“Cakes have always been at the forefront of joyous events. Today, I work with clients to create original cakes that capture their unique style and add to the joy of their special occasions”, says Roxanne Wickware from Roxycakes and I must admit that’s the first thing that crosses my mind when I see a wonderful cake – the love and passion of the maker!

And that’s exactly the reason why I love Roxy’s cakes and her approach on the modern wedding. Here are a couple of questions I’ve sent her and her lovely answers. Enjoy and don’t forget that this article must be read only after eating a delicious piece of cake (it’s a must!).

1. When did you decide to become a cake designer and why did you find this domain interesting?

I’ve always had talent in visual arts but never knew how to translate my skills into a full-time job, so I settled for another career. One day on a break, I walked into a book store and flipped through a book of wedding cakes. I had a light bulb moment. That very day, I booked a week off work and attended a workshop called Introduction to Cake Design. A week later, I resigned from my job and signed up for a full-time internship in cake design. I enjoyed what I did before, but everything felt forced and unnatural. Suddenly, everything came naturally and felt completely right. That’s how I knew I was headed in the right direction.

2. Talk us trough the first years of you work. Maybe you could tell us what did change in time?

Before I opened my doors for business, I spent a lot of time honing my skills and fine-tuning my recipes. I worked with local shops, offering free samples to their clients in exchange for feedback. I also found my own style and built a portfolio around it, which I hoped would set me apart from competitors. Clients used to come with specific ideas in mind and often, with photos of cakes they wanted me to replicate. Now, they ask for ideas and hope that together, we’ll come up with the perfect design.

3. Why should a bride-to-be choose one of your designs?

I think my clients choose to work with me because they know they’re not just notes on a clipboard. I do my best to understand their vision, and the best ideas emerge when everyone’s on the same page.

4. Do tell us a bit more about your inspiration sources.

My clients are definitely my greatest source of inspiration. I also draw inspiration from textures and colours combination in landscapes and architecture.

5. Have you got any piece you’ve created and that has a very special meaning for you? Can you describe it or can show us a picture?

I’m always looking for ways to incorporate the couples’ personalities into their cake, but when one of my clients approached me with the idea of making their wedding cake resemble their favourite books, I thought it may be too much personality. We got to know each other well over the months leading up to their wedding and by the time I delivered this creation, I couldn’t imagine any other cake for their wedding, it was just perfect. This one means a lot to me because it really breaks boundaries and shows that the possibilities are endless!

6. From your point of view, how should a perfect wedding be like?

In my opinion, the perfect weddings are the ones when you walk into the room and you instantly get a feel for what this couple values, what they’re about and where they plan on going together. To me, it’s not in the budget but in the details. An invitation hand-drawn by a talented friend can feel as rich as the thickest and finest letterpress.

7. And tell us what would you offer and, maybe, other brands can’t.

I think couples who are looking for something unique are drawn to my business because they see the cakes in my portfolio and feel that I’ll be able to realize their vision. Other than that, a lot of laughs and wild imagination!

8. Last but not least, do you have any advice for FashionBride readers?

When you’re ready to select a wedding cake, the first step should be to browse cakes online and in bookstores. Gather photos of cakes that really catch your eye, as these will give your cake designer insight into your personal style. Examine the photos and determine what they all have in common. It may be flowers or even their simplicity. From there, begin browsing the online portfolios of cake designers in your area. If you’re drawn to floral cakes, narrow down the designers who make the best sugar flowers. If it’s simplicity, then find the ones with the most immaculate execution, and so forth. Set up consultations and follow your intuition; select the one you feel most at ease with, as you’ll be in contact with them over the next few months. Finally, have fun with it and let your imagination guide you!