B4 The <strong>Armenian</strong> <strong>Reporter</strong> | February 9, 2008CommunitySeven days <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> 11th <strong>Armenian</strong> Heritage Cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>eby Boghos KupelianWhy does <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> HeritageCru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e c<strong>on</strong>tinue <strong>to</strong> attract thousandsof <strong>Armenian</strong>s from around<strong>the</strong> world? As I was delighted <strong>to</strong>c<strong>on</strong>firm <strong>on</strong>ce again during <strong>the</strong> latestvoyage in January, its resoundingsuccess has <strong>to</strong> do with muchmore than <strong>the</strong> splendid ships, <strong>the</strong><strong>Armenian</strong> tricolor fluttering from<strong>the</strong> mast, or <strong>the</strong> fact that it <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>organized by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> CulturalAssociati<strong>on</strong> of America. Ultimately,<strong>the</strong> secret <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> l<strong>on</strong>gevityof <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> Heritage Cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> its quintessentially <strong>Armenian</strong>atmosphere. Try live <strong>Armenian</strong>music and dance, comedy, films,a mobile books<strong>to</strong>re, <strong>Armenian</strong>dance and language classes, an<strong>Armenian</strong> Festival Day, and educati<strong>on</strong>albriefings <strong>on</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong>political activ<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, in additi<strong>on</strong> <strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong> requ<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>ite tavlu and belote <strong>to</strong>urnaments.The 11th <strong>Armenian</strong> HeritageCru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e kicked off <strong>on</strong> January 13,setting sail from Fort Lauderdaleaboard <strong>the</strong> beautiful Italian shipCosta Fortuna. The seven-day tripwould take us <strong>to</strong> San Juan, SaintThomas, Catalina Island, Casa deCampo, and Nassau. The passengersincluded more than 1,700 <strong>Armenian</strong>sfrom across <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates, Europe, <strong>the</strong> Middle East,and Armenia.The Evans fac<strong>to</strong>rUndoubtedly, <strong>the</strong> stars of th<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> year’s<strong>Armenian</strong> Heritage Cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e were itsspecial guests: John Marshall Evans,former US Ambassador <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>Republic of Armenia, and h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> lovelywife, D<strong>on</strong>na.During <strong>on</strong>e of our dinners aboard<strong>the</strong> Costa Fortuna, <strong>the</strong> ambassadorpositively dazzled every<strong>on</strong>e withh<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> warmth, graceful demeanor,and ast<strong>on</strong><str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>hing eruditi<strong>on</strong>. Th<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>humble man was <strong>the</strong> very samestatesman who in <strong>the</strong> recent pasts<strong>to</strong>od up for <strong>the</strong> moral imperativeof recognizing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> Genocide,and as a result saw an illustriousdiplomatic career cut short byWashingt<strong>on</strong>’s powers that be. Thew<strong>on</strong>derful guests at our dinnertable that night included BedrosBandazian, chairpers<strong>on</strong> of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong>Heritage Cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e Committee,and Ivan Ardhaldjian of <strong>the</strong>Hairenik Associati<strong>on</strong> in Water<strong>to</strong>wn,Massachusetts.On <strong>the</strong> morning of January15, Ambassador Evans spoke atan event organized in h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>on</strong>or.“When I was called <strong>to</strong> serve in Armenia,I knew little about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong>s,”he said. “But later I readA group of young cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>ers at <strong>the</strong> beach.Volleyball game <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>land.<strong>the</strong> h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g><strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>the</strong> Ot<strong>to</strong>man Empireand learned of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> Genocide– a subject that’s still a taboowithin State Department circles. Iwas in ag<strong>on</strong>y about th<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> questi<strong>on</strong>.”