English Meadow Wedding at the Bodleian Library, Oxford

The English Meadow Wedding at the Bodleian Library, Oxford

There are weddings that take your breath away, and then there are weddings like Victoria and Andrew’s – celebrations that feel like stepping into a dream. Their story began in Oxford, and it was only fitting that they returned to the city that brought them together to promise forever. The Bodleian Library, with all its grandeur and history, provided the perfect setting for their English meadow–themed wedding, overflowing with love, florals, and unforgettable details.

As someone who had the honour of creating their wedding cake, I’m delighted not only to share their story, but also to reflect on how truly special this day was – for them, for their guests, and even for me as a supplier now recommended by the incredible Bodleian venue.

A Love Story Rooted in Oxford

Oxford is a city steeped in history, and for Victoria and Andrew, it’s also a city steeped in meaning. It was here that they first met, where conversations blossomed into connection, and where friendship grew into love. Returning to the place where their story began wasn’t just about choosing a venue – it was about honouring the journey they had taken together.

That sense of sentimentality infused every part of their wedding. The Bodleian Library, known for its stunning architecture and timeless atmosphere, became more than just a backdrop. It became a living symbol of where their love began and where their next chapter would unfold.

The Bodleian: A Grand Yet Gentle Setting

The Bodleian Library is undeniably one of the grandest venues in Oxford. Its soaring ceilings, rich history, and striking presence create an awe-inspiring stage for any couple’s wedding day. But what made Victoria and Andrew’s celebration so special was the way they paired that majesty with softness and warmth.

Their English meadow theme was woven beautifully into the day. Florals were everywhere – trailing across tables, tumbling from arrangements, and framing spaces in ways that softened the Bodleian’s grandeur with romance. The effect was nothing short of magical: a gentle meadow blooming within ancient stone walls.

The balance between grandeur and intimacy is what I’ll always remember about this day. Guests walked into a space that was undeniably impressive, yet instantly welcoming. It was both regal and heartfelt, a true reflection of Victoria and Andrew as a couple.

The Wedding Cake: A Floral, Vegan Masterpiece

One of the highlights of the day for me – and I know I may be biased – was the wedding cake. Victoria and Andrew knew they wanted something not only delicious but also deeply in keeping with their theme and values. They chose a fully vegan cake, which made the design and flavours all the more special.

The cake itself was a three-tiered creation, each tier offering its own unique flavour combination:

• Raspberry and coconut – a fresh, summery choice bursting with bright flavour.

• Lemon elderflower – light, floral, and perfectly suited to their meadow-inspired theme.

• Vanilla and wildberry – a classic base elevated by the sweetness and tang of berries.

Each tier brought something different to the table, ensuring that every guest could find a favourite slice. It was important to me that the cake didn’t just look stunning but tasted every bit as good as it appeared – and from the reactions of Victoria, Andrew, and their guests, it absolutely did.

A Design Inspired by Meadows in Bloom

For the design, we leaned into the floral theme with both piped and carved edible flowers. The result was a cake that felt like an extension of the wedding’s English meadow aesthetic – delicate, romantic, and alive with detail.

Piping edible flowers allowed for softness and intricacy, while the carved floral work added depth and artistry. Together, they created a cake that felt more like a living bouquet than a dessert. It became a centrepiece that reflected not only Victoria and Andrew’s theme but also their personalities – vibrant, joyful, and rooted in natural beauty. One of the most wonderful moments for me was seeing guests gather around the cake before it was cut, admiring the details and photographing it as though it were an art piece. To then hear that the flavour matched the appearance was the icing on the cake (no pun intended!).

Heartfelt Feedback That Meant the World

As a cake designer, my goal is always to create something that resonates with the couple and enhances their day. To hear such glowing feedback from both Victoria and Andrew, as well as from their guests, was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that people not only admired the cake but also enjoyed every bite made the hours of planning, baking, and decorating more than worth it.

For me, weddings like this are about more than the cake itself. They’re about being part of a story, adding a detail that guests will remember, and helping a couple’s vision come to life in edible form.

Becoming a Recommended Supplier at the Bodleian

This wedding was special for many reasons, but one personal milestone was being invited to join the Bodleian’s list of recommended suppliers. To have my work recognised at such a prestigious venue is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it feels like the perfect continuation of the story begun with Victoria and Andrew’s day.

The Bodleian is a venue that commands respect, and to be trusted as part of its supplier team is an honour. It means I’ll have the chance to return to this stunning setting and continue creating cakes that reflect the magic and individuality of each couple who chooses it.

A Celebration to Remember

Victoria and Andrew’s wedding at the Bodleian Library wasn’t just beautiful – it was meaningful. It was a celebration of a love story that began in Oxford, unfolding in the very city where it all started. It was a day where grandeur met softness, where history met romance, and where guests were surrounded by florals, joy, and laughter.

For me, it was a privilege to contribute to such a special occasion. From designing the cake to seeing the reactions on the day, every step was filled with creativity, joy, and gratitude. To Victoria and Andrew: thank you for trusting me with such an important part of your wedding. To future couples considering the Bodleian Library: know that this is a venue where history and love intertwine, and where every detail – even the cake – can be part of something unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on this wedding, I’m struck by how perfectly it captured the essence of what a wedding should be: personal, meaningful, and utterly unique to the couple. The Bodleian Library set the stage, the florals brought the softness, and the cake added its own edible artistry. It was a day of contrasts – grand and gentle, historic and personal – and that’s what made it so unforgettable. For me, it wasn’t just about creating a cake; it was about being part of Victoria and Andrew’s story, one that began in Oxford and will continue to unfold for years to come.

Here’s to many more love stories written in this incredible city – and to many more cakes that tell those stories in their own sweet way.

📌 If you’re planning your wedding at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, I would love to chat about how we can design a cake that reflects your own story and vision. As a recommended supplier for this iconic venue, it’s always a joy to bring a couple’s dream to life.

The wonderful team that pulled off this wedding were:

Venue @bodleianlibraryweddings

Photography by @weddingsbynicolaandglen

Florals @sarahharperflowers

Dress @suzanneneville

Shoes @betseyjohnson

Hair & Makeup @melissa_hairandmakeup

Catering @oxfordfinedining

Cake @bloomandcrumb

Stationery @lucca_studios

Celebrant @lovecelebrants

Production @tec_oxford

Getting Ready @thestoreoxford

On the Day Co-Ordination @occasion.queens

Strings @manorhousemusic

Vintage Car @vintagedaysout

Band Moonlight Mojo @entertainmentnationuk

Photobooth @flashfoxbooth