So, I was out and about, and someone said to me "Hey! You are the one in that magazine!" and then the conversation went like this:

Me: I'm sorry?

Stranger at the Out and About Place: No, Really, I saw you in the magazine!

Me: I'm and really sorry, you have me mistaken, that was Katie, Tom Cruz's wife... I am just a wedding planner.

Stranger at the Out and About Place: No! I saw you in the magazine, aren't you a cake baker?

Me: No, sorry, just a wedding planner...

Stranger at the Out and About Place: OHHHH! You are MasterPiece Weddings, you planned that cake thingie! Seeeeeeee - here you are!

Stranger then whips out the magazine...and VOLIA! There I am!

Take a Peek!

Holy Cow! I was in a magazine! Thank you Gainesville Magazine for publishing Let's Eat Cake!

At the end of the night, well, the begining of the end of the night, of Let's Eat Cake! - WOW! What a sentence that is! {You can probably sense the relief and stress on my face}

I realized that although Kerry Vincent and I had spent alot of time together, we hadn't taken a picture together!

So this is one of my favoritest moments! Although, I am exhausted, but fulfilled all at the same time!

{Look at all those people!!!}

{The Crowd's of People waiting to get into Let's Eat Cake!}

{Guests contimplating on how much to bid on the silent auction items}

{Bidding on the Silent Auction Items}

There wil be one more post on Let's Eat Cake! to announce the final total being donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, coming in the next few days, so be on the look out!

So you know the results of the event - you've seen some pictures. But really - what about those moments. The ones that will live in my mind forever.



I'll tell you, one of my biggest fears was that we would have planned this huge event, had Kerry Vincent come to judge, had a great turn out of bakers, and then no one would show up, or it would only be my friends and family. Which would be wonderful. BUT.... you know, not the point of the event. And one moment, I remember hugging a dear friend, and then turning around just taking a moment to look around and realized I didn't recongize a single face. I got choked up... serioulsy humbling.

Another one of my favorite moments was the Cake Auction, we had the bestest Auctioneer, he's a farm auctioneer, and I'd explain the cake, set a price, and he'd talk so fast, it was like a movie, I wish I had it on video! But- my 2 1/2 year old nieces decorated (drew on a rolled out piece of fondant) and we auctioned those off. I promised my sister I'd start the bidding at $1...but I got carried away, and started it at $5... immediately, Stewart Powers bid $40, and soon those cupycakes, were selling for more than $60- I look over at my sister and she was all red eyed, and bawling... so I lost it a weee bit on stage... it was a very touching moment, and I'll never forget the feeling in my heart and how amazing humbled I felt.

My Nieces and their first appearance on stage:

I loved our details, I mean, really, we should have a strong attention for details, but here are some of my favorites!

Good Bags donated by Pure by Lindsey, PhoBooth, Me on the news, The amazing cakes that were for auction, Neal Leal winning Best of Show, Me chatting with the judges, my sister's cake, friends having fun, our amazing T-Shirts, the Drink Milks signs...

I've been writing for an hour, and I am still not done, and I've already cried 3 times... I think I'll save more for another day.

Let’s Eat Cake! was filled with 36 beautiful cakes created by talented bakers in the Southern region. From as far north as Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and all of Florida. We were completely blessed by the out pouring of suport by the baking community!!



The judges studied these cakes, inside and out!! They tasted and studied, and tasted again!

The winners for the amateur category were:



Tastiest: Maria Rizzo – This Italian inspired cake was simple yet elegant with the words “Amor Est Vitae Essentia” meaning “love is the essence of life.”

Most Beautiful and Creative: Cynthia Richardson – This cake was decorated with a beautifully unique design inspired by shades of mocha and ivory.

Crowd’s Favorite: Melanie Judge – The crowd fell in love with this romantic white cake.

Best of Show: Melanie Judge - This four-tier white cake was surrounded by tall pink tulips that were gathered by a big pink bow.

