For me, as a wedding cake maker and designer, I feel it’s really important to seek out new things that will provide inspiration. I want to keep feeling a passion for the cakes I design and I want those designs to come about organically – to be inspired by things I see in nature, in architecture, in art. But I also find it comes from connecting with other people in the industry and sharing creative ideas. So this year, I decided to join in on a fine art retreat for wedding suppliers held at the beautiful Boconnoc estate in Cornwall. I have to say, just being in that lovely part of the country felt good for the soul with fresh air so clean!
The whole retreat proved to be such a wonderful experience. We got to indulge in delicious meals that were presented to us on tables exquisitely styled by Amy. We had time to really connect with incredible wedding suppliers, to talk about work and life and what fuels our creativity. I was so excited to provide cakes for the styled shoots, which meant I also got to be on the shoot team as well as an attendee. We were treated to such splendid visual creativity – it was a real joy for the senses.
Since the retreat, I’ve noticed that it’s given me greater confidence and strengthened my design ethos. Spending time with Brigitte, and understanding how she approaches her floral design has had an impact on how I style fresh flowers on my cake. I’ve always wanted to showcase the natural beauty of flowers, but in Brigitte’s words, I want to “let nature speak for itself”. For recent shoots, I’ve been echoing nature’s elements in buttercream design details on the cake. I can’t wait to share these designs with you in months to come.
Here are some photos from our final dinner which, for me, was the most dreamy colour palette with peaches, blush pink, pops of deep burgundy and crimson. I just adored all the Spring blooms and accompanied by elegant styling, this table was another visual and sensory delight!
On our final morning we got to learn first-hand from Brigitte about how she arranges flowers and learn about her eco-conscious approach. Extra thought and equipment is needed to keep the flowers’s thirst quenched without using foam (oasis), but if it means avoiding putting toxic foam into the environment – then I think that’s definitely the way that all florists should be going. Here is the talented lady at work from earlier in the retreat:
I have to say a big, big thank you to Amy & Hannah who put together this wonderful retreat. So much care and thought was put into it and they never failed to be attentive to all the attendees. I love this moment captured between the two of them, which really says a lot about the whole retreat. So much fun and laughter, new friendships made, existing friendships strengthened. I’m so glad I went! Xx
Co-host, creative direction & styling: www.thetimelessstylist.co.uk
Co-host, photography direction: www.hannahduffy.com
Floral design: www.mossandstone.co.uk
Venue: www.boconnoc.com
Planning assistance: www.ardourandbow.co.uk
Photography assistance: www.camillaarnholdphotography.com
Floral assistance: www.viridisflowerstudio.com
Tableware: www.duchessandbutler.com
Fine art stationery: www.fineartcalligraphy.co.uk
Linen & ribbons: www.katecullen.co.uk