Cakes & Sweets

Cakes by Gina: Innovating the Wedding Cake Experience

April 8

For over 20 years, Cakes by Gina has been crafting unforgettable wedding cakes, becoming a staple in the Houston area. What started in 2003 as a small cake business operating from Gina’s home has blossomed into a premier bakery known for its artistry and classic flavors. From taking orders in her house to her first bakery, next door to her current location, Gina and her business partner, Joan, have continuously innovated while staying true to their roots.

“I never in a million years thought this is what we’d be doing, that we would have such an impact in the market,” Gina shares. But with over 1,600 cakes made last year, their influence is undeniable.

Photo // Erika Geier Photography

Setting the Stage: The Cake Tasting Experience

A wedding cake tasting at Cakes by Gina is more than just sampling flavors—it’s an immersive experience designed to make couples feel special from the moment they walk in.

Arrival: Guests are welcomed by the warm aroma of sugar and sweets, immediately setting the stage for a delightful experience. A consultation host greets them with a choice of champagne, mimosas, coffee, or water.

Design Exploration: The space is adorned with stunning model cakes, from traditional tiered masterpieces to sculptural groom’s cakes. Couples discuss shape and size with the team, using Styrofoam tiers to visualize their cake’s proportions.

Flavor Selection: Couples can choose from any or all of their 16 flavors in a guided tasting, balancing classic flavors with modern twists. “We always strive for excellence.” Gina says, while unique flavors like marble with a cookie butter filling may be an option, some things remain the same, “My icing better have sugar; my recipes are non-negotiable.”

Photo // Hayden Jordan Photography

The Flavor Journey: Honoring Classics While Innovating the process

Some flavors have remained timeless favorites—like vanilla bean, German chocolate, and red velvet—while others have evolved to reflect modern palates. The tasting process has transformed over time, embracing trends and advancements in baking techniques.

“When Food Network came in and the baking shows took off, everything started changing. Grooms’ cakes became important, and they wanted standing cakes.”

Gina has accomplished a most impressive balancing act of architectural elegance while also being a master of the classics.

The consultation process ensures that every couple’s vision is transformed into a breathtaking cake. From intricate hand-painted details to modern textures and 3D sugar work, Cakes by Gina continues to push creative boundaries.

Technology: Sweetening the Wedding Cake Experience

Technology has also played a role in this evolution. “My first original consultations were a bunch of magazines, and moms would walk in here with like 10,000 pages. Now with Pinterest, we have consultations that come with their boards and pictures.” Sketches, 3D modeling, and even AI-driven consultations are now part of the process.

Couples can also explore their website for inspiration, order a tasting box, or even place a cake order. While we highly recommend experiencing the warm hospitality of an in-person consultation, their user-friendly website is a fantastic option for out-of-town couples looking to work with Cakes by Gina for their special day.

Along with technology updates, the company has also implemented a fleet of refrigerated trucks, these not only maintain cakes at the ideal temperature during their trips across the sprawling Houston area—a journey that can take some time—but also enable Gina and her crew to venture farther than ever. “Now that we have the refrigerated trucks, we’re able to reach more outside of Houston with our cakes.” Joan explained. This summer, they’re even heading to a wedding out of state!

With these refrigerated trucks you can monitor your cake’s journey through a link provided to you. It not only displays the cake’s real-time location but also reveals who will be delivering it and the expected arrival time, making the entire experience seamless and one less thing the couple has to worry about on their big day.

A Legacy of Sweet Moments: Stories from Two Decades in the Industry

Over the years, Cakes by Gina has been part of countless celebrations. One of the most meaningful aspects? Seeing couples return for anniversary cakes, baby showers, and more.

“We are at that stage where we’re beginning to do a lot of generational cakes. It’s special when I do the first one for a family, and then I get to do the second and third.”

With every cake, Gina and her team ensure excellence, knowing that each creation is part of a cherished memory.

Photo // Ashley Thornhill Creative

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wedding Cakes

The wedding cake industry continues to evolve, with trends like sustainable ingredients, interactive elements, and unique cake shapes gaining popularity. Cakes by Gina stays ahead of the curve while staying true to its craft.

“I think it’s important to keep growing and making things efficient while keeping what makes you special.”

A wedding cake is more than just dessert—it’s the centerpiece of celebration. Cakes by Gina invites couples to experience their magic firsthand.

“Let’s create something unforgettable together.”

Learn more by visiting their website at www.shopcakesbygina.com