The winners of the professional category were:



Tastiest: Ritz Carlton-Naples – This seven-layer cake was inspired by a spring theme and topped with sugar butterflies and colorful flowers.

Most Beautiful and Creative: Cakes by Lisa – This teal and silver cake was decorated with a fancy swirl design and stood beautifully on a silver cake stand.

Crowd’s Favorite: Unique Cakes by Frances – This cake was blue and silver in a castle-like shape and had a pumpkin carriage on top.

Best of Show: Heavenly Cakes by Neil – This amazing cake was embellished with intricate details topped with fresh cut roses!

More on Let's Eat Cake! to come, the crowds, the people, the auctions...



All Photos by: Powers Photography

As I am stilly tallying the numbers, I can tell you that I am very impressed with the generousity of our friends, family, and Let's Eat Cake! supporters!



I know we had a lofty goal! And times were different 2 years ago when I set that goal, so although we'll come close, I know that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will appreciate every thing that we are doing!



I wanted to thank these folks for blogging about our event, and posting pictures! We should have ours back soon, I want to make the official announcements!!! (so check back Monday)



Steamy Kitchen - for writing about the event so quickly, for loving the cakes, for being a fantastical judge, and loving food as much as me!!! You are the best Jaden!!!





Blissful Bride - Amanda, you are so sweet! Thank you for your friendship, for blogging about Let's Eat Cake!, for volunteering at the event, and just being all around amazing! I am blessed to have you as my friend!



Unique Designs - Where to start! You guys designed the most amazing bakers invitations, the posters were amazing!!! People stopped me on the street to tell me how swank they are! And for helping make this event so classy and fun! (and for helping my sister!) You are true friends! Thank you!!!



Tampa Tribune - Yup! Tampa Tribune! Jaden Hair (see above) wrote an awesome article for the paper, and I love you for it!!!



K-Gallery - Thanks Matt and Krystal for coming to Let's Eat Cake! and for loving my sister's cake unbiasedly!!! You both Rock!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!



Powers Photography- I know Stewart and Susan are waiting for me to blog the pictures, before they do- but they deserve a huge THANK YOU, for always being there for me, and for Let's Eat Cake! for bringing my sister to tears (in a good way), for photographing our entrie event, and for being my friend! Thank you!

I know I posted at 2:30AM the day after the event and gave you a brief overview... but I received some pictures and wanted to show you!!!



The cakes were definately the centerpiece{s} of the event!!! There was talent oozing from every pore of every baker there!



Here is a sneak preview of some of the amazing cakes that were at Let's Eat Cake!:



{before you see them... I must thank Stewart and Susan Powers, they were seriously incredible photographers, capturing moments that were perfect, in every way, and I cannot thank them enough!!!}



Here is just a few of the 36 cakes that took part in Let's Eat Cake! {more to come, promise!!!}

Cake Made by: Sarah Watts (Amateur) Gainesville

Cake by: Unique Cakes by Frances, Orlando

Cake Made by: Katie Codney (Professional) - Naples

Cake Made by: Maria Rizzo, Gainesville (Amateur)

Cake Made by: Party Flavors, Miami (Professional)

Cake Made by: Heavenly Cakes by Neil, Miami (Professional)

More to come and the announcement of the winnners!!!!

I am writing this at 2:30AM, the day {after} Let's Eat Cake!



It was amazing, incredible, and I have so many people to thank!! SO MANY! I am afraid to forget people!



So, I'll start with where my mind is now. Thank you to my husband, and my family, they have been so incredibly selflessly supportive of me!!! And I cannot thank them enough!!!



The event was a sucesss, and as with every "first" it wasn't without some minor boo-boo's.... but it wasa success none-the-less!



I promise a FULL recap, with picutres and play, by, plays...



Coming up....



Mistakes, Kerry Vincent, The Twins, Cake, Photographs -thanks to Powers Photography!, Cake, Fun, and more!!!



Thank you to everyone who supported our event, our judges {more on them later}, our volunteers, and really everyone...okay, I am going to forget someone...going to bed...

