Judging the Grandeur: My Unforgettable Journey into a Charity Wedding Cake Competition
The exhilarating world of wedding cake competitions began for me over a year ago, with an unexpected email from Melissa of Masterpiece Weddings. Her simple request – “will you pretty please come and be a judge for our wedding cake competition?” – sparked an adventure I wouldn’t soon forget. Initially, the idea felt somewhat surreal. Me? Judging wedding cakes? My own wedding was a beautiful blur, and while the taste of my wedding cake is a fond memory, its visual details have long since faded. I’ve only experienced matrimony once, a fact that hardly qualifies one as a connoisseur of bridal confectionery.
However, any hesitation quickly vanished when Melissa revealed the true heart of the event: it was a fundraiser dedicated to benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A cause so noble and vital immediately resonated with me. Supporting children battling life-threatening illnesses, ensuring their families receive care without financial burden, is a mission I deeply admire. With such an inspiring purpose, my answer was an unequivocal yes. This wasn’t just about elegant desserts; it was about making a tangible difference, and that made the invitation irresistible.
Stepping into the Arena: A Judge’s First Impressions
Melissa, the visionary behind Masterpiece Weddings (photo by Amy Scott Hogue), orchestrated this magnificent event.
A few days before the big event, I found myself driving towards Gainesville, the venue for this grand competition. I confess, I was entirely unprepared for the sheer intensity and intricate world of food competitions. My attire for the day felt appropriate for a refined occasion: a pretty dress, three-inch heels, and a crisp name tag boldly declaring “JUDGE.” In hindsight, a more fitting ensemble would have included dark glasses, camouflage, and perhaps even a shield. The competitive spirit among these bakers was palpable – a formidable energy that conveyed both passion and precision. They weren’t just baking cakes; they were crafting edible masterpieces, each vying for recognition and, more importantly, for the joy of contributing to St. Jude’s.
The atmosphere inside the venue was electric. Tables stretched out as far as the eye could see, each meticulously set to showcase a towering, intricate creation. There were 35 cakes in total, divided into categories for both professional and amateur bakers. I was assigned to the group judging the professional entries, a daunting task made even more exhilarating by my esteemed co-judges. Some cakes soared over four feet high, while others were adorned with such elaborate detail, one could only imagine a dedicated team toiling tirelessly for days to perfect every delicate element. This was clearly more than just a baking contest; it was an exhibition of incredible artistry and dedication.
The Esteemed Panel: Learning from the Masters
And who was I judging alongside? None other than Kerry Vincent, the undisputed queen of wedding cake judging, a legend from Food Network Challenge. Her reputation precedes her; with a single glance, a concise sentence, or even a stroke of her pen, she has the power to elicit tears of both joy and apprehension from contestants. Her eye for detail is legendary, her standards uncompromising. Beside Kerry, our panel included the Executive Pastry Chef of Golden Ocala and internationally renowned Albert Barrett, whose culinary expertise brought a profound understanding of technique and flavor. We were also joined by Paige Beck, a local TV 20, WCJB Anchor and a passionate cake aficionado, offering a distinct perspective. Danielle from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was front and center, a constant reminder of the charity’s vital mission. Completing our esteemed lineup was Ludwig Gross, an International Pastry Chef and truly an amazing guy, whose insights into global pastry trends were invaluable.
Our distinguished panel of judges: Myself, the incredibly honest and sharp Kerry Vincent; Albert Barrett, Executive Pastry Chef of Golden Ocala and an internationally acclaimed expert; Paige Beck, TV 20, WCJB Anchor and passionate Cake Aficionado; Danielle representing St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and, unfortunately, cut off from the frame, Ludwig Gross, an exceptional International Pastry Chef. I entrusted my camera to a professional photographer from a news organization – a *professional*! Yet, somehow, Ludwig was cropped out. There was certainly ample room in the shot. My sincerest apologies, Ludwig!
