Family portraits are never pulled off without a lot of determination on the back end. Corralling the busy lives of an extended family of adults to gather and coordinate logistics, is nothing short of a miracle. And that’s for people who love each other madly.
Alexis’s family gifted her with a much anticipated family portrait session for Christmas. As the matriarch of the family, she could not have been more pleased with the idea of gathering all her favorite people to record them in ways she would cherish.
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The Hilley’s are an absolute blast! As I worked them through their set ups, at one point I said, “look at your father.” At that moment, I think it was Nick (sorry in the chaos of the day I’m not 100% sure who did this first) who lifted up his eyes to heavenly Father. I was so struck by this moment. Such a small moment, but heart revealing in a way that makes a mark. Then all 3 men looked to their Father as the one who guides their life.
And then of course, there are these impromptu moments between sets that kept us all in stitches throughout the session!
Alexis is a hoot as well! This beautiful powerhouse radiates a joy and spunk about here that is unmatched by anyone I have ever met at 78 years old! I was floored when I learned her age!!! I think she’s found the fountain of youth!
Alexis with her two sons, Steven and Michael. Alexis had some words of wisdom to share re raising boys, “just feed them and get out of their way!” It’s clear they adore their mother and wanted to make this portrait time happen for her. The boys can’t remember a time seeing their mom without a pastry bag in her hand. Little did they know this passion of hers would lead to a very fulfilling career and one of them would join her in that venture.
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Alexis has been a baker for 52 years! For 30 of those years she’s had a shop…well actually 3 different ones. Check out Cakes Plus for your own sweet treats where it’s a family affair to help you make your own memories! As her business continued to grow, Alexis kept moving into larger retail spaces. Her first shop was 1200 square feet and her current shop is 14,000 square feet! All 3 shops have been located within just a few blocks of one another, making it easy for their devoted client base to continue patronage.
Alexis’s dad saw her passion to bake and knew his girl could run a business. He always wanted her to have her own bakery. Unfortunately, he passed away less than year before she would sign her very first lease in 1991.
Alexis’s husband Art was also involved in the bakery keeping the books. He has passed away, but lives on in Alexis’s heart. She shared this photo with me and I was struck by how much she looks like a Dynasty star! Apparently I’m not the first one to think this!
The Hilley’s are all wild about dogs–they are 100% a part of their family. Art got Alexis Zoe, their beloved dog right as he was diagnosed with cancer. Zoe got Alexis through many a rough nights after Art passed. Unfortunately, Zoe is no longer with us either.
Over the years it wasn’t just Michael who joined the bakery, his wife Laura followed along with their girls Grace and Michelle. Grace started making her dad’s birthday cake when she was just 5 years old. Grandmom’s allowed to consult, but she’s not allowed to touch it. This tradition pierces dad right in that soft spot of his heart reserved for their daughters to bless.
The Laurel community of loyal fans can’t get enough of Cakes Plus. Alexis pours her heart and soul into their creations and is a savvy business woman committed to excellence and creativity. Prior to Covid her bakery was churning out 9,000 cupcakes a week. The post Covid world has them currently at 7,000 a week.
As I meet in pre consult planning meetings and get to know my clients, ideas always begin percolating. I know the Hilley’s are hunters and imagined an edgier scene that would not require too much planning, but would make a bold statement.
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So I asked them to bring their guns and a jacket and to indulge me for an idea I had for them. And boy am I glad they did! What a great story these tell!