“I found myself facing an ethicaldilemma, as my employer was indenial c<strong>on</strong>cerning th<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>sue,” Evansc<strong>on</strong>tinued. “Reagan used <strong>the</strong>word ‘genocide’ [<strong>to</strong> refer <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong>Genocide]. But since <strong>the</strong>Clint<strong>on</strong> admin<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>trati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> term‘mass deportati<strong>on</strong>’ <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> used. I came<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>clusi<strong>on</strong> that I have <strong>to</strong>break <strong>the</strong> taboo. I didn’t wait till<strong>the</strong> end of my term; I did it withinsix m<strong>on</strong>ths.”Evans also referred <strong>to</strong> h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> forthcomingbook, which chr<strong>on</strong>icles h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>odyssey as U.S. ambassador <strong>to</strong> Armeniaand <strong>the</strong> fiasco following h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>During <strong>Armenian</strong> festival day <strong>on</strong> board, a tricolor outfit c<strong>on</strong>test was held. They’re all winners!Genocide-recogniti<strong>on</strong> comments,as well as a b<strong>road</strong> range of <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>suespertaining <strong>to</strong> superpower and regi<strong>on</strong>alpolitics. “H<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g><strong>to</strong>ry was m<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>interpreted,”he said. “The truthshould be said. My book <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> meant<strong>to</strong> reach those Americans who unfortunatelyare ignorant about <strong>the</strong>Genocide.”Culture in <strong>the</strong> open seaThe <strong>Armenian</strong> Heritage Cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>eoffered a wealth of cultural andsocial activities for all ages. Theevents included a book-signingparty featuring Margaret Ajemian,author of The Knock at <strong>the</strong> Door.Appo Jabarian, edi<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>Armenian</strong>Life Weekly, delivered a lecture <strong>on</strong><strong>Armenian</strong> communities in Turkeythat have been forced <strong>to</strong> c<strong>on</strong>vert<strong>to</strong> Islam.Ano<strong>the</strong>r memorable event was<strong>the</strong> performance of <strong>the</strong> HamazkayinAni Dance Company. Theensemble provided hours of pureenchantment, bringing tears ofAHC Banner.Fun in <strong>the</strong> sand.pride and joy <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> specta<strong>to</strong>rs.Such emoti<strong>on</strong>s were also verymuch at work during a spiritedc<strong>on</strong>cert by young Hagop Porposian,a n<strong>on</strong>pareil interpreter ofpatriotic s<strong>on</strong>gs.A singles champagne mixer and atalent show were am<strong>on</strong>g <strong>the</strong> socialactivities. While Khoren Muradianand h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> band entertained revelersuntil <strong>the</strong> wee hours, <strong>the</strong> All StarTraditi<strong>on</strong>al Band did <strong>the</strong> same inano<strong>the</strong>r hall. Then <strong>the</strong>re was laughter– lots and lots of it – complimentsof a wickedly hilarious showby stand-up comedian Kev Orkian.The funnyman had no qualmsabout enforcing h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> brand of audienceparticipati<strong>on</strong>, and many wereh<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> glad “victims.”Throughout <strong>the</strong> cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e, <strong>the</strong> activitiesschedule was teeming withdaily <strong>Armenian</strong> dance and languageclasses. Also featured wereeducati<strong>on</strong>al briefings by AntranigKzirian, Karine Birazian, and RaffiKarakashian of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> Nati<strong>on</strong>alCommittee of America, amobile books<strong>to</strong>re sp<strong>on</strong>sored by <strong>the</strong>Hairenik Books<strong>to</strong>re and directedby Ivan Ardhaldjian, and, of course,those rio<strong>to</strong>us tavlu and belote <strong>to</strong>urnaments.<strong>Armenian</strong> Flag <strong>on</strong> The ship.The words of a fellow passenger,Nvart Majarian of California, encapsulates<strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> HeritageCru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e experience: “I had readsome interesting press s<strong>to</strong>riesabout <strong>the</strong> cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e, but <strong>the</strong> reality <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>incomparably richer,” she <strong>to</strong>ld me.