My co-judges—Kerry, Albert, and Ludwig—moved methodically from cake to cake, each a vision of culinary artistry. As a novice judge, I subtly mimicked their every move, observing their trained eyes, which scanned every minute detail as if on a television set. Indeed, it was just like watching a Food Network show unfold in real life! Each judge meticulously examined every swirl, swoop, delicate flower, and intricate frill. Their expertise allowed them to pinpoint subtle nuances and flawless executions that my untrained eye would have undoubtedly missed. They assessed not just the overall aesthetic but the precision of piping, the symmetry of tiers, the creativity of conceptualization, and the integrity of the structural design. The world of wedding cake judging, I quickly learned, is an art form in itself, demanding incredible attention to detail and a profound understanding of confectionery techniques.
The Allure of the Mermaid Cake and a Glimpse of Reality
Among the dazzling array, one particular cake captured my heart immediately. It was a fairytale wedding cake, beautifully inspired by a “Little Mermaid-ish” theme. The cake was adorned with what appeared to be flawless candy shells and whimsical sea creatures, so lifelike they seemed ready to swim away. Miniature sea anemones glittered with a fantastical rainbow of colors, drawing me into its enchanting aquatic world. I was utterly smitten. This was, without a doubt, my number one choice; this mermaid cake simply *had* to win!
I was in the middle of effusively gushing about its magical beauty to Albert when Kerry Vincent strolled by. With a quick, discerning glance at the cake, she delivered her verdict with characteristic bluntness: “Honey, it’s all mold.” Oh. Bummer. My heart sank faster than a treasure chest in the ocean. Apparently, while visually stunning, using pre-made molds for intricate details is considered less challenging in professional competitions than hand-sculpting each element. Plop your colored play-doh-like sugar paste in, squeeze, and out pops a perfect, flawless sea creature. While undeniably beautiful, the technique lacked the freehand artistry and personal skill demonstrated by other contestants. It was a swift, humbling lesson in the rigorous standards of professional cake decorating competitions, where the journey of creation often matters as much as the final masterpiece.
The Battle of Taste vs. Design: A Judge’s Conundrum
Here’s Ludwig Gross standing next to me! He’s patiently teaching me what critical elements to look for in both design and execution. Don’t I exude professionalism? I even managed to put on a serious, discerning look for the camera!
Despite the initial shock of the “mold” revelation, the judging experience was immensely fun and incredibly enlightening. The absolute highlight of the evening, for me, arrived when it was time for the tasting portion. I vividly recall my encounter with contestant #23’s cake – a masterpiece of flavor. It was a moist, incredibly light, and delicately spongy cake, perfectly complemented by real buttercream frosting. But what truly elevated it were the delightful bits of fruit jelly and homemade marshmallows interspersed throughout. Each bite was a revelation, a symphony of textures and tastes that made me want to grab the entire confection, crawl under the tablecloth, and devour every last crumb in blissful solitude. For me, as an ardent lover of all things delicious, taste is paramount.
It turned out that the genius behind this divine creation was the lovely Chef Katie Codney from The Ritz Carlton in Naples, a testament to her exceptional culinary skill. Then there was another contender for my taste buds’ affection: the moist carrot cake with its perfectly balanced, just-right-sweet cream cheese frosting, crafted by Jaycel Adkins of Etiquette of Chocolate. Oh, baby, that carrot cake was sensational! I am absolutely determined to get that recipe from Jaycel for all of you. These moments of pure culinary bliss reaffirmed my deeply held belief: while visual artistry is certainly impressive, the true soul of a cake lies in its flavor. You can find the full list of winners and a comprehensive gallery of the stunning cakes on Melissa’s blog.
Kerry Vincent: Beyond the Screen
By the way, despite the formidable and sometimes intimidating persona Food Network portrays for Kerry Vincent, in person, she is remarkably straightforward and sincere. Her sharp observations are always delivered with an underlying respect for the craft and the individuals behind it. After the intense judging concluded, Kerry took the time to make her rounds to each table. She stopped by, offering invaluable coaching and constructive critique to any baker who sought to understand why their cake didn’t win or what areas they needed to improve upon. This dedication truly impressed me.
