Our talented pastry chef Jessica Grossman is the face behind each lovely cake on our Pinterest board, and when our couples say she’s an artist, we couldn’t agree more! In part, that’s because Jessica first followed the course of a fine arts career – earning a degree in studio arts from the University of South Carolina then broadening her photography studies at Savannah College of Art and Design.
We’re so glad she returned to her first love of baking and pastry arts here in Charleston, especially since her sweet confections are as delicious as they are exquisite!
When she’s not piping delicate buttercream monograms or shaping sugar petals by hand, Jessica is inspiring clients with her impressive cake repertoire and helping to create their own big day showpiece. Wondering what our Pastry Chef is dreaming up for a new wedding season? She’s happy to dish!
Photos: Aaron and Jillian Photography
Jessica, what wedding cake trends are you loving currently?
Many couples are now steering away from intricate fondant designs in favor of simpler buttercream cakes placed with gorgeous florals and lush greenery. I personally love this contrast of colorful texture and movement against a more subtle design. It’s fresh, youthful and sophisticated.
Photo: Catherine Ann Photography
It’s also great to work with couples who want to have fun with cake flavors and fillings. Your wedding day is the best celebration of all – let’s create something special! For spring, I love bright flavor combinations like lemon cake with passionfruit or key lime buttercream. Adding fresh fruit like pureed raspberries into the cake batter creates a beautiful color that’s perfect between layers of white chocolate. If you’re feeling decadent, vanilla cake with salted caramel buttercream really brings out the warm flavors perfect for an autumn wedding in Charleston.
Left: Catherine Ann Photography // Right: Aaron and Jillian Photography
Fresh florals are always gorgeous tier toppers. Are there other wedding cake accents you suggest?
I enjoy working with different textures, so succulents and greenery are great to break up the color of the cake while adding movement.
Left: Dana Cubbage Weddings // Right: Caroline Ro
Fresh fruits and red berries are another fun alternative that add a gorgeous pop of color and sweetness. For a more glam approach, add a frosted look with sugared blueberries.
Left: Virgil Bunao // Right: Art of Roxy
Speaking of, we love the gilded look!
Edible gold or silver leafing is a great statement piece for your wedding cake – it’s eye-catching, distinctive and incredibly chic. However, you don’t want to go overboard. Think metallic in moderation! I love the subtlety of thoughtfully placed foil leaf to add texture without overwhelming the design.
Photos: Hyer Images
Hand-painted tiers are also such a unique and personalized touch. I love these commissioned works! Watercolor designs are also incredibly versatile, so you can easily transition from feminine and whimsical to very modern, high style.
Photo: Virgil Bunao
What’s one cake you hope to see more of in the coming year?
I’ll say it’s the structural design side of my background – I enjoy square cakes! There’s a huge sense of accomplishment in those clean, straight lines – and even more so in the surprise of a showstopper with gorgeous texture.
Left: Art of Roxy // Right: Britt Croft