This vendor spotlight is all about the sweetest part of any event – the dessert!  We decided to discuss all things delicious with 3 amazing business owners.  Hope you enjoy the Q & A with some wedding professionals that “WOW” clients and their guests.  

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First on the docket is Bonnie Brunt, owner of Bonnie Brunt Cakes.  Bonnie has a background in graphic design, but loved making pretty cakes for most of her adult life.  She started her company as a part-time gig in 2010 which eventually evolved into a full-time company in 2012.  She has been pushing the boundaries of the confection world ever since.

Q. When and how did you get started in the wedding and special events industry?

A. So, we got started in 2010.  It was during a time when the economy was in peril (much like this year) and I had to make a little extra money!  I had two kids in college and one heading there fast … and bills had to be paid.  I can remember when one of my friends asked me to make her daughter’s wedding cake.  I did not know what to do, but I needed the money, so I said SURE!  I figured it out and it was beautiful. Other people called me asking me to do extreme cakes.  Even when I had NO IDEA how to do the project, I always said SURE!  I would stay up late, stressing over the process, and figure it out.  Desperate times call for action… and education.  I taught myself how to do many things through lots of trial and error, tears and rejoicing.  I was determined.  It was terrifying, exhilarating, and totally unplanned.  God lead me here, and He leads me every day now.  We are always learning, evolving, and working hard to grow our skills, be more efficient, and push our boundaries with cake projects.  Art evolves, and so do we.  Kelly, my right hand man, started at the very beginning of 2013, and has been with me ever since. We currently have a team of 6, and we work every day, doing our best to delight people with our designs, and thrill them with our southern flavors.  Every week is a whole new set of art projects that are delicious.  It is the best job I have ever had and the best team I have ever had the privilege to lead.

Q. What is your business specialty?

A. We are a custom cake shop baking old southern flavors.  We create unique and fantastic designs on the outside, with southern soul on the inside.

Q. What makes you different or unique from other vendors in the same industry?

A. I think we are unique for a few reasons.  The first is our level of service.  We serve our customers.  We listen and make sure that each client/ bride/ groom/ planner/florist is heard and responded to completely.  We communicate.  We pay attention to and administer to every detail to make sure that the finished product is EXACTLY what was ordered, and beyond and we do it all with kindness.  Secondly, our finished product is a beautiful work of art.  The artistic talent in this little farm-based bakery is outstanding.  We deliver. Lastly, our flavors are my grandmothers, great aunts and my mama’s recipes.  These are the flavors of the old south… the flavors that give richness and satisfaction and great endings to the most beautiful occasions around.

Q. How far in advance should clients request your services to get the most out of their experience and have everything ready in time for their event?

A. For weddings, once you have your venue, give us a call to get the ball rolling.  Since we are a small bakery focusing on details, we limit the number of events that we can produce in any given week.  Most weddings and grooms cakes will book 6 to 12 months in advance. 

Q. What is something you would like clients to know about you that they might overlook or cannot find on your website?

A. We offer many different ways to work with our clients.  Now, during this pandemic, we are still providing personal, face-to-face communication virtually, to all of our customers.  Our level of service is the highest and most complete. We love our customers and every day, we work to make smiles happen.  Also, our work environment is positive and happy and uplifting every day.  A GREAT place to spend our time.  We collaborate, we brain storm, and work together to make amazing things happen.

Q. Are there any last things you would like to add?

A. This is a tough time right now.  We are weathering this storm, and will continue to do so with as much positive energy and enthusiasm as it takes.  Disappointments are sometimes God's way of saying, "I've got something better."  Be patient, live life, and have faith!  Good days are ahead!

Check out Bonnie Brunt Cakes on their social pages or send them an email!

 https://bonniebrunt.com/   @bonniebruntcakes    bonnie@bonniebrunt.com

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Moving on, we spoke with Brenda Peake, owner of Parkland Cakes.  Brenda runs the business with her mother and two sons and has been selling beautiful cakes for 40 years.

