Musical Madingley Hall wedding – Louise & Phil

A shared love of music played a big part in the musical Madingley Hall wedding of sweethearts Louise and Phil.

Madingley Hall wedding

Louise studied at Queens, Cambridge and her magical musical day began by getting ready in the dorms where she used to live as a student. University friends and bridesmaids Louisa and Vicky as well as the bride’s mum joined her. Louise looked absolutely stunning in her dress, her father’s reaction was priceless.

Bridal shoes amongst autumn crocusses
Bride's personalised wedding gown
Bride in makeup, finishing touches on the lips
Hair stylists hands adjusting bridal hair to a curly knot with gorgeous hair piece
Bridemaid helping with a necklace
Gorgeous low illusion back wedding dress with pearl buttons
Smiling bride as she is getting into her lace applique wedding dress
Bridesmaids closing pearl buttons on the bride's dress
Adjusting the low hem of the bride's fit and flare wedding dress
Father of the bride getting a first glimpse
Crying father of the bride as he greets his daughter in her gorgeous wedding dress
Bride and bridesmaids walking to the chapel
Bridesmaids in purple dresses and bride giggling

I used a second photographer to help me capture the two ‘getting ready’ scenes. While I spent the morning with the bride, her mum and bridesmaids, my colleague covered the boys’ changing room. Their tasks included communicating via walkie-talkies to ensure no one saw the bride until the last minute!

Groom presenting his new watch - a present from his thoughtful wife - to the family
Groom's button hole with cream roses
Cambridge weddin photography - guests walking over the mathematical bridge

Queens’ College Chapel ceremony

The ceremony was in Queens’ College Chapel, which Louise had special permission to use, having been in the choir and knowing the minister well.

Queen's Chapel in Cambridge - Cambridge wedding photography
Groom waiting for his bride at the chapel

A string quartet accompanied her walk down the aisle with father Keith and bridesmaids Louisa and Vicky. Louise’s friend and organist Bertilla added to the music.

Bride and her father walking down the aisle at Queens Chapel, CaBride and groom saying their vows at Queens Chapel, Cambridge
The wedding rings
Guests singing a hymn
Bridesmaids smiling during the wedding ceremony
Groom kissing his new Bride

Fit and flare wedding dress

Her soft crepe fit and flare Amayrillis dress by Donna Soladawas pitch perfect. Adorned with a lace applique and a sophisticated Sabrina neckline, it was finished with a beautiful low illusion back and pearl buttons. It was definitely my favourite wedding dress of the year!

Bride and groom at the altar the wedding dress train bathed in sunlight

 

Tesla girl, and groom

After a quick drinks reception, the wedding party and guests crossed the famous Mathematical bridge to attend the full reception. This was at Madingley Hall, an elegant 16th century country house. Luckily, we all dodged the rain! Meanwhile, Louise and Phil set off in a friend’s fast, luxurious and electric Tesla car!

Wedding portrait at Queens College showing off the wedding dress' gorgeous illusion back with lace applique
Bride and Groom on the Mathematical Bridge, Cambridge with cloudy skies
Bride and groom getting into a white Tesla car

 

Musical Madingley Hall wedding

And the uniquely musical theme continued on the cake, decorated with notes and a cute cake topper representing their mutual love of the piano. A different instrument appeared on each table number.

Personalised caketopper - couple sitting on the piano - with wedding rings and chandelier in the backgroundHandmade wedding postbox featuring musical notes
Best man signing the fingerprint tree

Guitar great

My toes kept tapping as I captured the fun at the drinks reception. This was thanks to some brilliant acoustic guitar from Dave Niskin.

Acoustic guitar playing during the Madingley Hall drinks reception
Beer bottles for the drinks receptionWedding guests looking out of the window Madingley Hall
Wedding guests looking at old photos of the wedding coupleHumorous shot of Bride and groom cutting the cake

Best man Andrew stuck to tradition in his speech by putting the groom on the spot. Unusually though, it was by challenging Phil to eat a cucumber – something he hadn’t done since he was a child! He succeeded!

Little pint jugs as wedding favours
Groom kissing his bride before entering their Madingley Hall wedding reception
Bride shedding some tears during her father's wedding speech
Best man speech about brotherly love
Madingley Hall wedding speech
Bridal party laughing during the speeches
Bridal party raising a toast

Beautiful backdrop

Madingley Hall was a great backdrop for wedding portraits, with an abundance of different features.

Phil and Louise really enjoyed their portrait session as a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of their wedding.

Bridesmaid giggling
Madingley Hall wedding photography - bridesmaids and groomsmen
Grogeous close up of the Bride
Bride and groom enjoying the gorgeous view at their Madingley Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom in fairytale-like, green tunnel near Madingley Hall's rose garden

Dance party

And The Twilight Band gave Phil, Louise and their happy guests some great live music to party from the first dance to the last.

And it was a first dance with a difference. The couple recorded themselves playing and singing the song (not wanting to risk nerves on the day) and danced to it.

The first dance at Louise and Phil's Madingley Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom dancing the night away
Wedding guest dancing her heart out to a favourite tune
Wedding party dancing under fairy lights
Cocktails and dancing at Madingley Hall wedding

Music is definitely the food of love!

We were incredibly lucky with the weather and evenhad the chance to nip out during the party to take some amazing night shots under the starry sky.

Bride and groom under the starry sky for a Madingley Hall portrait

Congratulations Louise & Phil, may married life be as fabulous and musical as your wedding day at Madingley Hall.

Wedding suppliers:?

Wedding dress: Amaryllis by Donna Salado,
from Aurora Bride, Cheam

Bride’s shoes: Lexi by Rainbow Club

Bride’s hair and make up: Sarah Henning

Groom’s suit: Moss Bross

Groom’s Watch: Citizen

Wedding rings: Hearts of London

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Kate by Jacques Vert

(with some adjustments by Vicky’s mum for the bump!)

Bridesmaids’ shoes: Katy and Annie by Rainbow Club

Flowers: Larkspur Floral Design

Wedding cake: Marks & Spencer

Wedding cake topper: ClayCreationsBySarah

Caterers: Madingley Hall

Orders of Service: Jumpfox

String Quartet: Stretto Quartet

Guitarist: Dave Niskin

Live band: The Twilight Band