Welcome back to day six of our highly anticipated **2015 Wedding Cake Preview** series! For two weeks, we’re embarking on an exciting journey, marveling at the most exquisite cake designs and uncovering the definitive **2015 wedding cake trends** directly from the industry’s leading experts. We’ve meticulously gathered insights from top cake designers, asking them to predict which styles and aesthetics will dominate the wedding landscape in the coming year. Armed with this foresight, this incredibly talented group of artists has been diligently crafting innovative, exclusive cake designs, tailor-made for this series and, most importantly, for you, our cherished readers seeking inspiration. We invite you to join us daily as we unveil a new, trend-inspired masterpiece. If you’ve missed any of the preceding reveals, you can effortlessly catch up on the entire **wedding cake trends** series right HERE, where a treasure trove of inspiration awaits.
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce cake number six in our spectacular lineup, a design that beautifully encapsulates a burgeoning **2015 wedding trend** making its grand entrance into the world of confectionery artistry: **organically styled florals**. This captivating aesthetic moves away from rigid, overly structured arrangements, embracing instead the natural, loose, and free-flowing beauty of seasonal blooms. These designs evoke a profound sense of movement, untamed elegance, and inherent natural charm, as if freshly gathered from a vibrant garden or a serene meadow. We are particularly captivated by their unique blend of character and moodiness, their undeniable charm, and their deeply personal touch. The stunning cake we are featuring today masterfully recreates this gorgeous, botanical look, crafting every delicate petal and leaf entirely from decadent chocolate, transforming a fleeting floral moment into an everlasting, edible work of art.
This sixth breathtaking cake in our exclusive **2015 Wedding Cake Preview** series comes to us from the immensely talented Erin Gardner, the creative force behind Erin Bakes (formerly known as Wild Orchid Baking Co). Erin has been an invaluable source of cutting-edge design inspiration for us since 2012, consistently delivering creations that are both stunning and perfectly aligned with current and future **wedding cake trends**. Her portfolio boasts iconic designs like the strikingly elegant pretty black cake, which redefined modern wedding aesthetics, and her enchanting rainbow heart cake, an instant classic that charmed countless hearts. Beyond her remarkable design prowess, Erin has enriched our community significantly as a dedicated contributor, generously sharing a plethora of her clever and innovative techniques. Through her expert guidance, we’ve had the pleasure of learning essential skills such as how to build a cake like a pro, ensuring structural integrity and a flawless finish, and practical advice on what to do with those extra cake scraps, turning potential waste into delicious treats. Erin has consistently pushed the boundaries of cake decorating, demonstrating how to stamp a rose cake using celery for a surprisingly beautiful texture and how to fashion intricate chocolate poinsettias with nothing more than a simple knife – truly a testament to her inventive spirit. She continuously brings us something insanely creative and inspiring, showcasing her unique vision and exceptional skills, all of which you can discover HERE.
Today, Erin astounds us once again with her extraordinary artistry, presenting lush, vibrant chocolate flowers that are as visually stunning as they are exquisitely delicious. Crafted from various chocolates and meticulously colored cocoa butters, these meticulously shaped blooms, berries, and foliage possess an astonishing realism. They appear as if they were freshly discovered on a serene local hillside, selectively gathered, and then artfully arranged into a modern, bespoke bouquet. Each element is rich in texture and imbued with deep, natural hues, creating an entirely edible rendition of the **organically styled florals** that discerning **2015 brides** are eagerly coveting for their special day. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a statement piece, a celebration of nature’s beauty transformed into a culinary delight, perfectly aligning with the desire for authentic and personalized wedding experiences.
