While my parents have lived in Cambridge for many years and so I’ve somehow either been in or photographed in the majority of the colleges this was my first job as a Clare College wedding photographer and it was such a lovely day from beginning to end!
Melissa and Chris actually bucked tradition with their wedding as they decided they only wanted close friends and family at their ceremony. They had their civil ceremony on the Friday at Clare College with just family and their bridal party. They picked Clare College as Chris’ Dad has been the master there for many years so it was actually Chris’ childhood home as well. A perfect spot.
The ceremony was made doubly special by Liz, a close friend of Chris’ through his love of cricket, who happens to also be a registrar, officiating their wedding for them. She was also the loveliest registrar I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting!
After the ceremony they had some drinks in the beautiful fellows garden which is never open to the public so a rare treat for their guests. And then a quiet dinner with just their families and bridal party.
On the Saturday, they had a bigger celebration in a marquee in the stunning gardens of Melissa’s home (everyone’s homes got a look in!).
Although when they first told me about their plans I wasn’t sure I understood the splitting of the days, it was a really lovely way to have both a really intimate ceremony and a wider party that still felt like a massive celebration with all their friends so I totally got it.
A cricket themed marquee held their formal dinner. I loved all the cricket themed table names and name cards, a nod to Chris’ long-standing involvement with the local cricket club.
The crowd got a bit wild, which I’d been told was to be expected with all of Chris’ cricket team in attendance but between brilliant speeches (complete with amazing reactions from Melissa), a vintage photo booth and the great Right Hook Band that got everyone dancing, this was an absolute corker of a wedding!
If you’re looking for a Clare College wedding photographer or would like to chat about gorgeous, joy-filled wedding photography in general then take a look at that link for more photos and all the information and then definitely get in touch – I can’t wait to hear all about your big day!
