Attention, sweet teeth! This week’s featured vendor specializes in creating the most scrumptious sweets Chicago has to offer. Katherine Anne Confections uses only the best ingredients – many of them locally sourced – to make amazing truffles, caramels, and other delectable goodies. Have a look at the Q&A between Naturally Yours Events and Katherine Duncan, the owner of Katherine Anne Confections, below.

 

Kat Portrait 2

Photo by Steve Ewert Photography.

 

NYE: Tell me about your business- what do you specialize in?

KAC: We create micro-batch truffles, caramels, and marshmallows in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. We focus on delicious, naturally. Our soft caramels are flavored with vanilla beans, and our marshmallows are whipped to lofty heights without any corn syrup. Our truffles have a silky-smooth ganache center and are flavored from the traditional to the exotic.

We care for the environment, so in addition to composting and recycling, we also grow our own herbs for our confections in the summer. Our cream and honey come from Illinois farmers, and our berries and stone fruits are all from Michigan.

top_down_rowsPhoto by Frank Duncan.

 

NYE: How did you get started? What inspired you?

KAC:I grew up making truffles and caramels on our farm with my mother, selling the sweets at my dad’s office. I’ve always loved everything about the business, from making to selling the sweets, and have re-created as much as possible from that experience from the local produce to the hand-wrapped caramels.

IMG_2859Photo by Frank Duncan.

 

NYE: What’s your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

KAC: I love being part of what to many is the best day (so far!) of their life. It’s so cool, and a little mind-blowing, to see people’s reactions when they first taste our sweets. They’re really amazed, and for many, they say it’s the best sweet they’ve ever had. It’s really cool. Our goal is to recreate that experience at every wedding, and so far I think we have done pretty well!

NYE: How would you describe your business’ style?

KAC: Chill yet professional. We make really great stuff and package it beautifully, and we’re not afraid to have fun.

KAC_Kessler_30323

Photo by Grant Kessler Photographer.

 

NYE: What is one piece of advice you think all couples would benefit from knowing?

KAC: Pick the things that are most important to YOU. Pleasing everyone is going to be impossible. The day is about being together with your friends and family, and celebrating that in your style. If that style is a backyard BBQ, so be it – Aunt Erma doesn’t need to have her say.

NYE: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

KAC: If you get a favor, even if it’s not from us, PLEASE make it edible! No one will use coasters with your picture or monogram on them. It’s not a deal if no one will use the item, so get something tasty and memorable.