Erin Gardner of Erin Bakes generously shares the profound inspiration behind her innovative design, offering a glimpse into her creative process and understanding of contemporary **wedding cake trends**:
“When I have the privilege of meeting with couples to design their dream **wedding cake**, my primary goal is always to grasp the overarching sentiment and aesthetic of their entire wedding day. I delve into myriad details, inquiring about their chosen attire, the specific color palettes they envision, the textures they appreciate, their selections for linens, and, perhaps most importantly (to me as a cake artist), their desired floral arrangements. Over the past few years, there has been a significant and exciting evolution in **wedding florals**. The era of highly structured, rigidly symmetrical arrangements is gracefully giving way to a more fluid, organic, and artfully asymmetrical style. These contemporary arrangements are characterized by their fascinating combinations of diverse flower types and an abundant incorporation of lush greenery, creating a rich, textural tapestry. Visionary floral designers like Saipua and Amy Merrick are unequivocally at the forefront of this transformative trend, with their breathtaking arrangements and bridal bouquets gracing the pages of all the major bridal publications and influential blogs. The aesthetic they champion is wonderfully eclectic, imbued with a distinct touch of bohemian free-spirit, yet it remains meticulously composed and undeniably refined – often even possessing a subtle, regal elegance.
This dynamic **floral trend** isn’t an isolated phenomenon; it beautifully intertwines with a broader, more significant movement among modern couples: a heightened awareness and concern for the provenance of their food and the unwavering quality of every single detail associated with their special day. This evolving mindset presents an exhilarating challenge to cake decorators like myself. It compels us to innovate, to discover novel and imaginative ways to craft designs that not only mirror this refined and sophisticated aesthetic but are also entirely composed of exquisitely edible and utterly delicious materials. It’s about creating an experience that is both visually stunning and a delight to the palate, where every element contributes to a cohesive, natural, and memorable celebration.”
Erin Gardner of Erin Bakes delves into the intricate techniques employed to bring her vision to life, demonstrating how she translates the **organically styled florals trend** into an exquisite, edible form:
“For this particular design, I sought to create a foundation that perfectly complemented the natural, earthy elegance of the chocolate florals. The cake itself was meticulously finished with a rich, smooth ganache, providing a luxurious base. Over this, I then applied a layer of edible silver leaf, but with a purposefully rough, almost distressed texture. This intentional imperfection was designed to artfully mimic the beautifully rusted finish often found on an antique urn, lending the cake a timeless, sophisticated, and slightly rustic character that grounds the vibrant botanicals. The crowning glory, the entire floral arrangement, is a testament to the versatility and artistry of chocolate. It is meticulously created solely from sculpted solid chocolate, elegant white chocolate, and vibrant colored cocoa butters. This palette of materials allows for an incredible range of textures and hues, enabling each flower and leaf to possess a lifelike quality. The specific florals chosen for this arrangement were not arbitrary; they were carefully selected to directly reflect the inspiration picture provided, ensuring authenticity. Furthermore, I considered what types of blooms and foliage might naturally be available and flourishing in my local area during the summer months, reinforcing the organic and seasonal essence of the design. The completed cake design is truly a harmonious blend: it feels wonderfully fresh and utterly modern, yet it retains a classic elegance and a subtle touch of glamour. Crucially, every single element is completely edible, and I can confidently say, absolutely delicious, offering an unparalleled sensory experience for any discerning couple seeking a **unique wedding cake** for their **2015 celebration**.”
This magnificent creation from Erin Gardner perfectly encapsulates the spirit of **2015 wedding cake trends**, marrying the beauty of nature with exquisite confectionery art. Her organically styled chocolate florals represent a shift towards more personalized, natural, and aesthetically sophisticated wedding celebrations. We hope this glimpse into her artistry inspires your own wedding planning and appreciation for bespoke **chocolate wedding cakes**. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking designs in our **2015 Wedding Cake Preview** series!
VENDORS & CREDITS
Cake Designer : Erin Bakes
Inspiration Florals : Amy Merrick
Cake Stand : Sarah’s Stands
Learn From This Baker : Discover how to create your own edible masterpieces by enrolling in Erin Gardner’s Chocolate Flowers Class online at Craftsy, an invaluable resource for aspiring and seasoned cake artists alike.