I'm a coffee loving, travel-obsessed, twenty-something based out of Central Illinois. I'm lucky enough to make a living doing what I love - photographing people! I specialize in weddings (destination + local), senior portraits, + boudoir.
Earlier this month, I kicked off my first ever Vendor Feature blog post with Bethany + Ainsley Laven of Southern Magnolias Events. I loved having the opportunity to share their passions and couldn’t wait to share another wedding vendor with you. Lori Martin with Cakes by Lori has been a vendor for many weddings I have had the honor of photographing in the past. I have heard so many good things about Lori and recently had the opportunity to work alongside her for our styled shoot at Pear Tree Estate in February (which I will show you as soon as I’m granted permission!) and the cake she provided us for the shoot was out. of. this. world! I loved it! So, welcome Lori to the blog with me and let’s learn a bit about her and her passion as a baker!
Introduce yourself!
Hi I have been doing cakes for over 35 yrs. I am a mom to one son— my husband and I have been married 32 years– (I am very blessed to have found my true love) I live in rural Urbana–love living in the country– we have a golden retriever- —no wait –our Golden (Sophie) owns us— we are great servants to her. Love making cakes– and meeting with customers- — New designs are super fun for me for cakes— I try to educate myself on the new trends and am always willing to at lea st try a new technique. I am pretty low key— so if drama is what you are looking for–keep looking — Just a good ol mid-west gal–lol I’m a bit of a nut— but hey life is short enjoy the day! I am a cancer survivor– maybe that changes the way I look at the world? Again I am Blessed!!!
When did you start your business?
I started doing cakes in the grocery business— started with Hawthorn suites as Cakes by Lori almost 8 yrs ago.
Random Fact!
I make a new top tier cake for couples for their first anniversary at no charge! (yeah fresh cake)
Talk to me about how/why you decided to go into this field and start your career!
Was a respiratory therapist— and well it was not my thing— I get too attached to people and seeing them suffer was too hard on me– so I was working in a bakery and they asked me to manage it—- career change instant!! have never looked ba ck— Although I still am very interested in medicine— cakes and artistry are my calling.
What’s your favorite work ‘tool’?
Icing bags
Random Fact!
If you have your wedding at the Hawthorn Suites your wedding cake is free!!
What kind of advice would you give your future clients?
Order early!!! Give me ideas as to the inspiration for your event and let’s see what my sketch pad comes up with!
What do you want readers to know about your business?
I make every cake myself—- there are no frozen cakes. From start to finish it is Me—– Fresh baked and decorated just for you. I have no cakes “on hand” for walk in customers. I dedicate myself to making everything to order– to give the best possible product.
A big thank you to Lori for everything! You can reach Lori by emailing loraloo@yahoo.com or calling her office at 217-531-9127!
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Her cakes were delicious! Love the pictures