I love Christmas. At my own wedding our first dance was to ‘All I want for Christmas’ – and we got married in September! So when a couple ask me to photograph their Christmas wedding I’m always really excited. Aly & Hugh both studied at Cambridge University although they met later on. Aly was working at Clare College and they chose to get married there in the stunning Clare Chapel filled with beautiful winter wedding flowers and carols from the college choir. Aly & Hugh had a first look by Clare Bridge as they wanted to walk down the aisle together. First looks are often lovely, especially for winter weddings where sunset can be as early as 3.50pm in Cambridge.
Aly chose a stunning silk wedding dress by talented British bridal designer Andrea Hawkes with thin straps and a low v-back paired with a lace cover up, while Hugh was handsome in a kilt in his family tartan and a handy red handkerchief he passed to Aly in the ceremony. After their ceremony they braved the cold for misty portraits by the river, before heading into Clare College Hall with it’s towering Christmas tree for their wedding reception, speeches and wedding cake of cheeses. Later still they headed with their guests to the cozy underground bar for drinks and dancing.
Aly kindly wrote about the process of working with me from our initial chat through to the images being delivered so you can get a sense from her of what it’s like to work with me:
“Initially, the thought of wedding photography (and perhaps even of ‘proper weddings’ in general!) came with some reservations: might it feel intrusive or unnatural? With Hannah photographing our wedding, nothing could be further from the truth. Hannah’s gentle, friendly presence is itself a part of the day that we remember fondly -as well, of course, as having a wonderful set of beautiful pictures to look back on. From the initial meeting to talk through our plans, Hannah helped us refine details and bring the day into focus. The engagement shoot was more fun than we could ever have imagined and a lovely way for her reluctant subjects to relax in front of the camera! Attentive to small and personal details, sensitive to all the emotions a wedding brings on, Hannah was a warm-hearted enthusiast, sharing in the delight of the preparations and the day itself with us all along, while also being extremely calm, organized, and professional throughout. We’re thrilled with the pictures, they’re a real treasure. As well as many beautifully composed shots (seemingly effortlessly captured!) Hannah caught many moments that we hadn’t been aware of – which makes reliving the day through the photos even more wonderful! We’re so grateful to you Hannah – thank you!”
Thanks to the amazing team involved in this beautiful Christmas wedding:
- Venue Clare College Chapel and Clare College
- Ceremony by Jamie Hawkey with the Choir of Clare College
- Wedding dress by Andrea Hawkes Bridal
- Hair by Finn Jordan
- Shoes Rainbow Club
- Flowers Balsham House Flowers
- Veil Blossom and Bluebird
- Shawl Weddings by Laremi
- Earrings English Bridal Shop
- Hairpiece Victoria Harper Bridal Accessories
- Rings London Victorian Ring Co
- Kilt Stewart Christie & Co
- Stationery Olive & Millicent
- Seed packet favours Wildflower Favours
- Cheese cake Cambridge Cheese Company
- Clare College Cambridge wedding photographer Hannah Larkin
If you love the look of this Cambridge College Christmas wedding you might like to see what a summer Cambridge College wedding looks like! Or if you’re planning a winter wedding then this gorgeous barn wedding in the Cotswolds has plenty of inspiration for large celebrations – or this intimate London elopement for small winter wedding ideas. You can see more of my storytelling wedding photography here and I’d love to talk to you about capturing your special day – please send me a message.
