Our Story: The Beginning of Oak & Wilde

Oak & Wilde began in the most unexpected way—at a wedding, with a special gift that sparked a passion.

A warm welcome from myself, Mark and my wife, Rose. We're excited to introduce you to Oak & Wilde.

As a school teacher, I’ve always had a love for two things: English literature and woodworking. By day, I taught English and woodworking to students, but it was a moment outside the classroom that led to the creation of Oak & Wilde. When I was asked to be the best man at my best friend’s wedding, I wanted to give a gift that was as meaningful and unique as the occasion. After searching high and low for something special, I realised nothing I found truly captured the sentiment I wanted to convey.

So, I decided to make one myself.

Using the equipment from the school’s workshop, I crafted a personalised gift, along with a bespoke oak guest book. When I presented them at the wedding, I had no idea what kind of response they would get. But as soon as people saw them, they were blown away. The gift and guest book became conversation pieces throughout the night, with several guests asking if I could create similar items for their weddings.

And that’s where the journey began.

From Passion to Craftsmanship

Inspired by the overwhelming feedback, I started to create more handmade, oak-based products, focusing on wedding stationery and gifts. What started as a personal gesture quickly turned into something more. I realised there was a need for beautiful, handcrafted items that had heart and meaning—something beyond mass produced products. Oak & Wilde became a way for me to combine my love of nature, my skills in woodworking, and my passion for creativity.

Why "Oak & Wilde"?

The name Oak & Wilde carries deep significance for us. We work primarily with natural, sustainably sourced oak—a wood that embodies strength, endurance, and timeless beauty, much like the keepsakes we create. The “Wilde” in our name holds a double meaning. Firstly, it represents the wild beauty of the New Forest, a place that both my wife, Rose and I love and that inspires much of our work. Secondly, it reflects my admiration for the literary genius Oscar Wilde, whose wit, creativity, and appreciation for beauty resonate with our brand’s values. Together, Oak & Wilde symbolises our dedication to crafting meaningful, natural products that tell a story.

A Family-Run Business with Heart

Today, Oak & Wilde is a family-run business based in the New Forest, where the natural beauty of the area inspires each piece we create. Every item is hand finished with care, from wedding stationery to custom gifts, ensuring that what you receive is more than just a product—it’s a part of our story, crafted to become a part of yours.