Brides & Weddings Magazine Find the Wedding Professionals You'll Love.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Brides & Weddings magazine hosted its annual Cake-Off at the beautiful Laurel Hill Golf Club in Fairfax, Virginia. As part of the Women’s Wedding Network, the Cake-Off once again brought together some of the region’s most talented bakers for a spirited competition filled with creativity, artistry, and delicious flavors.
Sponsors Who Made It Possible
The Cake-Off would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors:
- Laurel Hill Golf Club – Host Venue
- Danielle Towle Photography – Photography Sponsor
- Cakes by Happy Eatery – Industry Sponsor
Danielle Towle, our photography sponsor, reflected on the importance of this community event:
“It is so rewarding and fulfilling to be part of this wedding vendor community in Loudoun County and the DMV. This friendly competition shows how we support each other and root for each other instead of seeing our fellow vendors as the competition. This event is really fun because it allows bakers the opportunity to showcase their skills and maybe even try making something a client doesn’t typically ask for! It’s creativity and fun all harmonizing together.” — Danielle Towle, Owner, Danielle Towle Photography
The Celebrity Judges
Judging the event was no easy task, and we were honored to have a distinguished panel lend their expertise:
- Dana Henry of Visit Loudon
- Ranna Gay of NOVA Foodies
- Carole Keily, Editor of Brides & Weddings
Judge Ranna Gay summed up the spirit of the day perfectly:
“Finally, a job where eating cake is considered a professional skill! Had so much fun meeting the bakers and sampling all the different flavors.” — Ranna Gay, NOVA Foodies
The Bakers Who Dazzled
This year’s Cake-Off featured three outstanding participants, each bringing their own flair and flavor to the competition:
Guests and judges alike were treated to cheesecakes, cupcakes, and specialty desserts that were as beautiful to look at as they were to taste.
And the Winners Are
Baden’s Bakery swept the top honors, winning Best Flavor, Most Creative, and Best Presentation. Owner Amanda Baden presented her signature cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, chantilly cream, and fresh berries. Inspired by the trend of long statement cakes, Amanda created a unique twist by applying the design to cheesecake, accented with bright florals in fall colors.
“Long wedding cakes are trending right now, but I hadn’t seen it done with cheesecake yet, so I wanted to try something different,” Amanda said. “I love the look of bright florals in fall colors.”
Amanda described the joy of watching guests’ reactions as they entered the venue and saw her creation on display. Winning three awards was especially meaningful:
“These awards are a reminder that following my passion and putting love into every dessert pays off. I’m beyond grateful for the support of my clients and community—this recognition inspires me to keep creating my best work.”
Baden’s Bakery specializes in custom cakes and desserts “that are as delicious as they are beautiful.” Amanda sees a trend toward oversized sheet cakes, tarts, and elongated dessert displays for 2025–26 weddings, all designed to deliver a true wow factor. Her advice to couples: “Don’t forget to prioritize flavor as much as design—your guests will remember how delicious your cake was.”
Website: badensbakery.com
Instagram/Facebook: @badensbakery
Contact: info@badensbakery.com | (571) 200-0903
Serving Fairfax and the DC Metro Area
Lucy Q’s Cakery delighted both the judges and attendees, winning Specialty/Cupcake and the Attendees’ Choice Award. Owner Amber-Therese Foster impressed with elegant and flavorful cupcakes that showcased her creativity and ability to connect with couples through her desserts.
Amber-Therese Foster
www.facebook.com/lucyqscakery
Instagram/Facebook: @lucyqscakery
Email: info@lucyqscakery.com
Serving: Northern Virginia & the DC Metro Area
Miretti Desserts brought European-inspired artistry to the competition. Owner Miranda Etti showcased her passion for specialty desserts, demonstrating creativity and dedication to her craft. While Miretti Desserts did not take home an award this time, their entry stood out as a crowd favorite and an important part of the event’s success.
Website: www.mirettidesserts.com
Email: miraetti@hotmail.com
Phone: (845) 893-7012
Building Community Through Cake
The Cake-Off is more than a competition. It is an opportunity to celebrate the artistry of local bakers, build connections within the wedding community, and inspire couples planning their special day.
“At Brides & Weddings, our role is to serve the wedding industry by creating opportunities for connection, visibility, and growth. It’s such a joy to see these small businesses share their creativity and passion, and to give couples a glimpse of the artistry that makes weddings so memorable.” — Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our bakers, sponsors, judges, and attendees who made this year’s Cake-Off such a sweet success.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars now: the next Brides & Weddings Cake-Off will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. We invite bakers, wedding professionals, and cake enthusiasts to join us for another unforgettable event.
