Let Them Eat Cake

One bite and we knew. Cakes by Ron. Moist. Melt in your mouth. Creative. Delicious flavors. Gorgeous presentation. We knew it the moment he handed us a sample cupcake - make that cupcakes - at the Bridal Show in Sarasota. Seasalt Caramel, Boston Creme, Red Velvet. How to decide?! They were all delicious. When I asked Ayla if she would be shopping around for bakers she said, "Why? Cakes By Ron was the best." I understand Rob and Ayla will be picking out cake flavors and the design with Rob's dad and stepmom when they visit soon. we are excited to hear about what will be chosen. I know Ayla has said she wanted a beachy looking cake and sent me a couple pictures of what she was thinking about. Adirondack chairs on top and seashells.

I don't know whether you could consider this the forerunner of the wedding cake, but apparently in ancient Rome a loaf of bread was broken above the head of the bride to bring them good luck. Then everyone would eat the crumbs to have a little of the luck for themselves. In the Middle Ages, brides and grooms would kiss over several cakes piled one on top of another, sometimes ridiculously high. If they could kiss over the cake, it meant prosperity for them. Later someone got the idea to cover all the cakes with frosting. One fellow, in an effort to impress his bride, made his cake to look like St. Bride's Church in London. Seeing the steeple on top of the church, you can see how wedding cakes today got their look.

Of course at the reception, the groom and bride cut the cake together then feed a piece of it to each other. Shenanigans can follow with smashing and the like. Your Daddy threatened to squish some cake on me, but I got him pretty good ... then proceeded to lick it off him. It was pretty funny. Our cake was topped in a bouquet of flowers with candles spiraling up it. The candle idea was not the best as it eventually caught the bouquet on fire - our caketastrophy - but it was under control pretty quickly. My mom surprised me by having our wedding cake be chocolate on the inside. You are supposed to save the top tier to eat on your 1st anniversary. Daddy and I did this and it tasted horrible, but I have heard others say theirs survived the 365-day freeze and was yummy.

The Bible mentions several cakes, but none associated with a wedding. Most were unleavened cakes used for offerings or guests (Gen. 18:6, Ex. 29:2, Lev.7:12, ). Others were barley or fig cakes (1 Sam. 25:18), not much like the sweet desserts we have today. So doubtful when Christ was at the wedding in Cana, did he see a tiered, white, fondant-covered confection.

We are excited to hear what both couples choose for your wedding cakes. We know they will be unique and beautiful ... and we hope delicious.

Discussion: What is your favorite flavor cake? What do you want to see on top of your cake? Do you have an idea for its design?

Prayer: Lord, a cake at the wedding will not provide good luck or prosperity, but will be a yummy treat for the guests. We pray, Father, both couples can find affordable and delicious cakes for their reception. We love you, Father. In Jesus, Amen.