The Pretty Cake Company Archives

When modern styling meets a truly historic backdrop… there really is nothing better. Today’s shoot comes from the heart of Oxford, with a super creative collaboration of wedding suppliers who transformed the space into something truly special. Thank you lovely Katie (Katie Lou Weddings) for sending in this submission for our blog – we are in LOVE with this look! There’s a full supplier list just below. Over to Katie!

I am lucky enough to be a preferred supplier at the Bodleian Library @bodleianlibrayweddings and have wanted to create a serpentine tablescape under the intricate gothic vaulted ceiling for some time. The wedding team were the best and gave me free rein, working alongside a five star team of suppliers – the shoot was taken to the next level and I was utterly delighted with the photos and video.

Bodleian Library wedding supplier list

Venue – https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/venue-hire/weddings
Planner and stylist – https://www.katielouweddings.com/
Tablescape and set up – https://www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk/
Florist – https://www.fabulousflowers.biz/weddings.htm
Photographer – https://poppycarterportraits.com/
Videographer – https://bylumiere.co.uk/
Hair and makeup – https://www.rachaelcapocci.com/
Dress – https://kyhastudios.com/ from https://elliesanderson.co.uk/
Tux – https://www.reiss.com/mens
Cake – https://www.theprettycakecompany.com/
Stationery – https://www.luccastudios.co.uk/
Lighting – https://www.regencychandeliers.co.uk/ and That Event Company – https://www.that-event.com/
Chandelier stands – @weddingmetalart no website
Tableware and chairs – https://www.options-greathire.co.uk/
Serpentine tables – https://eventhireuk.com/
Linen – https://www.just4linen.co.uk/
Models – @danielle_sewell33

The theme of the shoot was modern city chic with a black and white colour palette and hanging chandelier lights to create a modern, elegant style.

The groom and bride are a real couple @danielle_sewell33, the bride wore the stunning, Phoebe by @chosenbykyha from @elliesaundersonbridal a structured minimalist dress with tulle off-the-shoulder sleeves and with a large bow at the back.

Makeup was kept natural with hair in a chic updo with @oxfordshirebridalhairandmakeup signature Hollywood waves to the front section and elegant hair accessories @thebobbypinuk. The groom looked dashing in @reiss white tie, a gorgeous white velvet jacket and black bow tie.

The florals @fabulousweddingflowers were breathtaking and continued the monochrome colour palette on both the tablescape and in the bouquet of delicate white anemone with dramatic black eyes, graceful yet so eye-catching.

A bespoke stationery suite from the talented @lucca_studios gave a refined and romantic feel from the initial floral crest and handwritten calligraphy envelopes and ribbon to the frosted acrylic signage and modern hanging material table plan.

The cake @theprettycakecompany was a three tier masterpiece with different textures and finishes complete with large black bow.

The hanging chandeliers were the showstopper. Like many I have seen gorgeous pictures from Crescent Moon Events and this was the luxury look I was after an affordable rate. @regencychandeliers from Cheltenham have recently started rental pieces and Aurelin set in antique brass gave the wow I had lusted after. @weddingmetalart made bespoke stands to hold the chandeliers which worked perfectly over both the serpentine and round tables and now available to hire. Huge thank you to Matthew from Fabulous Flowers for going above and beyond in his courier services and making the chandelier dream a reality.

The tablescape was a joy to work on with beautiful textured linen from @just4linen and gorgeous furniture, crockery, cutlery and glassware from @optionsgreathire. The meteor plates made the table pop with its hand painted finish and 24 carat gold mesh, the plates worked perfectly teamed with modern black neo cutlery. The fabulous @oxfordfinedining team had the patience of saints getting the linen to hang right on the serpentine table and put together the champagne tower which added a modern twist to the day.

Separate photographer @poppycarterportraits and videographer @bylumiere teams worked together with the gorgeous light beaming through the high windows and captured the essence of the day perfectly and the stunning architecture in and around the library. (We’ll publish the amazing video on our instagram today!)

This image by videographers Lumiere; all other images by Poppy Carter Photography

styled shoot

City chic monochrome magic at the Bodleian Library in Oxford

By Claire Gould, 3 years ago

Let’s make Friday amazing with a beautiful editorial feature from lovely Mel at Your Story Events. I’ve been so excited to share this with you – it’s dreamy and beautiful, with French vibes and the most adorable couple!

With Valentine’s and Christmas just behind us, I feel it’s a nice opportunity to explain styled shoots and why we feature them. This isn’t a real wedding, it’s a creative project from a (super talented!) group of wedding suppliers who’ve taken time out to inspire you. I LOVE styled shoots because they show folks like you and me the very BEST ideas for wedding styling – and this is the loveliest example!

I will hand over to lovely Mel from Your Story Events, who’s done a little write up on behalf of the team. Do check them out – there’s a supplier list for you just below. And have a wonderful Friday!

This dreamy, rustic-luxe wedding editorial shoot offers charming, French vibes set in the beautiful English countryside.

The shoot took place in the gorgeous Barn Wedding Venue at Caswell House and was captured by Tanya Flanagan Photography in her romantic, fine art style. The day was planned by me, Mel, from Your Story Events, along with Lauren Daisy, our Stationery Designer.

We wanted to illustrate how luxe-styled weddings can absolutely work in rustic venues. Achieving our vision by using soft palettes of neutral, pastel blues and soft lilacs, styled with elegant tableware, textured linen and padded Louis-style chairs. For the stationery, Lauren created a bespoke Caswell House Collection with a unique venue drawing to capture the location’s essence. The tableware was supplied by Wren Ark, while Northfields provided the linen.

The flowers by Blue & Boheme were stunning; overflowing meadow arrangements were used for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and tied in beautifully with the look of the shoot; adding to the authentic rustic, farmhouse vibe. The table centrepieces consisted of pretty bud vases with tall dining candles to create a romantic glow. Whilst the Barn provided a wonderful backdrop of light stone, which meant the colour palette complemented perfectly. A magnificent cake was designed by the Pretty Cake Company, with beautiful colour and textures for an elegant finish.

Our real-life model couple, Beki and George, looked flawless. Our elegant bride wore a strapless dress from Butterfly Bridal Boutique, while delicate jewellery and shoes completed Beki’s look – provided by Fiona Lucy and Harriet Wilde. Danielle from Pinned with love Hair styled Beki’s romantic updo and the bridal make-up by Beth Sell Make-up Artist.

George dressed in a blue tweed jacket and suit from Dragonfly Menswear to complement the rest of the shoot. The wedding celebrant, Meg Senior Ceremonies, conducted the ceremony in a coordinating outfit and brought her fun energy to the day. Finally, the shoot included Dita Bowen capturing the gorgeous day on video for us all to enjoy.