Norwood Park, Southwell, Nottinghamshire

2017 is set to be an exciting year for The Sweet Stuff with wedding cakes booked all the way up to December 31st. It is such a privilege and a pleasure to be a small part of our couples big days in venues across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and as far as London. Throughout the year I will be creating several variations of our original design 'Fantasia' black and gold cake, using lots of luxurious gold leaf, tonnes of silky smooth buttercream, a handful of cake toppers and beautiful fresh flowers used in lots of different ways. I truly believe in creating cakes that reflect your own style and perfectly complement the surroundings on your wedding day.

Working with our couples, the starting point is usually just a few pictures or Pinterest board then conjuring up a design with them that will stand out in the most perfect way with their chosen decor. During the consultation we create a digital design and mood board to demonstrate how everything will come together. The finished product will not be a reality until their big day so the process takes a lot of trust and vision. The consultation process is always a fun time and a great opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better and have a meeting of minds in a relaxed setting, oh and get a box of cupcakes to enjoy too!

One of our favourite parts of the job is seeing our clients dream days come to life at their carefully selected venue on their wedding day. The venues they choose are really the star of the show and in the East Midlands region there are some fantastic, show stopping locations to hold such an important milestone in your life. We don't often have the opportunity to visit the venues beforehand so being able to explore the venue and the area on the wedding day whilst delivering the cake is wonderful. One reason not being able to visit a venue beforehand is when couples have chosen a venue that has not yet been built - now that does take a lot of vision! (Yes, this has really happened!). So, I thought I'd share some images of the stunning venues and scenery that we will be working at this year.

Hazel Gap Barn, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire

Hazel Gap Barn will take a little imagination as the property has been booked by many couples based on artists impressions. It promises to be transformed from a derelict barn into a rustic meets modern wedding venue and is set to be very popular with lots of bookings already, including two that we will be working on! www.crippshazelgap.com

The Walled Garden at Beeston Fields, Beeston, Nottingham

Think of this as a secret and secluded garden for you and your family to enjoy; a opportunity for an outdoor ceremony in beautifully manicured gardens where weddings have been taking place for almost 150 years! It's hard to imagine that this location is just a few miles from Nottingham City Centre. www.walledgardennottingham.co.uk

The Old Vicarage Boutique Wedding Venue, Southwell

This family run boutique hotel (only eight rooms) and wedding venue is perfect for intimate weddings. Just 25 minutes from Nottingham, this contemporary styled property with beautiful grounds and an amazing bandstand with New England vibe is perfect for outdoor celebrations with absolute exclusivity of the entire venue. www.vicarageboutiquehotel.co.uk

Stoke Rochford Hall, Grantham, Lincolnshire

This Lincolnshire venue definitely looks very grand with plenty of old world charm. Built in the 1840's, this Victorian mansion was built as a private residence - imagine living here! Natural light floods the Orangery where ceremonies often take place and larger weddings with up to 200 guests can be accommodated in the grand function rooms. www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk

Kelham House Hotel, Newark, Nottinghamshire

At the end of their tree lined driveway you will find Kelham House boutique hotel exclusive use venue with 12 ensuite rooms set in 9 acres of parkland and gardens. This venue is perfect for intimate weddings and has an air of understated glamour and elegance and can certainly be tailored to whatever your wedding style as seen here. www.kelhamhouse.co.uk

East Bridgford Hill, Bingham, Nottinghamshire

This country house in East Bridgford is a family business with only a select number of weddings each year that appears to be relaxed and have a boho, festival feel, very English and a little bit vintage. The venue has an eco ethos and focus on sustainability which is amazing but seems to be quite rare. www.eastbridgfordhill.com

The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire

This is a beautiful contemporary venue with wonderful views of the golf course and the Nottingham city skyline. Floor to ceiling windows in the beautifully decorated ceremony and reception room bring in so much gorgeous natural light but my experience at The Nottinghamshire tells me that the events team is jewel in the crown here. See this past blog post for more.

Irnham Hall, Grantham, LINCOLNsHIRE

Quintessentially English, Irnham Hall is a grand venue but what makes it even more special is its Summer House and Walled Garden that have both been recently refurbished just in time for gorgeous summer weddings. Irnham Village lies just outside of the property and of course there is a village pub just a stones throw away. www.irnhamhallevents.co.uk

We will also be at Colwick Hall, The Carriage Hall, Belvoir Castle, Allington Manor, Woodborough Hall, Goosedale, Swancar Farm Country House and making an appearance at a Thames-side London venue. We very much look forward to working on all of our couples wedding and are grateful that you have chose us to work on your wedding.

Natasha xx