Today we are happy to introduce you to Graham Haddock, the owner and baker behind Cakes by Graham.  He makes such a beautiful (and delicious!) things!

Tell us a little bit about your company!

Cakes by Graham is Richmond, Virginia’s foremost cakery, having provided Central Virginia with the highest quality wedding and celebration cakes for over twenty years. We strive to always produce the highest quality, individually designed cakes for the fairest price. We have been honored to have been selected best Wedding Cakes, Best Cakes, and Best Groom’s Cakes for many years by our customers, Richmond Magazine and Virginia Living Magazine!

How did you get started in this business?

In 1991, I completed a 15 year career in the British Army Catering Corps. After serving in England, Northern Ireland, Norway, Germany, and the United States, my final assignment was as Senior Technical Instructor on the culinary exchange program at Fort Lee, Virginia. I then continued my culinary interests in the civilian market at two bakeries in Richmond until January 1994 when I formed my own business, Richmond’s only custom cakery, Cakes by Graham.

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What differentiates you from other businesses in your field?

We have enjoyed earning a reputation for high quality, greater choices and personal customer service.

Why do you like working with weddings?

I love working with all of our customers. Brides and grooms are fantastic! Each couple is different and I really enjoy meeting them, hearing their stories and helping them design a wedding cake that best represents them.

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What is the most difficult situation you have faced with a bride and how did you resolve it?

Once I had a bride who was unable to determine what she wanted, and thus, it was very difficult to set her budget for the cake. By working together we were able to set a “starting point” which eased her mind, and at a later date we were able to finalize the design.

From a vendor’s perspective, what is the best piece of advice you can offer to engaged couples?

It is great for couples to use Pinterest, YouTube and other types of social media for inspiration. My advice is to bring your ideas to your baker; however, let your baker advise you as to how to adapt that idea to your specific event. For example, your picture may be a five tiered cake. You may only be inviting enough guests to warrant three tiered cake. A good baker will be able to advise you as to how you can adapt or not adapt that cake to your event.

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Where do you find inspiration or motivation?

Our customers are absolutely fantastic at bringing us ideas that help us stay fresh and exciting! Accordingly, I am constantly inspired and motivated to ensure that we provide high quality cakes and excellent customer service at a fair price.

What do you like to do when you are away from work?

I have a salt water fish tank which is great fun to watch. I also enjoy movies, eating out and shag dancing.

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What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I love desserts (no surprises there) and I eat a LARGE serving of ice cream every day — usually it is chocolate!

Thank you, Graham, for answering our questions!  If you would like to learn more about Cakes by Graham, please visit www.richmondcakes.com.