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    6 Show-Stopping Wedding Cakes

    By | Shine Food – Tue, Apr 26, 2011 4:04 PM EDT

    Simple or extravagant, wedding cakes are always show-stopping. Take inspiration from these unique wedding cakes to make your very own everlasting creation.

    Hand-Painted Wedding Cake
    Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim FrancoPhoto: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco























    Showcase an iconic Southern flower with a hand-painted design that feels more like a piece of stained glass than a work of flour and sugar. Even the three-dimensional blossom on top is edible.
    Maggie Austin Cake; 202/448-2920

    Related Article: Signature Wedding Drinks

    Wedding Cake Trio
    Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim FrancoPhoto: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco























    Skip a single, tiered cake and, instead, place smaller ones at each table for guests to cut themselves. It's perfect for a casual affair and has an added benefit-the cakes double as beautiful centerpieces.
    Maggie Austin Cake; 202/448-2920

    Related Article: Fresh Bridal Bouquets

    Ombre Effect Wedding Cake
    Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim FrancoPhoto: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco























    Incorporate details from your dress and bouquet into the cake, as Washington, D.C. artist and pastry chef Maggie Austin did here. Tiny hydrangea blossoms sit atop layers of buttercream icing, reminiscent of a ruffled bridal gown.
    Maggie Austin Cake; 202/448-2920

    Related Article: Reception Table Decorations

    Cupcake Tower
    Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim FrancoPhoto: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco























    Treat guests to a luscious tower of cupcakes, where the display is as fanciful as the flavor. Try this idea at a colorful, outdoor wedding. Ask your bakery if they design cupcake pedestals, like this moss-covered one, or try making your own.
    Dreamcakes; 205/871-9377

    Related Article: Easy Wedding Shower Recipes

    Toasted Meringue Wedding Cake
    Photo: Katie StoopsPhoto: Katie Stoops























    As an alternative to frosting or fondant, try covering a vanilla wedding cake with toasted Swiss meringue.
    From the Chic Outdoor Wedding or Keli and Nick

    Related Article: Beautiful Bridesmaids' Bouquets

    Vintage Stamp Wedding Cake
    Photo: Kate HeadleyPhoto: Kate Headley























    Vintage stamps were reproduced on this wedding cake, and an antique suitcase was used as a cake stand to produce a vintage feel.
    From the Vintage Collegiate Wedding of Alison Noelker and Chris Vinciguerra

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    FEATURED RECIPE

    • Blackberry Cornmeal Cake
      Blackberry Cornmeal Cake
      Blackberry Cornmeal Cake

      You can substitute an equal amount of fresh blueberries for the blackberries; be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before scattering over the batter.

      Yellow cornmeal produces a dessert that has a rich, golden color, but you could use white cornmeal instead.