A blog series introducing you to some of my favourite suppliers in the wedding industry. They will be telling you a little bit about themselves and offering some pearls of wisdom for planning your wedding day.

Charlene is an exceptionally talented baker based in Buckinghamshire. She creates stunning, unique wedding cakes.

Over to you Charlene…..

Hello! I'm Charlene Russell and I'm the face behind Cherry Tree Cakerie, a bespoke wedding cake designer. I live with my husband and our treasured tabby cat, Marley, in a small Buckinghamshire village, although we're Londoners born and bred. We enjoy the simple things in life, such as time with family and friends, sunshine, good food and cake! In terms of cake, my style is far from traditional and speaks to creative couples who are looking for something unique and artistic for their wedding. Inspired by nature and art, I use a lot of texture and colour to make beautiful, romantic wedding cakes that reflect the style and personalities of my couples. Although my style is alternative, it's not novelty, my cakes are different but still beautiful grown-up designs

I started my business full time in 2017 and have since made over 100 wedding cakes.

Image Courtesy of The Oxford Wedding Blog

Image Courtesy of Maxeen Kim Photography

I got married at Stratton Court Barn in Oxfordshire. It was a relaxed affair with a vintage afternoon tea and a wood-fired pizza van and luxury ice cream in the evening! It was important to us that the day was chilled and enjoyable for our guests with no standing on ceremony. We chose suppliers that were recommended by the venue but that fit with our style and ethos and with whom we clicked - that's so important. It was a beautiful day and I'm very proud to now be a recommended supplier at the venue, which is very special.

Image Courtesy of Poppy Carter Portraits

I've been making cakes as a hobby for many years since I did an evening course on a whim! Given I love cake and art, it was the obvious choice for an evening course and for many years it was only ever an expensive hobby until I decided I wanted to leave the corporate world and do something creative. As an executive PA, I have always been highly organised and process driven but there has always been an artistic side of me bursting to break free. After finding myself in a rut and approaching a big birthday, I felt the time was right to take the leap into the world of self-employment and making wedding cakes seemed to be the natural choice! I love working in the wedding industry and I haven't looked back.

Image Courtesy of Richard Galloway Photography

I absolutely love the design process and drawing on a couple's ideas and inspiration to create something beautiful and unique to them is the most rewarding aspect of the whole process. I'm also at my happiest with a paintbrush in hand, making hand painted cakes and creating beautiful wafer paper flowers.

Image courtesy of Maya Kemp Photography

Do you have a favourite wedding theme?

Ooh this is difficult but if pushed I would have to say boho luxe...if that's a thing! Something artistic with a bohemian feel and a touch of luxury accompanied by beautiful florals and warm colours.

Do You Have A Favourite Wedding Venue?

I love venues with character and one of my favourites is The Bodleian Libraries in Oxford, where I'm lucky enough to be a recommended supplier. The sheer beauty of its architecture is stunning and it has a brilliant wedding planning team too. I also love Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire; its grandeur and quirkiness is the perfect backdrop for an elegant and creative wedding. Every room is carefully designed and a triumph of interior design. The floating giraffe is a must-see!

Where would you love to work one day?

Given my love of characterful buildings, I think Blenheim Palace would be a special venue to work at. I would love to create a multi-tiered showstopper!!

A massive thank you to the lovely Anna for being part of this blog series!

Fancy a chat about your wedding photography?