The cake makes the wedding. Not really, but having a stunning cake is certainliy something every bride hopes for on her perfect day. Cake Couture, based in Aina Haina on Oahu, is a standout. Owner Carrie Emerson-Bass was raised in Honolulu so she knows what local flowers should be on your cake and the subtleties and significance of Hawaii wedding symbols. Her pedigree is impecabble -- California Culinary Academy, Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art in Chicago and Notter International School of Confectionery Arts in Maryland with cake designer Colette Peters. The cake pictured her is wonderfully minimal and tasteful, with restrained use of plumeria flowers. Of course, her cakes taste great, too. They start at $4 per person for custom designs.

Cake Couture / 808 373 9750

—Alex, 10/13/06