WellWed on the Cape

Dawn Kelly is not afraid of a little hot pink.

As the owner of Soirée Floral in Nantucket, Kelly may have escaped Wall Street - where she worked in her former life - but she's still willing to take a few risks, as Jen Riolo and Carter Smith discovered.

With 16 years of experience under his apron, Peter Ambrose, chef and owner of Food for Forks Catering in Wainscott, New York, knows what it takes to produce exceptional cuisine.

Catering was one way to leave behind the shackles of a traditional 9-to-5 job while allowing him to expand his culinary chops. His infectious enthusiasm and roll-up-your-sleeves-and-make-it-happen attitude are the keys to his success.

Allison Wildes Liset of Elegant Engagements makes it her business to give brides their dream weddings. Here are a few tips of hers to make sure everything goes according to plan:

*Don't be afraid to negotiate prices. If something you love is out of your price range, speak up: Vendors are usually willing to work with you.

Lynda Dandeneau, owner of Dandeneau Flowers, isn't one to flaunt her considerable talent as a floral designer.

Marty, of Marty Kelly Paper, truly believes that the ease of technology can never replace the charm of receiving something lovely in the mail.  While shooting a pal a quick message is nice, taking a moment to pen a note shows someone that they are worth a bit of your time. And of course for life's big events, exquisite invitations and announcements are a must.

Lilies, roses, and hydrangeas are among the ingredients Cape Cod floral designer Patrice R. Milley uses to create artful arrangements that enhance fine celebrations.

Patrice's Tips:

Using a combination of planning expertise & innovative style, Nicole Whelden strives to make each of the island's weddings extraordinary.

The Michigan native came to Nantucket for a summer job and instantly fell in love with the tiny island's many charms. When she met her husband, Scott, on the island, Whelden's fate was sealed and Nantucket became her new home.

On June 1, 2008, Cupcake Charlie's opened it's doors at Mashpee Commons on Cape Cod to hordes of hungry customers who were more than happy to abide by the cupcakery's slogan, "Life Is Short, Eat a Cupcake." With an array of whimsical selections including "Grammy's Carrot Cup," "Hostess with the Mostess," and "Sinfully Cinnamon," Cupcake Charlie's offers variety packs to let you sample them all. They have delectable seasonal offerings and accommodate special orers, too.