Last Wednesday I found myself at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis in sensory overload amidst some of the best floral arrangements, appetizers and couture accessories the area has to offer. Wedding accessories, that is.

While I was there to support sister publication Minnesota Bride’s Best of 2009 awards, it was a delight to see Plymouth’s very own Gateaux Inc. bring home the gold for Best Favors (Gateaux was a finalist in three categories, including Best Cake and Top of the Tiara). But where was owner Robin Martin? Wouldn’t you know it: She was hard at work in our own photo studio, while others accepted her award in proxy. I’d left her just minutes before, and she was painstakingly slicing the creamy fondant of her Spice Pumpkin Walnut Cake, gently placing copper ginko leaves and fresh nutmeg on tiny white dishes for a feature you can read in our September issue. Trust me: The cake is worth the wait.