Having established Cake Design by Holly Miller in 2016, the last (near-enough) decade has seen me work with discerning couples across the UK, while evolving my style over the years and refining the exclusive experience I offer along the way. From the understated and elegant, right through to designs that embrace ‘avant-garde’, to this very day I still find a huge amount of joy in crafting exquisite edible artistry in the form of wedding cakes and luxe dessert tables.
I have always been aware of The Wedding Industry Awards, which showcases the talents, creativity and hard work of businesses across the UK. It has taken me many years to build the courage to enter – much alike many business owners I’m sure, I have experienced imposter syndrome and haven’t felt as though I could enter. Then, to win, really does mean the world to me and it’s an indescribable feeling that will never get old.
The awards also offered a wonderful opportunity for suppliers to gather together to reflect and celebrate, while honouring key players and recognising the contribution that business owners have made towards the industry. There is no doubt that the awards are a gentle but important reminder of what a collaborative community we are a part of in the industry. The support from other suppliers has also shone through throughout this magical experience – it really does make me count my lucky stars to be a part of something so special!
This year, my business was pitched against the regional finalists in the South West of the UK, before winning and being put forward for the nationals. Hosted in London in January 2024, I found myself up against seven other incredibly talented wedding cake makers for the nationals. The awards procedure is highly regarded and is notoriously difficult to win, with some of the greatest names and most creative suppliers in the wedding industry in attendance. The awards themselves are client-voted and then professionally judged, where previous couples had to take the time to cast their votes before I answered questions about the business and submitted imagery of my most coveted cake creations. Notably, couples commented on the quality of my wedding cakes and exceptional client service.
The night of the awards arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. With my husband, Dan, in tow, I donned a stunning Temperley dress (as I am based in Somerset, I wanted to show my support to businesses in the same area and therefore chose to wear a Somerset designer). The style was a floor length metallic number (which offered just the right amount of sparkle).
The wonderful Leanna Biggs put up my hair and applied my make-up, before setting off for out big night.
In the months leading up to the awards, I barely slept as it had taken a lot for me to enter in the first place. As my name was called, I couldn’t have been happier to have won the National Wedding Award for the Wedding Cake category. Receiving so many wonderful votes and the loveliest feedback made the last year of cake making feel so rewarding – especially because I love what I do so much. There is no better feeling than receiving an award based on real nominations while being judged by top industry experts. It’s a moment I will always treasure and I was of course, absolutely thrilled to win!
It has also been wonderful seeing my work featured in the likes of various newspapers, blog features and so much more! It certainly is a ‘pinch me’ moment when you see your work gracing the likes of the BBC, 5 Star Weddings, across wedding blogs and in glossy magazines. You can see even more of my work over on the Instagram page or get in touch to find out more about my upcoming availability for weddings in 2024/25.
But once again, to those who voted and to those who believed in me – thank you!
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