I have been waiting to post this cake for a few months now – I think it is my favorite I’ve made (up to now – hehe!) I was so honored to be asked by the amazing Laura Loukaides to design a cake for Cake Masters February “Love Stories” theme. And even more excited to find out it made it in the magazine – woop! When I was thinking about “forbidden love” stories, the first one that jumped into my head was Romeo and Juliet – so I went with it – but with a country twist! ;) I used stylized Juliet roses with exaggerated star centers to represent “star-crossed lovers” the twining leaves remind me of the famous balcony scene. I made barbed wire out of floral wire and hung the only key to the locked heart on the barbs to represent the danger of their love. I used bas relief for the wildflower tier but the turquoise barn wood is probably my favorite part – turquoise is my favorite color and I’m a French Country design girl at heart. I love the way it really pops with the pale pinks and greens. Oy – I’ve written a novel – can you tell how much I love this one – haha! Thank you again to Cake Masters and Laura for asking me to contribute – I will treasure this one forever – I hope you love it as much as I do! <3 Shannon