WOW!

In just a few hours we'll be picking Kerry Vincent up at the airport, our cakes will be arriving, the general public will start tasting, then bidding on cakes!

So get your tickets now, and we'll see you soon!!!

If you haven't purchased tickets yet, go to http://www.letseatcakefundraiser.com/ and click donate here.



Or



Visit us at MasterPiece Weddings or Solutions Bridal - $25 in advance or $35 at the door!

I just can't believe that after all this planning, we are just 8 short days away!!!

Tickets are in!!! You can buy them at MasterPiece Weddings Studio or Solutions Bridal - or online, by using the donate here button on our website.

If you'd like to donate you can do that online at Let's Eat Cake, and click the donate here button.



See you there!!!!!

And do you know what that means....

In 18 days, I'll see my dream, literally a wake up and know that you were being lead to do this, dream, come true!

In 18 days, some of the most talented bakers from North Carolina to the Florida Keys and everywhere inbetween will be showing off their works for this amazing cause!

In 18 days, I'll get to meet Kerry Vincent!!!!!!!

In 18 days, we'll be working our butts off and have {hopefully} hundreds of people tasting tons of cake!!!

In 18 days... 18 days!!!!

There has been a big announcement made over at Let's Eat Cake! 

The deadline for Professional Submissions has been extended!!!

Holy Moly! What a week for Let's Eat Cake!!! we asked and by Goly did you answer!!! So I think our totals are crazy ironical!



For those that didn't know, Monday was my birthay {1-12} this is significant for a reason... my favorite number is 12... my grandpa's birthday was 12/12 {I miss him dearly!!!} but again, I digress...



My favorite number is 12, my birthday is 112.... the number of bloggers that blogged Let's Eat Cake! is 112!!!!!!



Crazy Right!!!



A big thanks to all those that blogged, and special huge, ginormous thanks to our anonymous donor who is matching our contribution of $1 per blog, and a GINORMOUS, larger than life Thank you to Powers Photography for matching my dollar!!!



So what's the total:



112 Bloggers

$112 from MasterPiece Weddings

$112 from Anonymous Dude

$112 from Powers Photography



Total Donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: $336!!!! From this drive alone!!!!



The Power of One... the Power of $1!!!!!!



It's not too late to Match the $1 drive! Email me if you are interested melissa {at} masterpieceweddings {dot} net



Thanks to these folks for bringing up the rear, and to my friends on Facebook who donated their status to Let's Eat Cake!



Amanda H

Kim World

Once Upon a Mel

Recycled Lovelies

This is the time to Remember

The Bridal Closet

Beary Excited Bride

Micro Bloggin Mom

Barefoot Stargazing Bride

Meand My Insanity

Good Intensions Queen

Elizabeth Ann Designs

Pink Cake Box

Photography by Linda

Uy Wedding

Authentically U

By Your Side Events

Cakes by Shara Lunn

Downs Gang

My Wedding Report

Sebring Wedding Photography

G Seemoore

Houses Couches and Babies

Rhondas Rants Ravings and Cravings

BeSpoke

Outside the Frame

Corinna Hoffman

Do you recongnize her??? That's Kerry Vincent most recently known for her judging Food Network Challenge....

Well, I just hung up the phone with her, and she is going to Judge Let's Eat Cake! - so now you are either thinking one of two things...

1. I want to compete!!! {so what are you waiting for! turn in your forms - the deadline is the end of the month!!!!}

2. I don't want to compete!!! {Don't be a baby.... it's for charity, and she's really an wonderfully, sweet and humble person..... don't believe what you've heard!!!}

I honestly, am just thrilled to death, and now my dream is complete!!! Thank you to Kerry for taking the time out of your crazy busy schedule and moving thngs around for us!

PS - I am still working on the numbers for the Blogging for Bucks/Make Melissa Pay results...should have them later today!

Our Let's Eat Cake! blogging for bucks contest ended at Midnight on the 12th, we are still calculating the blogs, we are well over 100!!! Be on the lookout for how much money we donated to St. Jude.... we'll be announcing the amount shortly!!!



