I quickly learn that the cute wooden entrance sign is not just for show after driving down a long, wooded way that leads to the sweetest bakery in West Chester, The Master’s Baker. Without their signature logo hanging from a wooden post on Sunset Hollow Road, drive-bys and even planned visitors may have a tricky time locating the friendly cake masters that are hard at work in the home like setting.
As soon as my friend, Erin, and I open the door a swarm of sugary scents place us in a sweet tooth paralysis. Although The Master’s Baker doesn’t offer a storefront to sell their craft on the fly, there are still several immaculate cakes on display in the show room for the average client to be mind-boggled by. Deliciously unique and detailed cakes are at every turn during our brief, but what I believe to be a strategically planned wait for Manager, Chad Weldon. Christie, Chad’s twin sister and Lead Designer at The Master’s Baker, pops out from the kitchen with a friendly greeting, pointing out a new edible ribbon on one of the display room masterpieces. She shows us to our seats and Chad joins seconds later.
Determined to treat Erin and I like their regular wedding client, he begins by whipping out the sample book. This binder presents endless varieties of sizes, shapes and layers. Although most brides have an idea of what they’re looking for, it’s encouraged that clients bring inspirational pieces, like their invitation, favorite handkerchief or a photograph to serve as a starting point. Chad enthusiastically shares that “they really get going when I begin to sketch their future wedding cake right in front of their eyes.” As an artistically challenged person, I was quick to inquire about his natural creative ability.
“I used to be a landscape architect,” he calmly admits. Although his talent was perfected in this previous profession, Chad and several of his siblings (a total of six) inherited the right brain attribute, from their mother, Jerie Weldon, who started the business over 40 years ago.
“In the beginning, my mom handled everything herself, with help from my father who would work the streets promoting the cakes.”
During our kitchen tour, my jaw literally drops at the site of Jerie’s original oven that held three cakes at once. They keep this as a memento, towered by their current giant commercial oven. After a quick run through of where the magic happens (aka kitchen), which includes an introduction to the four friendliest employees, an intern, and a glimpse into their astonishing daily craftsmanship, we are ready for the cake tasting!
Three rows of bite-sized morsels are presented on the daintiest glass cake display, five different flavors in each row. Chad explains “we like to start the couples off with some standard flavors; Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Cream and Lemon Raspberry” then they include two curve balls, Mint Chocolate Chip and Pina Colada, which I am not mad about one bit. Clients can pick a different flavor per layer and even add a filling if they like. It’s their meticulous, spot on taste and attention to detail that has earned The Master’s Baker many awards and recognitions such as a Philly HOT List 2011 Winner, Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Member, Wedding Wire’s Bride’s Choice Awards, and more!
As we finish up savoring each and every last bite, a couple arrives for their real tasting. I am slightly jealous at the fact that their future holds a delicious, life-sized version of what I just sampled. However, there is no doubt in my mind that when a ring finds its way on my finger, or an extra special social gathering occurs, this amazingly talented bakery will be the one my taste buds lead me to.
The Master’s Baker is located at 880 Sunset Hollow Road, West Chester, PA. You may view more of their work and sweet offerings at http://www.themastersbaker.com/index.html or via their Facebook page. Call 610-436-9888 with further questions or to place an order. Follow them on Twitter @themastersbaker.
Photos credited to Erin Duffy Photography.
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