A talented wedding cake designer based in Loughgall has made a name for herself in the world of bespoke cakes with her business, The Sweet Life by Lauren.
Since launching during the lockdown, Lauren Armstrong who hails from Dungannon has turned her passion for baking into a thriving enterprise, specialising in stunning wedding cakes that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Married in November 2023, Lauren’s journey into the world of cake making began while she was living in Australia. After spending a year in the land down under, where she was working as a chef, Lauren returned home in June 2020.
Faced with the challenge of finding work in a mid-lockdown world, she decided to channel her creativity into something meaningful. With a simple Facebook page showcasing a photo of her cupcakes for Father’s Day, Lauren was overwhelmed by the response, receiving over 100 orders almost over night.
Her experiences in Australia, combined with her culinary background, have greatly influenced her cake designs and flavours.
Speaking to UrbanABC Lauren said, “I had been in Australia for a year by the time the pandemic hit and had planned to stay another yet. Everything went into lockdown. I took it as a calling to come home”.
“I had never been short of work, but in the middle of a lockdown it was very hard to find work. I was getting more and more frustrated and one night decided to start a Facebook page with photos of cupcakes that I had made.
“I didn’t expect it to take off so well and literally within 24 hours I had over 100 orders”
Lauren draws inspiration from her time working in prestigious venues such as Adare Manor in Limerick and Lough Erne Resort in Fermanagh.
These experiences have allowed her to develop unique recipes and techniques. Being a cake designer, Lauren embodies a delightful blend of creativity and technical skill.
She transforms simple ingredients into stunning edible works of art that evoke emotion and celebrate special moments. Every cake she creates tells a story, whether it’s a whimsical wedding cake adorned with intricate decorations or a fun birthday cake that captures the personality of the celebrant.
This process requires not only her keen eye for design but also an understanding of flavours and textures, ensuring that each creation is as delicious as it is beautiful.
The Sweet Life by Lauren has quickly become a go-to choice for a variety of events, including weddings, christenings, and other special occasions.
Lauren’s commitment to quality and creativity has not gone unnoticed; she recently received a nomination for Northern Ireland Wedding Cake Maker of the Year 2023, a testament to her dedication and talent in the industry. Additionally, she was recognised as the Northern Ireland Wedding Cake Maker of the Year in County Armagh for 2025.
Adding to her accolades Lauren was named winner of Wedding Cake Designer for Northern Ireland 2023, and winner of the Global Rounds at the International Wedding Awards 2024.
Of the Countryside Alliance Awards Lauren says “I received a letter to tell me I had been nominated and had made it through to the final. When I looked into it a bit more I discovered I was one of only six small independent businesses in the finals across Northern Ireland”.
Looking ahead, Lauren is excited about the future. With plans to continue expanding her business, she aims to reach even more clients and create stunning cakes that make unforgettable memories.
As she moves toward wholesaling and catering to larger events, Lauren remains committed to maintaining the high standards and personalised service that have made her a standout choice in the Northern Ireland wedding scene.
The Sweet Life by Lauren is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and hard work can lead to success. With her eye for detail and commitment to excellence, Lauren is poised to become one of the leading wedding cake makers in Northern Ireland, creating sweet moments for couples on their special day.