Her respect among peers and contestants isn’t merely because she’s a celebrity on TV; it’s because she stands firmly by what she says and, more importantly, because she invested an extra two hours after the event had officially ended, solely to mentor and guide. While we might have disagreed on some aspects – for instance, the cake that ultimately won Best of Show was undeniably beautiful and flawlessly decorated, yet its taste, to my palate, resembled a rough cake mix – that’s often the reality of wedding cake contests. In these arenas, technical design and visual perfection frequently triumph over flavor. But for me, as a passionate lover of all things delicious, taste will forever trump mere aesthetics. A cake might be a visual marvel, but if it doesn’t delight the taste buds, it misses its true purpose.
A Gallery of Edible Art: The Competition’s Masterpieces
Above: The highly coveted Best in Show award, accompanied by an impressive $8000 prize package, was proudly claimed by Heavenly Cakes by Neil. Their cake was a breathtaking example of precision and artistic vision, truly a deserved winner in the realm of visual perfection.
Feast your eyes upon these exquisite freehand swirly patterns! The mastery required to execute such intricate and consistent designs without a guide is truly awe-inspiring, showcasing exceptional piping skills.
This enchanting creation was the “mermaid cake” that captivated my imagination and initially won my heart, crafted by Ms. Debbie. Its vivid colors and charming oceanic details, even with the use of molds, made it truly delightful to behold.
The Best in Show winner for the Amateur division was this talented young woman (I regret I’ve misplaced her contact information, but I’m diligently working to find it!). Her journey into cake decorating began only recently, making her exquisite work even more commendable. Aren’t the delicate sugar flowers simply gorgeous?
On the left, we admired the innovative sugar origami, a unique and delicate approach to cake decoration. On the right, beautifully hand-painted butterflies adorned either sugar paper or rice paper (the exact material eludes my memory now), adding an ethereal touch to the design.
This cake, while perhaps not the most traditional of wedding cakes, housed a secret weapon: Jaycel of Etiquette of Chocolate crafted the most extraordinary carrot cake on Earth! Seriously, Jaycel, if you’re reading this, please share your carrot cake recipe – even Kerry RAVED about its unparalleled taste!
On the left, the second runner-up for design went to Cakes by Lisa Menz. Her creation featured an astonishing detail: tiny, hand-made tassels, each crafted meticulously from sugar. On the right, an absolutely adorable couple presented their cake. The gentleman, a cancer survivor, supported his wife, who had made this only her second cake ever! Competing in the amateur division, her creation was filled with so much heart. Their cake was perfectly themed to their story, as they met in New York City, which inspired its thoughtful design.
The cake on the left was beautifully inspired by delicate Japanese cherry blossoms, and I particularly adored its harmonious color palette. On the right, a whimsical creation that, alas, I can no longer recall the exact inspiration for. I believe it was a delightful fusion of Cinderella meeting… well, something equally magical!
And now, for my absolute favorite cake of the entire competition – the creation by Katie Codney from The Ritz Carlton, Naples. I deeply regret not having captured a photograph of their individual cake sample that we tasted. By the time I thought to, it was all gone, devoured entirely by my appreciative palate. Next to Chef Katie is her supportive husband, who came to cheer her on. I absolutely adored this cake; it won the well-deserved “Tastiest Cake” award. However, despite its sublime flavor, it couldn’t secure the coveted Best of Show due to design considerations. According to the seasoned pros (the other judges), technically, its design wasn’t considered difficult enough, and the butterflies were notably out of proportion to the flowers. Additionally, some of the hand-painted flowers, while lovely, were deemed to require further refinement. Despite their criticisms, I championed this cake vigorously! What’s more, there was another entire layer hidden beneath that striking blue striped tier, giving you an idea of just how grand this delicious cake truly was.
Support St. Jude: Every Donation Makes a Difference!
The “Let’s Eat Cake” event, while a celebration of incredible culinary talent, was ultimately dedicated to a profound cause. We are still passionately accepting donations through the end of the month to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food – allowing them to focus solely on their child’s recovery. Please consider extending your generosity and helping these remarkable children in their fight against illness. Your support can truly make a world of difference.