A bride with serious baking chops recently made headlines – and sparked a major online conversation – after a video of her assembling her own wedding cake went viral. Lilly Mendoza, a recent Culinary Institute of America graduate, married her husband, Dennis, in a beautiful ceremony in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Just hours before saying "I do," Mendoza, with the help of her bridesmaids, put the finishing touches on her impressive five-tier creation.
The cake, decorated in the wedding's theme colors of blue, white, and gold, featured a cascading vine of blue flowers and a clear acrylic tier filled with white flowers and greenery. Mendoza explained that she wanted a design that was both simple and unique to the couple. The video, initially posted by the wedding photographer, quickly gained millions of views across Instagram and TikTok, showcasing Mendoza's skill and dedication.
While many praised Mendoza's talent and initiative, the viral video also attracted its share of criticism. Some commenters questioned her design choices and even accused her of seeking fame. Mendoza, who learned about the video's virality while on her honeymoon cruise, admitted to being surprised by the mixed reactions. She clarified that sharing the video wasn't about seeking attention but rather a decision made by her vendors.
Despite the negativity, Mendoza received an outpouring of support from friends, family, and fellow culinary professionals. Many emphasized that the couple's happiness and satisfaction with the cake were all that mattered. Mendoza shared that her 125 guests enjoyed the vanilla cake with caramel extract icing. She had meticulously prepared the cake tiers in advance, freezing them and thawing them for decoration. This careful planning, she explained, helped prevent the cake from melting in Florida's humid climate.
Following the viral buzz, Mendoza launched social media accounts dedicated to baking, where she answers questions about her process and shares her passion. She and her husband plan to enjoy a saved slice of their wedding cake on their first anniversary, a nod to a time-honored tradition. Mendoza expressed gratitude to her bridesmaids and brother for their support in making her dream wedding cake a reality, proving that sometimes, the sweetest celebrations are the ones we create ourselves.
