Magnolia blossoms conjure images of old-fashioned southern hospitality and Miss Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. Contributing artist, Carmen Emerson-Bass, reinterpreted this classic image, presenting her vision in smooth white fondant for a more contemporary appeal. By layering the hand-sculpted petals of the middle tier, Carmen gives drama and dimension to a monochromatic palette. The absence of a heady floral scent is the only indication that the larger gum paste magnolia is sculpted and not real. Graduated steps at the center of the cake lend a distinctively modern shape, while the lace appliqués at the bottom tier give a polite nod to nostalgic southern romance.

The Hawaiian word laua'e means beloved or cherished. Laua'e is an indigenous fern that is abundant in the islands, particularly on the Garden Isle of Kaua'i, where the sweet fragrance of this fern is said to have inspired love songs and poetry. The Hawaiians originally used it to scent their kapa cloth, and today it is a favorite of hula dancers, who intertwine the leaves with hala to make beautiful lei and adornments for important performances.

Inspired by the romantic meaning and unique texture of the Hawaiian plant, cake artist Carmen Emerson-Bass designed a stunning white cake that is grand and at once simply elegant. Known for her meticulous handiwork and extraordinary attention to detail, Carmen's laua'e leaves are made of rolled fondant and bear a remarkable likeness to the real fern. The skillful proprietor of Cake Couture created a template using actual leaves from the laua'e plant, then hand-tooled the fondant leaves to mimic realistic details. Prior to adding the leaves, each fondant tier was rolled to a smooth perfection, then painted with a shimmery pearl luster dust for a subtle sheen. The lower tier
was adorned with gum paste leaves created in the same manner and their dimension adds a final touch of drama.

Carmen acknowledges that a wedding cake is not just a cake, it is a work of art. Her clean aesthetic and incredible talent enable her to achieve the personal goal of making each of her creations unique, stylish, and able to withstand the test of time—if only in photos and the memories of her discerning clientele.

Cake By Carmen Emerson-Bass