! If he loves cheesecake or banana pudding or donuts, let the man have what he wants. Guests love these treats, and the setup can be really cute.”

Contact Morgan of Kacee’s Sugar and Spice on Facebook or Instagram @kaceessugarandspice.