“The things that have <strong>to</strong>uched me<strong>the</strong> most are <strong>the</strong> huge presenceof <strong>Armenian</strong> youths, <strong>the</strong> spirit ofcommunity <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>rness, and <strong>the</strong>seamless organizati<strong>on</strong> of <strong>the</strong> programs.”At <strong>on</strong>e point during our voyage,while I was having an interviewwith Ambassador Evans, I not <strong>on</strong>lyrel<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>hed h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> words, but derivedprofound pleasure from <strong>the</strong> knowledgethat <strong>Armenian</strong> culture couldbe so vibrant, so generous and farreaching,as amply dem<strong>on</strong>stratedthroughout our cru<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>e. My sentimentsat that moment were nodoubt a reflecti<strong>on</strong> of yet ano<strong>the</strong>rw<strong>on</strong>drous image: in a hall next <strong>to</strong>where <strong>the</strong> ambassador and I weresitting, more than 40 alumni of <strong>the</strong>Melk<strong>on</strong>ian school of Cyprus, youngand old, were holding <strong>the</strong>ir annualmeeting.fTranslated from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Armenian</strong> by IshkhanJinbashian
The <strong>Armenian</strong> <strong>Reporter</strong> | February 9, 2008CommunityB5The <strong>Armenian</strong> wedding seriesLet <strong>the</strong>m eat cakeWhat’s a weddingwithout <strong>on</strong>e?by Karine ChakarianIf planning a wedding can be asparamount as <strong>the</strong> producti<strong>on</strong> of aB<strong>road</strong>way musical, <strong>the</strong>n choosing<strong>the</strong> cake <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> like designing <strong>the</strong> costumes.Every detail, from taste <strong>to</strong>art<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>try <strong>to</strong> cost, <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> taken in<strong>to</strong> c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong>.First <strong>the</strong>re <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> flavor. It couldbe something as classic and simpleas pure chocolate. Or somethingmore extravagant, perhaps vanillalayered with butter cream frostingand infused with Grand Marnier.Then <strong>the</strong>re’s presentati<strong>on</strong>. Dec<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>i<strong>on</strong>srange from garn<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>hing withfresh flowers <strong>to</strong> ornaments representing<strong>the</strong> bride and groom.Finally, <strong>the</strong>re <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>the</strong> exhibiti<strong>on</strong> ofcutting and serving <strong>the</strong> cake during<strong>the</strong> wedding recepti<strong>on</strong>.The traditi<strong>on</strong> of <strong>the</strong> wedding cakestarted during <strong>the</strong> Roman Empireand back <strong>the</strong>n it was a very differentproducti<strong>on</strong>. Over <strong>the</strong> years it hasevolved in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> carefully though<strong>to</strong>ut, finely detailed flour and icingextravaganza we have <strong>to</strong>day.The birth of a weddingcakeIn Roman times, traditi<strong>on</strong> had itthat <strong>the</strong> groom would break part ofa loaf of barley bread baked for <strong>the</strong>nuptials, and <strong>the</strong>n break <strong>the</strong> res<strong>to</strong>ver h<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> bride’s head.The breaking of <strong>the</strong> bread symbolized<strong>the</strong> breaking of <strong>the</strong> bride’svirginal status. The crumbs thatfell would be collected by guests,<strong>the</strong> noti<strong>on</strong> being that eating <strong>the</strong>crumbs brought good luck and fertility.During <strong>the</strong> middle ages, <strong>the</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>of baking loaves of breadfor a couple’s nuptials gave way <strong>to</strong>sweet buns. The buns were stackedin a pile, and if <strong>the</strong> couple was able<strong>to</strong> k<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>s over <strong>the</strong> pile, <strong>the</strong>ir life <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>rwould be successful.The <strong>on</strong>ce-simple dessert hasevolved in<strong>to</strong> a multi-tiered weddingcake, which was <strong>on</strong>ce reservedfor Engl<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>h royalty. The assumpti<strong>on</strong>behind baking a cake with manylevels was that a chr<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>tening wouldso<strong>on</strong> follow <strong>the</strong> wedding. Hence <strong>the</strong>bot<strong>to</strong>m tier of <strong>the</strong> cake was for <strong>the</strong>recepti<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> middle was <strong>to</strong> giveaway, and <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p was saved for <strong>the</strong>chr<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>tening.Since times have changed anda chr<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>tening doesn’t necessarilyfollow <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> heels of a wedding,modern-day traditi<strong>on</strong> dictates forcouples <strong>to</strong> preserve <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p tier in<strong>the</strong>ir freezer, <strong>to</strong> enjoy <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> day of<strong>the</strong>ir first anniversary.When in Jamaica…The c<strong>on</strong>cept of a wedding cake variesfrom country <strong>to</strong> country. Thefollowing <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly a small l<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>t of <strong>the</strong>variati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> pastry.