It's all in the family for Rebecca D. Schmid of Rebecca's Heavenly Goodies on Main Street in Ephrata. Her husband of 41 years, Hal, is a native of Lancaster and a retired restaurant and convenience store designer. But he still logs more than 40 hours a week behind the counter of the popular bakery named for his wife and at the couple's new-this-summer "Coffee Cove" at Ephrata Community Hospital.
Her only daughter, Susanna, is head floral designer for Rebecca's Garden Room, next door to Heavenly Goodies, and her son-in-law, Kevin Redman, is head baker of more than a thousand servings a week of cakes, pies, muffins, cookies and brownies.
Born in Peoria, Ill., Schmid, 61, grew up in Loma Linda, Calif., and graduated from both business school and the John Robert Powers School of Modeling in Pasadena. She worked as a runway model in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Rebecca was also a church organist, and it was that connection that led to her organizing other people's weddings.
Now a professional wedding consultant, Rebecca averages more than 100 weddings a year, drawing prospective brides from across the country for scenic "destination" weddings at local chapels and historic venues.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be: Anything where there would be plenty of color, frills and beautiful details.
My most unusual wedding cake: Was bell-shaped and suspended on a stand that allowed the bell to swing. Ask me if I ever made it again: NO.
My most popular wedding cake flavor: Ebony/ivory, which is a layer of dark fudge cake, a layer of white chocolate cake, and red raspberry filling
How do you feel about the reported $26,000 average cost today of a wedding in America? Nationwide, that's about right, but it probably averages more like $20,000 locally. I've watched prices go up over the years. I used to teach a two-night wedding planning course at the Lancaster branch of Harrisburg Area Community College, and one whole night was devoted to budget. My own wedding in 1966 wasn't expensive. My gown cost $55, and our wedding cake was a gift from one of my husband's baker friends in the Air Force. Our honeymoon included a trip to Lancaster.
One cause I support wholeheartedly: Humane leagues. There are too many animals without good homes.
My pets: Two long-haired cats.
When you open my refrigerator, you'll always find: Salad fixings, soy milk and flax seed. I really do watch what I eat.
My most satisfying extravagance: We have a professionally landscaped backyard and I love every plant, shrub and flower in it. I love the way the holly, the violets and the morning glories greet me when I open the door.
Lancaster County's greatest asset: The beautiful farms. A ride through our countryside can produce such a calming effect after a hectic work day.
If I could have dinner with anyone who ever lived, I'd invite: My late parents. There are so many times I would love to hear their voices again and have the pleasure of their company.
If I could change one thing about myself: I'd occasionally be less Type-A.
I can't help but laugh: When I think that my parents gave me little hope of ever doing much cooking or baking. They'd be surprised that all the gourmet cake recipes at my bakery are my creations.
The car I'm driving now: a Volkswagen Bug complete with a wedding cake on the roof and a license plate that reads CAKE BUG.
The car I'd like to be driving: Maybe a powder-blue Mercedes convertible.
My future plans: To find my own wedding chapel for my clients who want a beautiful setting for their big day.
My guilty pleasure: Boysenberry pie. My mother won awards for her baking, and her boysenberry pie was the best.
Marty Crisp is staff writer for the Sunday News. Her e-mail address is mcrisp@lnpnews.com.
