Lessons from Vogue: When Expectations Meet Reality

gingerandspicecake
Jan 5
3 min read

Expectations are a funny thing. You can’t help but picture how things will go, especially when the word Vogue is involved. You imagine grandeur, flawless execution, breathtaking photos, and your work displayed in all its glory.

But reality often has other plans. And as much as it can sting in the moment, it’s in those very contrasts—between expectation and reality—that the best lessons hide.

The only "cake" photo that was taken, by my friend Karina

The Reality Check

There were moments that didn’t unfold as I thought they would:

The venue: Rather than a sweeping, light-filled space, I found myself in a small, dim side room of a restaurant that was still in full swing. Not exactly the glamorous backdrop I’d envisioned.
The setup and timeline: When you hear wedding planner, you expect organization. Instead, the dessert table wasn’t even in the room, linens had to be found, and the space still looked like a work zone. I had to step in, push things along, and fight for the time I needed to style the dessert bar and cake.
The photos: In my head, there would be a dreamy gallery to swoon over. In reality, just two images came my way—and the one I was waiting for most wasn’t included. There was no photo of the couple with the cake. The choice to keep things intimate is something I respect deeply, but it meant the “cake moment” simply didn’t happen.
The feature: Out of forty photos submitted, just one included the dessert bar. I’m grateful to be part of the story at all, but it wasn’t the show-stopping image I had carried in my imagination.

What I’m Grateful For

Here’s the part I’m thankful I planned for: I asked a friend, who happens to be a photographer, to come along. She quietly captured me setting up, grabbed videos, and preserved the behind-the-scenes pieces no magazine could. Looking back, those images matter more to me than anything else. They tell the real story—my artistry, my presence, my process.

The Takeaway

This experience was a gentle but firm reminder:

Flexibility is everything. Even the best-laid plans can unravel.
Always have a backup. The photos I thought would come didn’t—but I had my own.
Find the lesson. Disappointment can still be a gift if you’re willing to look for the growth in it.

Why It Still Matters

This all happened just after my rebrand, and I’ll never forget what the bride said when I asked her why she chose me.

“My good friend has bought your cakes for parties in the past and after seeing your beautiful work online and reading your glowing reviews, I can feel the perfectionism and passion that you bring to every creation. You’re not just an artist, but one with a deep commitment to your craft, and it’s that kind of artistry that truly inspires me.”

Her words reminded me that people see me—my craft, my passion, my artistry—even when the glossy pages don’t.

Closing Thoughts

Whether or not my cake makes it into print, this experience left me with something better: perspective. It stretched me, affirmed my path, and reminded me that every moment—glittering or gritty—shapes the artist and the business owner I’m becoming.

Sometimes the real feature isn’t what ends up in the magazine. It’s the lessons you carry with you long after the lights dim.