Meet our vendors and find out why we're not your average wedding expo.
Valley Wed is a unique wedding show offering couples a handpicked selection of exceptional wedding pros in Western Mass. It's designed especially for couples that want to go their own way, but they don’t want to go it alone.
When did you start your business and why do you do what you do?
I officially opened Cakes by Amanda's brick and mortar location on June 7th, 2014. Before then I had been working out of my home for almost a year. I was gaining customers every weekend and decided (well, my husband decided) I should probably have my own spot. I made the decision on April 7th and made it happen 2 months later.
Tiny Toes and little Bows Photography
I love what I do so it never feels like work. I could never picture myself working for someone else and I always knew I'd do something creative as I am an art major...so this just fit.
What is your very favorite part of your job?
My absolute favorite is getting thank you notes or great reviews after a wedding. It really means a lot when a couple takes the time to thank me, or write a review. I love hearing how they enjoyed the cake (or in some cases, didn't get to because their guests devoured it all before them).
What do you want couples to know about your business?
After I meet with clients I always like them to know that they are one of only a few people getting a wedding cake from me that weekend. I limit how many wedding cake orders I take so that each cake gets the attention to detail it deserves. I also like to personally deliver every cake myself.
I really enjoy when a couple tells me, "You made this process so easy." Wedding planning is hard and stressful. I like to make the process as easy as I can for every couple I meet with.
What's the best compliment you could hear about your work?
"It tasted as good as it looked!" A lot of people feel like you have to sacrifice flavor and taste for a work of art. I like to prove that you can have both!
Do you have any advice for couples about planning a wedding or the big day itself?
My one piece of advice for the wedding day would be, "Don't sweat the small stuff." I kept having to remind myself of this during my big day! Remember that you are the only person who knows what the wedding of your dreams looks like. If there are a few things out of place or minor mishaps, ignore them and continue with the day. Chances are all of your guests will have no idea anything is even wrong and everyone will have a blast.
And try to take in everything because it goes by so fast! 
Amanda on her wedding day by Gumula Photography
Share something you are really proud of…professionally and personally.
One of the things I am most proud of is my wedding cake! I still can't believe I managed to make my own cake the week of my wedding with everything else going on. It came out exactly as I envisioned and matched our style and personality perfectly. This year I also won a Wedding Wire award, running such a small operation I just always assumed I'd never get one!
Amanda's wedding cake by Gumula Photography
When I am not slaving away making cakes I really enjoy spending time with my husband :) sappy I know. My schedule is so hectic that we really enjoy the little time we have together. We enjoyed going out to eat, driving around finding things to do, fixing up our old house, traveling when we can, and spoiling our princess cat Cashew.
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Meet our vendors and find out why we're not your average wedding expo.
Valley Wed is a unique wedding show offering couples a handpicked selection of exceptional wedding pros in Western Mass. It's designed especially for couples that want to go their own way, but they don’t want to go it alone.
Meet Valerie Hansen, owner of Frosted Swirl Cupcakes,
in front of her Mobile Cupcake Truck! When did you start your business and why?
I officially started Frosted Swirl in 2012. Growing up, I always loved baking and wanted to do something I was passionate about but which still allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom to my twin boys.
Sandra Costello Photography
What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my job is being a part of my customer's special day. Whether it be a wedding, baby shower, birthday party or another occasion, being a sweet part of their event and hearing feedback are what I enjoy the most.
What do you want people to know about your business?
I want my customers to take comfort knowing they will be working directly with me to plan the dessert for their special day. The size of my business and my ability to give each client the one-on-one attention they deserve sets me apart from other vendors.
What's the best compliment you could hear about your work?
The best compliment I can receive from a bride would be that the display was beautiful and, "Everyone Loved the Cupcakes!" That's when I can feel I've exceeded my customer's expectations. I also enjoy hearing from new clients who tried my cupcakes for the first time at an event I catered.
Do you have any advice for couples specific to your field?
When trying to decide on what flavors of cupcakes to offer, I always suggest that couples do a chocolate-based and vanilla-based cupcake to cover most everyone's needs. Then choose two flavors they really want. After all, it is your day!
Show us two things you are really proud of…professionally and personally.
My highest achievement both professionally and personally is running a successful business and also being home with my twin boys, Nathan and Noah. Not only do I get to do what I love every day, but I also get to spend time with my family.
Valley Wed is a curated style of wedding show; one that focuses on real relationships with the best wedding vendors the Pioneer Valley has to offer. We want to connect you with the top wedding professionals in Western Massachusetts to help you plan one of the most important days of your life.
You're not cookie cutter. Neither are we.
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Meet Valerie Hansen, baker and owner of Frosted Swirl Cupcakes.
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Is there one picture from your own wedding you couldn't live without?
We sneaked a kiss before walking out of the church and someone caught a photo!
What was the best wedding gift you have given?
I love to take candid shots of the wedding and then make a photo album to give to the couple on their one year anniversary.
What do you love most about your work?
I thoroughly love baking and always have since I was little. I feel so blessed to be able to make the couple's wedding day a little sweeter. I still look at the clock after I have set up for a wedding and think, "Wow....there are numerous people right now enjoying my creations!" I also love all of the new people I meet and new friends I have made.
What's the best advice you would give a couple about their wedding day?
Take a break from ALL of it and just take a walk together for a few minutes to enjoy a moment in quietness.
At 9am each day, you are...
...taking a walk with my 3 1/2 year old twin boys Nathan & Noah. They keep me on my toes!
What's one piece of advice you would give your 18 year old self?
Everything happens for a reason and always wear sunblock!
Current Netflix addiction?
Graceland!
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