• American and Engl<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>h traditi<strong>on</strong>calls for a classic tieredcake.• In Jamaica, a fruit cake <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> liberallylaced with sherry or rum.• In Bermuda, a tiny sapling <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>placed <strong>on</strong> <strong>to</strong>p of <strong>the</strong> cake. After<strong>the</strong> recepti<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong> tree <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> plantedat <strong>the</strong> couple’s shared home<strong>to</strong> symbolize <strong>the</strong> progressi<strong>on</strong>of <strong>the</strong>ir lives <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r.• In France, a country famousfor its pat<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>series, weddingparties serve a dessert calledcroqueembouche – small,cream-filled pasties are coveredwith caramel and stackedin<strong>to</strong> a pyramid.• The Japanese use a faux weddingcake, sometimes made ofStyrofoam, but covered in realicing. The bride and groom gothrough <strong>the</strong> moti<strong>on</strong>s of cutting<strong>the</strong> fake cake (in somecases a slit <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> precut in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>imitati<strong>on</strong> cake <strong>to</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r ass<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>t<strong>the</strong> act).The creative wayThe Japanese may be <strong>on</strong> <strong>to</strong> something.A faux cake can actually helpreduce <strong>the</strong> sometimes already exorbitantcost of a wedding feast.But a cake doesn’t have <strong>to</strong> costa fortune. In some cases, coupleschoose a small, beautifully decoratedwedding cake that <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> perhapscompr<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>ed of <strong>on</strong>ly two tiers. Once<strong>the</strong> cerem<strong>on</strong>y of cutting <strong>the</strong> cake <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>completed, a sheet cake can <strong>the</strong>n bedivided in <strong>the</strong> kitchen and served<strong>to</strong> guests. While <strong>the</strong> color <strong>the</strong>meand flavor of <strong>the</strong> cake corresp<strong>on</strong>d<strong>to</strong> those of <strong>the</strong> main cake, <strong>the</strong> unadornedsheet cake cuts down <strong>the</strong>cost of additi<strong>on</strong>al decorated tiers.Dessert rebelsWhile Engl<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>h and American c<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong>may be <strong>to</strong> serve a weddingcake at <strong>the</strong> recepti<strong>on</strong>, in recentyears couples have been gettingmore creative by choosing <strong>to</strong> seguefrom <strong>the</strong> norm. A few examples:• Cupcakes arranged <strong>on</strong> twotieredplates. The small individualcakes are not <strong>on</strong>ly charmingbut allow a clean presentati<strong>on</strong>and are easy <strong>to</strong> serve.• A chocolate fountain withdipping opti<strong>on</strong>s such as freshfruit, graham crackers, andmarshmallows.• Dessert trays arranged withan array of different treatsranging from mini éclairs <strong>to</strong>baklava.So many choicesWho wouldn’t want <strong>to</strong> hop frombakery <strong>to</strong> bakery and taste cake?Most bakeries offer tastings in order<strong>to</strong> ass<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>t <strong>the</strong> bride and groomin making a dec<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>i<strong>on</strong>. Los Angeles<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> home <strong>to</strong> some of <strong>the</strong> most creative,art<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>tic, and tasteful bakeriesspecializing in wedding cakes. Amultitude of opti<strong>on</strong>s abound in allprice brackets.Prices for cakes begin at a setrate per slice. Intricacy of <strong>the</strong> decorati<strong>on</strong>sand choice of filling are additi<strong>on</strong>al.Designing a cake <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> like creatinga work of art. Hovsep Sarkhoshian,owner of Maral’s Pastryin Van Nuys, says that a cake for250 people can take, <strong>on</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> base<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> completed and depending <strong>on</strong><strong>the</strong> amount of detail in <strong>the</strong> decor,about