Edible Illusion: Matisse-Inspired Cake Vases at Wilderness Reserve
- Imogen
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Bespoke Cake Design and Array's 2026 Furniture Collection at Sibton Park Orangery
Making an edible vase is something I’ve wanted to do for years but never had the right occasion. Luckily the visionary team of Danielle and Yas from Array Wedding and Event Hire brought me the perfect opportunity and a beautifully styled setting to show them off.
The Vision for the Wilderness Reserve Shoot
When Array first approached me in Autumn 25 with the concept for a styled shoot in the magnificent Sibton Park Orangery, I was instantly on board. I’ve worked with these lovely ladies on multiple exciting projects and I always love the briefs they provide. Danielle had designed a new range of outdoor furniture and were planning on showcasing the finished designs at this impressive location.
“From concept to creation
What began in Autumn 2025 as part of our design journey for the 2026 furniture collection has come to life in the most breathtaking way at The Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk.
Day one - an editorial photoshoot capturing every curated detail.
Day two - an exclusive FAM experience, inviting guests to step inside the design and immerse themselves in the setting.” Array Wedding and Event Hire
Here are a few cakes I’ve made in collaboration with Array.
Inspiration: Henri Matisse and Bespoke Cake Design
This brief was an absolute delight and really spoke to the artist in me. Inspired by the early, painterly style of Henri Matisse, focusing specifically on his artworks in pastel tones, rather than the more commonly recognized, brightly coloured cutout shapes he is famous for.
Array sent me over a moodboard but prefaced the sending with a call to explain the cake inspiration page. From working with me in the past, they know that I prefer to be inspired by non-cake based imagery. I much prefer to look at a space, some texture, architectural details etc rather than being shown a type of cake design that’s already been done.
When they called to explain that the cake page had vases on and not cakes, I was delighted! I’ve been wanting to make an edible vase for years as I’m always so obsessed with using florals on my cakes but I hadn’t had the opportunity to make one until now!
Crafting the Edible Cake Vases
I played around with a few modern vase ideas but quickly realised that with the concept of the vases being illusion cakes, they needed to look more obviously vase shaped.
A second round of sketches were done and confirmed and I got on with designing patterns for each vase using elements taken from the gorgeous, block printed tablecloths in Array’s hire range.
I made a trio of edible* cake vases in simple classic urn shapes. I chose to make them in a flat front style rather than fully rounded to bring a contemporary look which also reflected the later, paper cut artwork by Matisse.
*Not strictly true as only one had actually cake inside, but all were covered in sugarpaste and painted with edible colours so they replicate exactly what a real cake would look like.
Each vase had a secret chamber to safely contain the flower stems in water. Beautiful flowers were provided by Figa & Co. It’s very rare that I allow a florist to add flowers to one of my cakes, and most of my florist friends have told me that they prefer it that way! But on this occasion I was happy to hand my vases over to Kim to fill with some lovely cascading tulips and a few delicate blossom branches.
Designing the Display and The FAM Experience
The space underwent an incredible transformation on the day of the shoot, thanks to Boomting Bunting's work with textured drapes and layered fabric pillars.
The plan was always to display the cakes in the slender arched alcove, but the exact platform for them was undecided. We had considered various options, including plinths and a draped shelf. However, on the day, I was drawn to the simplicity of a curved board designed to fit snugly into the alcove, featuring a gentle round curve at the front. I quickly made a cardboard template, which Coby, the carpenter from Array, then cut for me out of wood. This highlights the joy of collaborative, on-site creativity: you have an idea, and you can instantly bring it to life!
This custom board was placed atop a very tall plinth, raising the cakes to the perfect height to be a focal point at the end of the serpentine tablescape.
The day after our photoshoot, the space was transformed for an exclusive FAM experience. This allowed guests to step inside the design and fully immerse themselves in the setting. As an extra treat, one of my cake vases was revealed, cut, and served to the guests as an additional dessert.
“Inspired by Henri Matisse, this shoot celebrates organic forms, playful silhouettes, and a rich harmony of colour and texture. Every detail was intentionally curated from layered styling, organic-shaped dining tables, and edible cake vases to ethereal drapery, thoughtfully considered outdoor furniture, a bespoke modular bar, interactive hand drawn stationery, and fresh spring florals.
A true collaboration with some of the most incredible creatives in the industry, bringing vision, craftsmanship, and artistry together in one unforgettable, fully immersive experience.
This is more than a collection it's a story told through design.” Array Wedding and Event Hire
Here’s the beautiful new range of outdoor furniture from Array:
“A new collection, thoughtfully designed.
Introducing The Aurelia - striped green metal garden lounge set, The Rosalie - green and pink tiled bar, The Gwyneth - pouffes and The Vivienne - bar stools.
Inspired by the tones of Henri Matisse and a subtle French Riviera influence, these pieces were designed to bring colour, character and softness to outdoor spaces.
Designed by Array and made by local suppliers, adding to our ever-evolving collection.“ Array Wedding and Event Hire
The stationery was by my good friend Kate from I Like Pens Studio and she created an exquisite suite to complete the scheme. There was an interactive invitation and cut out name tags with lovely hand drawn designs.
“We're in awe of every detail curated by a team of talented and local creatives within the events industry who collaborated with our dedicated team to create this beautiful setting.
Our collection of barns, manors and unique venues can be transformed into unique and impressive spaces suited to a range of events and celebrations” Wilderness Reserve
Commission Your Custom Illusion Cake Vase
Bring your creative vision to life. Edge by Imogen Davison specialises in unique illusion cakes, tailor-made to be the centerpiece of your celebration.
Ready to create a show-stopping, edible illusion for your next event?
Whether you're inspired by art, architecture, or a specific design brief, let's collaborate on a bespoke cake that pushes the boundaries of possibility.
Suppliers involved:
Concept, design, styling, decor and furniture: @arrayweddingandeventhire
Venue: @wildernessreserve
Photography: @emilytylerphoto
BTS content creator/photographer: @yasminthorpphotography
Florals: @Figaandco
Draping: @boomtingbunting
Stationer: @ilikepensstudio
Cake: @edge_by_imogen_davison
Event Planning: @victorialornaevents
Scenting & Gifting: @Jomalonelondon
Comments