Thank you to all that have participated in our blog drive!!! You all are what have made Let's Eat Cake! so successful!!!

We have another matching gift! I just got a call from Stewart at Power's Photography and he offered to match dollar for dollar our friends that blog about Let's Eat Cake!



So that means so far:



99 blogs

$1 per blog from me!

$1 per blog from our Anoymous Donor

$1 per blog from Powers Photography



= $297



So FAR!!! {Keep it going... what are you waiting for}

Keep Blogging! You have until the 12th, so bloggity blog away....



{If you are interested in matching $1 for $1, email me at melissa {at} masterpieceweddings.net

So we asked, and you answered - we asked that you blog about Let's Eat Cake! and you have!



We asked that some one match my dollar for everyone that blogs - and one business did... I'd love more...but I'm not greedy- okay maybe alittle!



The Power of One:



One Person asked for people to blog and in exchange donate $1 for every blog

So far 84 People have answered

One person said they'd match my donation

84 blogs, my one dollar, their match

$168.... the power of one



SO FAR!!!! I'd love to add a zero to that number!!!!!!



Thank you to these folks and...



And now more have answered the call - you have until the 12th - Blog it Forward...



Fine Things and Big Dream

Mommy of 1

Inspired Events by Nycia

Kara Pennington

Design by Kendall

Elements of Entertaining

Creative Entertaining

uber brides

Fete Fanatic

Corinna Hoffman

Gwendolyn Marie

Trash the Dress

Scott Andles

The Alice Line

Simple Beautiful Concepts

Rollins World

The Wedding Workroom

Bubbly Bride

Simply Beautiful

Lisa Lyn

Personally You Parties

Creative Girl

KS Cook

Alva In Chi Town

Tricia Cohn

Too Shai Shai

Of Soup and Love

Thoughtfully Simple

Life with Ashley Baker

Gwendolyn Marie

Sho Sho Designs

Butterfly Wishes

Cherished Gifts and Favors

Katie Leonard Photography

Michelle Charm World

Tad Too Much for Tan for Taupe

Kin Sanity

Motherhood Metamorphosis

Little Otti Story Book

Goodies for Mom

Bridal Inquire

Stay Positive Greetings

Thoughtfully Simple

Zuzu Girl Handmade

Naydee Got Inspired

Southern Lady Vintage

Your Champagne Wishes Events

A Sweet Wife

Moore Shugar

Luck Designs



Keep them coming... you have until Monday the 12th!



And Thank you, really, it means a lot that so many people would take the time out of their days and blog about helping these kids!!!

I am so over-whelmed! So far over 40 people have blogged about Let's Eat Cake! - I've donated $40 in 24 hours, and we've had another company who wishes to remain anonymous match my efforts!



I'd love to add a few zero's to that number!!!!



Is there another company out there that wants to match our $1 per blog that posts about Let's Eat Cake!??



So far thank you to:



Unique Designs - Thanks for the fantastical logo!!!!

Posh Pastry

Power's Photography

Hostess with the Mostess

Coach Corrie

Let's Entertain

KB Kakes - who also is donating 10% of all of her sales to Let's Eat Cake! {WOW!}

Lexus Events

Tellez Photography

K-Gallery

Domestic Divas

Allegra's Blog

Studio Snapshot

She Knows Parties

Pure: by Lindsey

Entertain Exchange

SM Weddings and Events

Well How Nice

A Tale of 2 Monkeys

Slightly Cosmopolitan

Little Ant Design

Alba Fam

Sweet Madys Notes

Emily's Something

Invitations by Design

Charity Mojo

Biker Chic

Coveiter

Abbies Party Place

Color Bar Creative

Bonnie Belle

Stem

Design Evolution

Moments We've Celebrated



If I am missing someone, please email me, I'd love to give you props for the do-gooder in you!!!!



Thank you again, and remember you have until the 12th!!!!