Love at First Bite

Hy-Vee’s expert team of professional bakers, florists, and caterers make your wedding dreams a reality

V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth

SLICE OF LIFE. Hy-Vee's team of wedding professionals want to help you make your wedding day as magical as you imagine it to be.
SLICE OF LIFE. Hy-Vee's team of wedding professionals want to help you make your wedding day as magical as you imagine it to be.

The creation of every wedding cake at Hy-Vee in Eau Claire begins with a conversation: How do you envision your wedding day? What kind of color scheme are you looking at? Where will your wedding and reception be held? Can you tell me how the two of you met? How many people will be in attendance? 

And while the thought of planning every single minute detail of both the wedding ceremony and reception can be somewhat overwhelming, Hy-Vee’s team of experienced wedding professionals are both trained and prepared to help you and your spouse-to-be ensure that every part of your day is executed with precision, accuracy, and attention to detail – without causing any anxiety on your special day. 

And accomplishing your vision for your wedding day starts with the three most important details: cakes, catering, and flowers. (Well, that’s besides the most important thing of all: getting hitched.) 

“We are helping people on one of their best days, or one of their worst days,” says Hy-Vee bakery manager Layla Osley. “We get to help facilitate how that day goes for them.” 

Whether you’re looking to organize a dessert bar – complete with mini pies, cheesecakes, cupcakes, spritz cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and even more customizable options  – or create an ornate, traditional, three-tier cake, accented with flowers that match your color scheme, the Hy-Vee team can make it happen. 

“I’ve always had a penchant for creativity, and I’m grateful to be able to make a fulfilling career out of something I’m passionate about,” says Bakery Designer Alex Melichar. “I look forward to helping create long-lasting memories through cake for our Hy-Vee customers.”

Hy-Vee’s bakery department creates cakes that feature critically acclaimed whipped icing and fondant detailing that can’t be found at any other Eau Claire bakery. Their decorators aren’t just bakers: They’re artists. 

“There’s something magical about bringing an idea to life and seeing the joy my creations bring to others,” says Bakery Designer Katie Nicholson. 

Hy-Vee’s attention to detail doesn’t end at the icing. While many married people can attest that their wedding day passes in a blur, Hy-Vee wants to ensure their catering is as memorable as the moment you say “I do.”

 Hy-Vee’s catering department offers fresh buffet and specialty bars, shrimp and seafood trays, chicken wings, sandwich and sub trays, fruit and veggie trays, charcuterie boards, and all sorts of customizable catering options to fit the feel of your special day. 

“The customization piece is really huge for weddings and occasions,” says Brandon Hofeldt, the store’s general manager, adding that it’s always best to bring a few ideas when you stop by the store to describe your vision. “We like to have pictures because then we know exactly what you’re looking for.” 

Hy-Vee can also take the restlessness out of your roses by handling your floral needs. Their fresh corsages, boutonnières, and bridal bouquets are all created with care, emphasizing your personality, color preferences, and the time of year – making the most of your design choices to make your dreams blossom into reality.

The list of services Hy-Vee offers doesn’t end there: They can help with decor, invitations, signature cocktail creations, organizing party favors, and finding the perfect thank-you notes for family and friends who share in this momentous occasion.

“We try not to ever say no,” Hofeldt says. “We have some of the most talented designers in the city; they can do a lot of intricate stuff.” 

Every couple is paired up with a Hy-Vee point person, who seamlessly integrates the little details into the bigger picture, so you can focus on the most important thing: getting married. 

“The people we look for when we’re hiring are the people who are passionate about taking care of the customer no matter what it takes,” Hofeldt says. “It really creates a strong bond here at the store and helps our customer experience.” 


For more information about Hy-Vee’s wedding offerings, visit hy-vee.com.

 

PARTNER CONTENT

 

Weddings & Occasions is sponsored by:

Lasker Jewelers & Diamonds
3705 Oakwood Mall Dr
Eau Claire

Weddings & Occasions is sponsored by:

Lasker Jewelers & Diamonds
3705 Oakwood Mall Dr
Eau Claire