August 20, 2014
I always want my couples to enjoy the wedding planning process because I know it can easily turn stressful and exhausting. I found this especially true when trying to find vendors you actually like. My brides ask me all the time for recommendations of vendors I love working with. So I’ve started putting together a list of all my favorite wedding vendors to share with you all. Today, I’m excited to share with you my first one, Almond & Ivy!
Almond & Ivy is a bakery that I fell in love with when I first met it’s owner, Karli Franzke. Karli is incredibly sweet and such a delight to spend time with. Everything she bakes is carefully made with the most delicious, natural ingredients. She specializes french macarons but she can make any baked good your heart desires. She brings her love for creativity and art to every aspect of her business.
How long have you been in business?
I started Cake and Cookie (now Almond & Ivy) in February 2013. I met with clients all over, from Starbucks to making house calls and did all my cooking at the Brown County Culinary Kitchen for over a year. Recently, I just opened my own store front this August located in De Pere!
What kind of schooling/training have you had?
I went to Culinary School at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton for three years then the French Pastry School in Chicago for their six month program. I held multiple internships and jobs for a number of years at bakeries in Chicago, Milwaukee and Green Bay.
Why did you choose to start your own business?
I always wanted creative control and I wanted to actually enjoy what I was doing in life. When I started college, my major was for chemistry and after only one semester I knew I wouldn’t finish it. There was no joy or passion there. I fell in love with food and cooking in college after watching hours and hours of the Food Network. After the first semester I changed my emphasis to culinary. One of my first classes was on baking and the rest is history. With baking, the beauty of making something from nothing was amazing and it brought so much joy to so many people. I knew it’s what I had to do.
How would you describe your style?
Unique (I’m sure everyone says that though.) Simple, classic with touches of vintage love. Clean lines. Natural – everything is made from scratch. Simple ingredients, for example if one of my macarons has raspberry filling it’s actually made from raspberries and a little sugar. No preservatives, only natural ingredients.
What are some of your Unique Offerings?
– Macarons! I love making these and it was my vision to bring these delicious desserts to Green Bay. They come in a variety of flavors and are gluten-free (though they are not made in a gluten-free kitchen.)
– My booth at the Farmers’ Markets so the community can visit and try new baked goods.
– I love making painted cutout watercolor cookies, they are beautiful.
– Complimentary tastings for wedding couples, you’ll receive your first two flavors free!
Favorite wedding experience?
Recently at a wedding in Door County, I made flowers on a cake out of gum paste and everyone thought they were real. I love making people happy and bringing a smile to their face with cakes.
Any Helpful Tips for Brides looking for their wedding cake?
– Always meet your baker and try their cakes. It’s extremely important to try everything first!
– Choose someone who will deliver their cakes to your venue. Cakes are big and bulky and not everyone knows the best way to carry them. Plus it’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about on the day of your wedding.
– Find out if the bakery you are looking at has a Food Service license through the Health Department. More and more venues are requiring it from bakers.
– Choose someone you feel comfortable with and that you actually like! Find someone that is excited about you and your wedding!
Tell us more about Karli!
– I’m recently married and just bought a house with my husband!
– I have two crazy cats that I love
– When I’m not baking I’m doing yoga or catching up on sleep (:
– Love spending time with friends and family and going out to eat
The Details
Address – 518 George St, De Pere, Wisconsin
Website – almondandivy.com
Facebook – facebook.com/almondandivybakery/
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