Q. When and how did you get started in the wedding and special events industry?

A. My mother, Alicia Godfrey, and I starting out in Parkland Shopping Center 40 years ago selling wedding, party and cake decorating supplies. We eventually focused on our cakes as demand grew, especially wedding cakes.

Q. What is your business specialty?

A. Custom wedding and all occasion cakes “made to order.”

Q. What makes you different or unique from other vendors in the same industry?

A. We are family owned and operated by three generations. Myself, Josh and Alex provide quality “made from scratch” cakes.

Q. How far in advance should clients request your services to get the most out of their experience and have everything ready in time for their event?

A. Certain times of the year book quickly, so if your wedding is in a high demand month, we recommend reaching out to us 6 months to a year before the wedding.

Q. What is something you would like clients to know about you that they might overlook or cannot find on your website?

A. Because we are a very small business, we are limited to how many orders we take, so order early.

Q. Is there anything that you would like to add?

A. We work very hard to provide every customer friendly service and a quality product.

Check out Parkland Cakes on their social pages or send them an email!

 https://www.parklandcakes.com/   @parklandcakes   bpeake@bellsouth.net

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Lastly, we spoke with Darren Truel, owner of Truly Scrumptious Creamery.  Truly Scrumptious is a family owned boutique ice-cream truck.  Darren and his wife Jennifer started their company in 2019 and have been serving weddings and events across the midlands for the last year.

Q. When and how did you get started in the wedding and special events industry?

A. After 25 years of doing mission work in foreign countries, we returned to America.  We were accustomed to working with and spending quality time with all of our children.  So, we started a family business that would allow our children and grandchildren to be a part of what we were doing.  We chose ice cream because it has a way of bringing joy to any special occasion.  In March 2019 our family began serving hand dipped ice cream from our vintage creamery truck.  Soon after we started serving at public events, we were invited by couples and wedding planners to celebrate with them by serving our premium ice cream at their weddings.

Q. What is the specialty of your business? 

A. We offer premium hand dipped ice cream and dairy-free sorbets served in delicious waffle cones.

Q. What makes you different or unique from other vendors in the same industry?

A. Our nostalgic truck and classically dressed ice cream servers add an elegant accent to any occasion.  We also have a stylish ice cream cart for any couple who may choose to do all of their celebrating inside!  As a family owned and operated business, we endeavor to provide a tasteful and friendly service that will be stress-free and enjoyable for all. We can also accommodate special diets with dairy and gluten free options.  Other novelties on our menu include our gourmet ice cream paninis and ice cream cookie sandwiches.

Q. How far in advance should clients request your services to get the most out of their experience and have everything ready in time for their event?

A. We do all type of private events (weddings, birthdays, retirement parties, schools, community) as well as corporate events.  Many of our clients book a year in advance.  So, once you have set your date, we recommend you contact us to secure your date on our calendar.  However, if our schedule permits, we can book as close as 30 days ahead of your event.

Q. What is something you would like clients to know about you that they might overlook or cannot find on your website?

A. We have over 100 flavor options to choose from, and we special order the client or couples’ favorite flavors to share with their guests. For any couple who wants to share pictures or a video, we can display these on a monitor on the outside of our truck for their guests to enjoy while they are being served their delicious ice cream. This is included in all of our packages!

Q. Is there anything that you would like to add?

A. Our ice cream is a delightful, cool, and refreshing way to highlight your special day or event!

Check out Truly Scrumptious Creamery on their social pages or send them an email!

 http://trulyicecream.com/   @trulyicecream  trulyicecream@gmail.com

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We hope that this blog will create some inspiration for adding a sweet treat to your event. These are only a few of the many great vendor options in the area and we enjoy working alongside these companies.  For more great tips on all things weddings and events in the Columbia area, see our other blog posts as well as our social channels!  We would love to help make your wedding or event dreams come true! 

For more information regarding the Lace House, email us at lacehouse@scprt.com or give us a ring at 803-737-2235.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Please follow us on our social media channels: 

 @SouthCarolinaLaceHouse     @SouthCarolinaLaceHouse    @SouthCarolinaLaceHouse