One of the hottest new cake designers in Vancouver is Anna Wawzonek of Anna Elizabeth Cakes. We spent a few moments with her as she talks about how she got started, what she loves and what makes her cakes gorgeously unique. This is one passionate and talented cake designer!

RW: How did you start as a cake designer?
AW: I originally studied science, but found that I really missed being in touch with my creative side. I had dabbled in cakes all of my life (my mum is an amazing baker) and after an intro cake decorating class, I decided to enroll in pastry school. It was a great learning experience and it really allowed me to establish a solid baking theory foundation. With that knowledge, I am able to create all my own recipes for some amazingly delicious cakes and fillings, if I do say so myself!

After pastry school, I interned with the amazing Cake Opera Co. in Toronto. Interning with two of Canada’s best really helped me expand my skills and knowledge, not only of cake design, but of the business side as well.

RW: So when did you launch out on your own?
AW: Anna Elizabeth Cakes officially launched at the beginning of 2011 and has expanded faster than I ever thought possible!

RW: What do you love about designing wedding cakes?
AW: I love the challenge that comes with designing each cake—crafting something beautiful that perfectly represents a couple. I love being a part of such a special day in so many people’s lives and I love exceeding expectations. One of the best things is getting a note after a wedding saying that the cake was beyond what they could have ever imagined. I also love breaking preconceived notions about wedding cake; you would be amazed at the number of couples I have had in for consultations that tell me they had no idea wedding cake could taste so good. I love making people happy!

RW: What inspires your work?
AW: I constantly draw inspiration from everything around me. From gowns and dress designs, to flowers, to textiles—the smallest details can provide inspiration.

RW: Describe your style/aesthetic.
AW: While every artist has his or her own style, it’s also my job to create a cake that perfectly meshes with each couples’ taste and wedding decor. I love hand painting cakes and incorporating unique and unexpected elements; my own style leans towards vintage with a modern twist.

RW: What’s more important, the design of the cake or the flavour?
AW: They are both equally important—what is the point of a cake that looks beautiful, but tastes so-so? I pride myself on creating something that looks as amazing as it is going to taste!

RW: Some trends wedding cake trends for 2011-2012?
AW: It seems to me that cupcakes are on their way out and opulent, grand wedding cakes are back in style. Tall tiers, jewel tones, custom sugar toppers and metallics are just some of the elements that keep appearing in my designs for this year’s weddings.  Another popular alternative is multiple cakes; instead of a large five tier, why not try three smaller cakes? This makes for a beautiful centerpiece and allows you to explore more than one design option.

RW: If you made your own wedding cake, what would it look like, and what flavour would it be?
AW: Well, I adore all things elegant, antique and pretty, so I think my cake would be white on white with hints of grey and lavender. Maybe some sugar flowers and feathers and some sort of hand painted design inspired by antique French ephemera or vintage botanicals. For flavour,  I am a chocolate fan, but I think I would go with a light lemon cake with coconut buttercream and fresh raspberries.

RW: When you’re not around cakey goodness, what is your favourite food?
AW: I am such a foodie, it is so hard to pick a favourite! I love anything with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern influences. My all time favourite restaurant is Nuba—their mjadra lentils are to die for!

Vancouver wedding cake designer Anna Wawzonek creates custom wedding cakes in a myriad of scrumptious flavour combinations. Check out her website for more details.