Leslea Matsis wedding cake with pink flowers

Grab a sweet treat for this read... we’re talking to Leslea Matsis, a cake artist from the Wairarapa, about her drop-dead-gorgeous creations, and the photos are sure to have you drooling!

Specialising in sugar flowers and wedding cakes, Leslea captures pure elegance and romance in her classic, vintage cakes. Crafting each as a unique piece of art for her couples, she has an incredible attention to detail to ensure your cake ties in with the rest of your day, while maintaining a timeless style. We wanted to find out more about the artist behind the cakes, where it all began, what inspires her and what she sees as upcoming trends in the world of cake design.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY AND HOW IT ALL BEGAN.

I have always had an interest in cakes, and spent most of my teenage years designing cake for friends and family (including wedding cakes), but in my late teens, I decided that being a Primary Teacher was something that I wanted to do, and I did that for a considerable amount of time. My actual cake business began about 5 years ago. I had stopped Primary Teaching when my boys were born and began making their birthday cakes each year - and I was quite chuffed at how they were turning out. I decided that girly, wedding cakes were the style I most enjoyed making and began to set up my small business and start baking.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL WORK DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

It takes about a week to make the actual wedding cake. I don't make cakes full time, so I usually try and make the floral decorations the week before during my spare moments, then I bake the cakes on the week of the wedding, ganache and cover with fondant - attach or pipe decorations to be complete on the Friday, ready for pick-up.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BAKING?

About 8 or 9 years old. I remember winning a cake decorating competition run by my church. In my early teenage years I began making wedding cakes for friends of the family.

WHAT ARE THE POPULAR CAKE TRENDS AT THE MOMENT?

Some popular trends are: Having metallic elements included in the design (all edible). Incorporating an edible lace aspect which can match the lace design of the wedding dress which can be quite novel and look beautiful. Sugar flowers which match the bouquet is also quite popular.

DO COUPLES COME TO YOU WITH AN IDEA OF WHAT THEY WANT IN MIND, OR DO YOU CREATE IDEAS FOR THEM?

A bit of both - I try and get couples to glean as many ideas from as many places as they can before the consultation. We then sit down and sketch out a design, including some of my ideas - and some of their own.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE CAKE YOU'VE EVER BEEN ASKED TO CREATE?

A bride requested edible basket weaving on their cake, along with an edible photo of their favourite fishing spot. Also included was flowers matching their bouquet - roses and orchids.

ANY WISE WORDS OF ADVICE FOR COUPLES WHO ARE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Do some research on the potential cake decorator and make sure they can make the design you are after. Listen to the cake decorators suggestions - they will know what works and can maybe incorporate elements that will make your cake unique. Your cake can complete the most amazing wedding - take some time to plan this aspect as it can be the thing that makes your wedding memorable.

Make sure to check out more of Leslea's jaw-dropping cakes

here

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The woman behind the most amazing wedding cakes