This week's vendor highlight is Simon Lee.
Visit them at www.simonleebakery.com

How long have you been in business?

My partner Jad and I formed Simon Lee Bakery in 1996.   We met each other a few
years earlier while working at another popular bakery in Austin.  Although each of us
emigrated from different parts of the world, we both have tremendous passion for
creating an art out of baking cakes.  I inherited much of my baking talents and
“DNA” from my mother.   Jad has been in the baking business for almost all his life. 
With a combined 30  years of experience and inspiration, Jad and I make an
exceptional team in helping the brides and grooms to design and create their own
unique wedding cakes

What drew you to your profession?

For all my life I have always enjoyed planning special events such as family
gatherings and birthdays. When I began planning for my wedding many years ago,
I realized that it was something I loved to be a part of.  I graduated from UT with
a business degree and spent a number of years working at banks; but I knew that
my true passion lay in doing things “hands-on”.  I later found work at a local Austin
bakery where I met my partner Jad and seriously began a “baking” career.  We later
decided to open our own bakery to expand upon our own creativity independently.

What is the best part about your job?

We love our jobs.  We got the best jobs in the world.  We are so fortunate to have
a chance to create something sweet and memorable for the brides and grooms every
weekend.  We get to be artists and at the same time help others to celebrate their
wonderous moments.  I’m still so thrilled when a bride calls or e-mails me telling me
how happy she is with her cake. I’m thankful for being a small part of such a great
occasion in people’s lives and this has meant more to me than I could possibly put
into words. Here is an e-mail I received from a bride that makes all the long hours
worth it:

"Hi Judy!!!!!!!! I cannot even begin to tell you how AMAZING and
breathtaking and FABULOUS and WONDERFUL those cakes were
Saturday night.  Mine was the first thing I saw when I came up those stairs
and I was just STUNNED.  I literally could not stop staring at it.  And it
wasn't just me - ALL my guests were just in awe of both cakes.  It was by
far one of my most favorite things of the entire day.  Just EXACTLY what
I wanted.  I wish I could just give you the biggest hug to show how
appreciative we are of your amazing talent.  Ah I just can't go on enough!!!
You and Simon are just AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank
you from the bottom of our hearts.”

With all your experience, what bit of advice would you like to share?

Follow your passion, do what you love and things will work out in the end. 

What is your favorite wedding experience?

I have worked with so many fabulous couples, but there are a few that I remember
the most because of their love for each other.   When an elderly couple came in with
their granddaughter, I thought they were helping her to plan for her wedding cake.
It turned out that they were actually planning their own wedding! They were high
school sweethearts but were separated when the groom entered the Army to fight
in World War II. The bride married another man and they went their own ways.
After their spouses passed away, they met again for the first time since their
childhood at their local church. They fell in love again and the rest is history.  The
way this couple loving and caring for each other deeply touched my heart and
truly lift up my spirit every time I think about them.  I love happy endings!

It's great getting to know my vendors even better,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

It's been a very busy season for all my vendors this spring, so I am a bit behind collecting
my great vendors information. This week we are looking at a wonderful florist, Melanie
Tipton with Last Petal www.lastpetal.com

1. How long have you been in business?
8 years

2. What drew you to your profession?
I received a horticulture degree and have always been fascinated by the beauty of flowering
and non-flowering plants.  I was fortunate to become part of the floral design program at A&M
and was introduced to the artistry of flowers through their unique program.

3. What is the best part about your job?
Working with my favorite thing, flowers!   I also love being able to create new designs for
each individual client...making their weddings one of a kind and unique to their special day
and experience.

4. With all your experience, what bit advice would you like
to share?
I have more than one that I think are both really important.    
Number One:  Really and truly, invest in a wedding coordinator.  It is helpful not only to the
bride, but all her vendors as well. It will make your day run smoothly and more carefree
and will do the same for our day.  
Secondly:  Trust your vendors......if you have a comfortable enough relationship and feel
confident from that very first meeting the communication has been clear and concise....
then trust that we have your best interests at heart and want to make your wedding as
spectacular as possible.  This will help take the stress off of you for your day that should
be filled with nothing but true happiness.  We really strive to have our brides carefree and
completely happy!

My fortune:

"Satisfaction is a full reward"

Very appropriate for family, job and life fulfillment. I have taken a vow that
if it isn't good for my family, building my business or improving my quality
of life, I won't be wasting my time on it.

What's your motto?
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com