I must admit that I’m a little biased towards today’s
couple. Their cascading succulent cake is one of my most recent favorites we’ve
done here in the bakery. In fact, it may or may not be the current lock screen
photo on my cell phone.
One of our wonderful decorators, Christina, spent days hand
sculpting and painting the gorgeous edible succulents for Julie and Victor’s
cake. After seeing the finished work of art it was impossible to not be in awe
of the hard work and love that she poured into making their cake. It was truly
gorgeous!
Julie Crouse and Victor Benning met over seven years ago
while both working at the Borders Bookstore in Midtown, Atlanta. Their first
date actually started out as an accident. They were supposed to be spending a
night out with a group of friends from work, but they were the only two to show
up! They ended up having such a wonderful time that they had to visit a total
of three restaurants that night so they could keep talking. The couple realized
they shared an obvious connection, and have been together ever since!
Their engagement story isn’t a typical one. They have been together a long time,
and just didn’t feel that marriage suited them. Julie jokes that they kept an
ongoing list of reasons why they should or should not get married (in my
imagination this list would read something like: Julie – leaves hair in the
bathtub, feet are always cold, hates football. Victor – leaves socks
everywhere, snores, watches the news too much). You know, the typical fun
inside humor that all great couples share. After six years together, the list
of reasons to get married were starting to outgrow the reasons not to. They talked about it and decided there
had been a serious change of heart.
The proposal itself was a complete surprise to Julie. While
visiting her family in Winston-Salem, NC, Julie and Victor spent the day
together at the Reynolda Gardens. The gardens are one of Julie’s favorite
places in the world. She grew up going to the gardens with her mother, sister
and grandmother and they hold many dear memories for her. She was so
preoccupied with enjoying her surroundings that she didn’t even notice how
flustered Victor became as they walked along. Without even realizing, Julie
turned to Victor as they reached the center of the garden and was completely
surprised that he was down on one knee to propose!
Julie and Victor were married on October 12, 2013 at the
Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, NC. Their beautiful celebration centered around
a more natural theme. Incorporating beautiful succulents and greenery into
their bouquets, table arrangements, and décor.
Although Victor isn’t much of a cake person, Julie insists
our cake is so great we converted him! Our use of all natural ingredients and
talented team of decorators are what initially interested the couple in our
bakery. We’re so honored they chose us! For their gorgeous succulent themed
cake the couple chose Fresh Strawberry Buttercream (Julie’s favorite) and
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip (Victor’s favorite).
Vendors
Photography - Elly of Old South Studios
Venue - Proximity Hotel
Coordinator - Coordinated Events
