At Without A Hitch, we love hosting and coordinating unique events. From birthdays, to bar/bat mitzvahs and weddings, we are always searching for new and fun alternatives to the ordinary.

Last month our founder, Sarah, had the opportunity to take a Buttercream Basics cake-decorating class at Oakleaf Cakes. She had a great time decorating cakes with her sister and seeing who was the better cake designer.  The private class with only six students allowed lots of one-on-one attention from instructions Tim and Crystal.  The students started by whipping up Oakleaf's own recipe for vanilla buttercream frosting. Then they began the work of layering the cake, cutting three even chocolate and vanilla layers.  With a spinning cake stand, they applied gobs of buttercream between each layer and to cover the whole cake and, for the final touch, piped in colored frosting to create shapes and roses. Each student left thoroughly entertained and with a delicious cake!

Oakleaf's classes are a great option for any bachelorette party, bridal shower, or birthday party. Oakleaf Cakes offers private and custom classes, or you can reserve any offered class for up to eight people. Class topics include Cupcake Decorating, Fun with Fondant, Sugar Flowers, and Intro to Gumpaste Figurines, and each class is guaranteed to be educational and tons of fun.

Oakleaf Cakes was founded by Amanda Oakleaf (you may know her from Boston Betrothed) and her husband Tyler Oakleaf in Boston. Featured on Food Network, CNN, TLC, The New York Times and others, Oakleaf Cakes creates an array of cakes, cupcakes and pastries, terrific (and delicious!) for any event. 

Katie and Patrick's wedding was a picturesque Boston event, and what could be a better setting than the New England Aquarium with its stunning views of the Boston Harbor. This wedding was one that engaged couples dream about, with fabulous weather (and a spectacular sunset!), a flawless location, and a very much in-love couple. We can't thank Christine and Peter from Elizabeth Bradford Photography enough for letting us show off their stunning photography here (in case you want to see more of their work, check out their blog here!).

The day started off with Katie and Patrick at separate hotels- Katie getting ready with help from Beauty in Motion at the fabulous Boston Marriott Long Wharf and Patrick at the classy Boston Harbor Hotel. Both had spacious suites to get ready in surrounded by their family, bridal party and groomsmen.

Patrick headed over to the Boston Marriott Long Wharf for a first look in the lobby - WOW it was emotional and stunning. After much debate over a first look location, we know Katie and Patrick picked the perfect spot (check out the half-circle window pictures, our favorite!).

We headed to the New England Aquarium from there, where the patio was set up perfectly for the ceremony, and photos during cocktail hour. Every detail was done perfectly and so tastefully-from the guest book and lobster trap themed gift table, to Patrick McDonell's bagpiping, to Katie's navy-clad bridesmaids (whose dresses were complimented perfectly with coral bouquets provided by Laurel Hill Floral Design, and a matching cake from Icing on the Cake). After the ceremony Katie and Patrick had the opportunity to take photos inside the aquarium, while we set up the tent for the reception with the help of Boston Uplights and Rentals Unlimited. Weeks later we still can't stop thinking about the location of the ceremony and especially the pictures they took at the top of the tank inside the aquarium- what a perfect New England wedding!

The reception that followed was a wildly good time documented by McElroy Films and DJed by DM Productions- take a look at the dancing, emotional toasts, and a love to last a lifetime.

Congratulations, Katie and Patrick! Thanks for letting us be a part of your big day!