House of Clarendon owner Martine Cajas often encounters engaged couples who think the latest trends and best vendors can only be found in Philadelphia or New York.

Cajas, an energetic Peruvian native who designs upscale wedding cakes, collected business cards from more than 100 local vendors who face the same frustrating misconception.

He decided to do something.

Cajas created "Dream Weddings," a reality TV show spotlighting central Pennsylvania couples and vendors. The Emmy-nominated show, now in its second season, airs at noon Sundays on WGAL.

"We want people to feel, to cry, to laugh," said Cajas, who hosts the show. "That's what a wedding is. That's what we're putting on TV."

Fellow Giant or Walmart shoppers now recognize Cajas as "the wedding guy." But his own dream doesn't end with being on TV.

In March, he will launch a semiannual "Dream Weddings" magazine to showcase local vendors and trends, such as jewelry-studded bouquets and colored shoes for brides.

"The ladder for me is infinite," Cajas said. "I want to be known for the premiere, the ultimate."

Hometown: Lima, Peru. We moved to central Pennsylvania when I was 10.

Residence: Millersville. My house is small, with no character. I'm never home.

Age: 37 (Shhh ...).

Family: Parents Ivan and Carmen, brothers Ivan and David, nephews Gage and Dominic, all of York County

Education: I studied international business at Penn State. I learned baking and cake-decorating with former House of Clarendon owner Julie Bashore.

My first job: Busboy at El Serrano (which my uncle owns) when I was 12. I later managed the Lancaster location. I also modeled in New York City.

What I like most about my job: I love, love, love creating.

The toughest part: Necessary tasks like accounting and payroll,

I couldn't do without: My bakers, TV crew and sponsors. I owe this to them.

On my day off: I don't get days off. If I have two free hours, I watch a movie or go with friends to dinner downtown, to support local businesses.

Best advice I ever got: To ask questions. How are you going to learn if you don't? I got this from my mother.

A philosophy that guides me through life: Be true to yourself, and don't lie. The truth always comes out.

I'd really like to meet: Oprah. Look where she started. I saw her going up the ladder, and it was amazing. And God. We're all here for a reason. I want to know that reason sometimes.

My favorite music: A little bit of everything — classical, Top 40. Believe it or not, I love country music. It's about real life. I absolutely adore Spanish music. I'm not into heavy metal, though I'm sure it's good music.

I'd love to visit: Europe, especially Spain and France. And I will.

What you'll always find in my refrigerator: Ice cream, orange juice and water. That's it.

My culinary specialty: I don't cook. I can't even boil water sometimes. I'm a snob when it comes to food. I love homemade and gourmet food. I love a good tuna steak or seafood.

Favorite restaurant: The Belvedere Inn, especially the Caesar salad. Also Gibraltar, and La Costena for authentic Peruvian cuisine. I'm obsessed. I'm there at least once or twice a week.

My guilty pleasure: Ice cream — especially Turkey Hill Cookies 'N Cream. And "upscale" reality TV shows.

I'd like to learn: To speak French, play the piano and ski.

My thoughts on Valentine's Day: It's marketing (Thank you, Hallmark.). To be honest, I don't care for Valentine's Day. Only one day to show your love? Valentine's Day should be every day.

What we look for in a "Dream Weddings" couple: A story, like a ridiculous proposal or a tough time they endured. We don't want people who met at a bar. That's OK, but not for TV.

The economy's impact on wedding cakes: People still want high-end cakes, just with fewer tiers for fewer guests.

Favorite cake flavor: Dark chocolate with raspberry filling or pink champagne with champagne mousse filling.

Best wedding cake I've designed: Having all these cakes is like having multiple children. You don't have a favorite. You love them all.

Most romantic wedding moment: When the bride and groom are dancing and they are so engrossed in each other, you feel like they're the only people in the room. To me, that's beauty.

Advice for couples who are planning a wedding: Don't get a loan, please. You don't want to start your new beginning in debt. If you don't have enough money, wait another year. Get a second job — or a third job.

mschweigert@lnpnews.com