four hours of work per dayfor two days.Sark<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kolanjian of Sark<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pastry(which has branches in Glendale,Pasadena, and Anaheim) says thatpopular choices in cake filling fluctuatewith changing trends. In <strong>the</strong>past couple of years, <strong>the</strong> heightenedfervor for coffee drinks hasmade mocha a popular choice forwedding cake filling.But o<strong>the</strong>r filling choices abound,ranging from custard with roastedhazelnut (<strong>to</strong> add warmth <strong>to</strong> a coolwinter wedding) <strong>to</strong> fresh strawberriesfor summer weddings.The amount of art<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>try incorporatedin<strong>to</strong> a cake also affects itsprice tag. While <strong>to</strong>ppings like aminiature replica of <strong>the</strong> bride andgroom has always been a popularchoice, <strong>the</strong>re’s no limit <strong>to</strong> whatcake art<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>ts can use: everythingfrom fresh orchids <strong>to</strong> sugared flowersand marzipan creati<strong>on</strong>s.CostcoWhy not? The cakes are inexpensiveand serve large crowds. Costcohas made a name for itself based<strong>on</strong> quality and quantity. While cakeart<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>try may not be <strong>the</strong>ir strength,you can be guaranteed a tasty cakewithout a hefty price tag.Maral’s PastryTh<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> mom and pop bakery locatedin <strong>the</strong> San Fernando Valley may besmall but offerings are plenty. Pricesbegin at $2 per pers<strong>on</strong>. Tastingsare available <strong>on</strong> request. Requestsmust be made three-four weeks inadvance.17654 Vanowen St.Van Nuys, California 91406(818) 705-8921www.maralspastry.comSark<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> PastryWith three locati<strong>on</strong>s in Sou<strong>the</strong>rnCalifornia, Sark<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pastry will becelebrating its 25th anniversaryth<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> year. Tastings are available <strong>on</strong>request. Prices begin at $1.50 perpers<strong>on</strong>. Requests must be made atleast two weeks in advance.111 S. Glendale Ave.Glendale, California 91205(818) 956-66361776 E. Washingt<strong>on</strong> Blvd.Pasadena, California 91104(626) 398-39992424 Ball Rd.Anaheim, California 92804(714) 995-666Shimmeringin pearl dust,sparkling withSwarovskicrystals, and<strong>to</strong>wering <strong>on</strong>cus<strong>to</strong>m wroughtir<strong>on</strong> stands, VeryDifferent Cakesoffer works ofart that havereceived mediaattenti<strong>on</strong>from high-endwedding andstyle magazines.Very Different CakesTammy Massman-Johns<strong>on</strong>’s VeryDifferent Cakes specializes in cus<strong>to</strong>mcreati<strong>on</strong>s that incorporateSwarovski rhinest<strong>on</strong>es. Designs includesparkling m<strong>on</strong>ograms, hearts,and flowers. Massman-Johns<strong>on</strong>also collaborates with bakers andevent coordina<strong>to</strong>rs in helping cus<strong>to</strong>mizeexqu<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>ite crystal art<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>try for<strong>the</strong> wedding cake. Tastings are offered<strong>on</strong> an appointment-<strong>on</strong>ly bas<str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g>.Prices range from $10 <strong>to</strong> $15 perslice, with a minimum $500 order.Requests must be made at least sixweeks in advance.www.verydifferentcakes.cominfo@verydifferentcakes.comA little more sweetnessSo you’re standing with your newspouse in fr<strong>on</strong>t of a group of familyand friends who are all eager fordessert. Now what?One of <strong>the</strong> first acts for a newlymarried couple <str<strong>on</strong>g>is</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>to</strong> cut <strong>the</strong> cake<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r, as a symbol of unity. Then<strong>the</strong> bride and groom feed <strong>the</strong> firstslice <strong>to</strong> each o<strong>the</strong>r. And in <strong>the</strong> processif a little – or let’s just say maybea lot – gets smeared <strong>on</strong> some<strong>on</strong>e’sface, remember <strong>the</strong> vows you<strong>to</strong>ok. You’re in it <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r now – forbetter or worse!And finallyWhile <strong>the</strong> wedding festivities maycome <strong>to</strong> an end, <strong>the</strong> memory of <strong>the</strong>occasi<strong>on</strong> can be relived with a littlemore sweetness exactly a year later,by freezing <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p tier of <strong>the</strong> cakeuntil <strong>the</strong> couple’s first wedding anniversary.And while you’re at it, why notmake a mini celebrati<strong>on</strong>? Lightsome candles, uncork a bottle ofbubbly, bring out that cake, andlet <strong>the</strong> taste and scent bring backmemories of that special day! f