Nothing says marriage like Robert Haviland and C. Parlon's "Arc en Ciel" china pattern, the French Limoges company's new take on its original wedding-band motif. And nothing says delicious like this four-tier interpretation. Its tinted sugar-paste bands were painted in edible gold by Ron Ben-Israel, owner of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City. Inside, a molasses spice cake with orange-blossom and hazelnut filling complements the elegant exterior. Dessert plates and bread and butter plates (mottahedeh.com).
Botanical Wedding Cake
Among china collectors, Anna Weatherley's "Amber Leaf" pattern is a coveted botanical print. For dessert aficionados, this two-layer masterpiece will delight on sight. Ben-Israel created the three-dimensional leaves and butterflies from sugar paste and attached them to the ivory-colored fondant with royal icing. The result is perfect for an outdoor fete or nature-themed wedding. Hand-painted plate (devinecorp.net).
Modern Silver Wedding Cake
Modern brides with an appreciation for all things Art Deco will be drawn to this design, which uses Martha Stewart Collection's "Hightown" pattern as muse. To make it, Ben-Israel turned the horizontal motif on its head and used silicone molds to form sugar-paste "towers" that were affixed with a dab of water. The finishing touch? Hand-painted edible silver details that prime it for a big-city celebration or sleek gallery-space soiree. Five-piece place setting and platter (both at macys.com).
Tea Party Mini Wedding Cakes
Whether you're hosting a five-course meal at an old estate or midday brunch in a ballroom, these miniature cakes, modeled after Nymphenburg's "Pearl" tea service, are as pretty and delicate as they come. Ben-Israel covered each one with pastel fondant, then attached molded sugar paste and piped on royal icing. Present three different colors per table, he suggests, as each cake satisfies the sweet tooth of about four people. Dessert plates, cups and saucers, and coffee pot (all at kneenandco.com).
Lustreware Wedding Cake
Lustreware Wedding Cake - The sweet, shimmery details of lustreware plates -- often used to serve dessert in the nineteenth century -- were typically painted in silver, copper, and pink. The playful motifs encircling the tops of the four tiers of this cake were created with powdered food colorings and a sable paintbrush -- the best tool to match the brush strokes of the originals.
